
Let’s face it: Getting older stinks! Not only do you have to deal with warding off unwanted wrinkles, but, as women, our hormone levels start to change as we mature. Unfortunately, I have recently discovered hormone imbalances can lead to an onset of “lovely” symptoms, such as hot flashes, weight gain, and mood swings to name a few. This is all a result of entering perimenopause — a term I had never heard before.
I knew about menopause, but perimenopause is the transitional period before entering the “change of life” when your body begins producing less hormones and your ovaries stop working. I mean come on! Don’t we have enough to deal with as women? I thought hormone changes were something for teenage boys, not moms in their 40s. But have hope, there are many ways to cope with all the hormonal changes. One way I’ve found is through hormone therapy. Here’s the 411.
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Symptoms
No two women will experience the same set of effects from this transitional period, but these are a few you may encounter:
- Trouble concentrating
- Heaving sweating
- Night sweats
- Having to go to the bathroom frequently
- Mood changes
- Headaches
- Weight gain, slowing of your metabolism
- Low libido
- Hair loss
- Difficultly sleeping
- Digestive problems
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Getting Diagnosed
To my surprise, I could have been experiencing perimenopause for several years. After all, it can begin as early as your mid-30s. Are you thinking that you may be entering this joyous phase of your life and wondering how to get diagnosed? The best way is to see your healthcare provider for a physical exam. She or he will most likely run a series of blood tests to measure your hormone levels. Once it is determined what hormones are out of whack, your doctor can provide you with treatment options catered to your body’s specific needs.

Treatment Options
The shinning light to hormone imbalances is that there are fantastic treatments to help offer you relief. These are a few of the most common remedies:
Systemic estrogen :: If you have low estrogen levels, your doctor may prescribe systemic estrogen therapy, which comes in the form of a pill, skin patch, spray, gel, or cream. This can help relieve hot flashes, night sweats, and prevent bone loss.
Bioidentical hormones :: Bioidentical hormones are like a knock off Louis Vuitton bag that you could swear was the real deal. They are artificial hormones that are chemically identical to the ones your body produces naturally. This therapy comes as pills, patches, creams, gels, shots, or implanted pellets. The benefits of bioidentical hormones can include increased muscle mass, increased energy, elimination of hot flashes, reduced depression, hair growth, enhanced libido, and mental sharpness.
Antidepressants :: These medications can help with mood swings and depression. Low doses can also aid with those pesky hot flashes. Talk about a win, win!
Lifestyle treatments :: If you are looking to ease your symptoms but want to stay clear of medications, there are several lifestyle adjustments you can try. Of course, a healthy diet and exercise are always number one on the list to improve any condition. Studies have shown that perimenopause symptoms are greater in women who are overweight and do not exercise consistently. Acupuncture and yoga have also been shown to help elevate hormonal imbalance side effects.
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Hormone Specialists in Denton County
Do you think it may be time to consult an expert to figure out if hormone chaos may be behind some unwanted changes in your body? Here’s a list of pros in Denton County to help you determine if hormone therapy is right for you.
- 4Ever Young :: Flower Mound
- Alpha Women’s Wellness :: Argyle
- Argyle Med Spa and Wellness Center :: Argyle
- Be Whole Wellness Center :: Corinth
- DFW Anti-Aging Wellness Centers :: Denton
- Live Young Wellness Spa :: Argyle, Castle Hill, Flower Mound
- Longevity Medical :: Krum
- North Texas Vitality :: Flower Mound
- Studio 360 Med Spa :: Highland Village
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It’s Not You; It’s the Hormones
The one bright spot in my hormone saga is that I have finally found the culprit behind my crazy mood swings, hot flashes, and brain fog. At least I know I am not losing my mind! Hopefully, you will also identify any hormone imbalances you may have and find a solution.