As a woman, it is important that you aim to achieve a hormonal balance. Bioidentical Hormone Replacement Therapy can help attain optimal levels of all hormones, which is why a woman's guide to her hormones is very helpful. In honor of May being National Women's Health Month, let's take a closer look at the 3 main hormones within a woman’s body. 

Estrogen

Estrogen is the main sex hormone in a female's body. It is responsible for the sexual and reproductive development in women. The primary source of estrogen in a woman comes from the ovaries; however, adrenal glands and fat cells make small amounts. Estrogen affects the urinary tract, the heart, bones, skin, hair, muscles and brain. A woman's estrogen levels rise and fall throughout the course of a month, with the highest being at ovulation and lowest during menstruation. 

Menopause is a time when a woman has gone 12 consecutive months without a menstrual period and this is when estrogen levels drop significantly. Women with low estrogen may experience loss of period, hot flashes/night sweats, mood swings, dry skin, and low libido. 

Progesterone

Progesterone plays an important role in a woman's reproductive system. Its main function is to prepare the endometrium, or the lining of the uterus, for the possibility of pregnancy after ovulation. During a woman’s monthly cycle, progesterone peaks after ovulation, a time when most women report feeling their best.

Levels of progesterone begin to decline, commonly by age 35. It is at this point that many women complain to their doctors about anxiety, sleeping problems, and depression. That is why progesterone can be thought of as the anti-stress hormone.

Testosterone

Testosterone is a primary sex hormone found in men; however it plays a crucial role in a woman's body too. Small amounts are produced in the ovaries and adrenal glands which help boost a woman's sex drive, muscle strength, and bone density. In the past, testosterone levels in an average twenty-year-old woman might have been between 70-90 ng/dL. Today women’s ranges are much lower: between 8-30 ng/dl.

By the time those women reach the age of fifty, their levels will drop even more significantly—to between 2-10 ng/dL, and on average, women are losing 3% of their testosterone each year. By menopause, women have lost 70-90% of their total testosterone.

Hormone Disruptors 

A hormone disruptor is a chemical that disturbs the natural way the endocrine system normally functions. This interferes with the way your hormones and body functions. Some hormone disruptors have been linked to some health problems specific to women that include the following:

• Vaginal Cancer
• Precocious Puberty
• Breast Cancer
• Ovarian Cysts & Cancer
• Uterine Disorders
• Infertility

As a woman you are more prone to encounter more hormone disruptors on a daily basis compared to a man. Hormone disruptors can be found in makeup products, lotions, hair care, perfumes, process foods, and cleaning supplies. It is important to understand what harmful chemicals are in some of the products you use on a regular basis.  

Hormone Balance Importance

Our bodies have been created to function properly based on a hormonal balance. Hormones regulate our body’s growth, metabolism, sexual development, and function. Therefore, the slightest imbalance can affect your health and overall well being greatly. Low hormone levels can bring fatigue, depression, low sex drive, and make you more susceptible to heart attacks, diabetes, and cancers.

Bioidentical Hormone Replacement Therapy begins with replacing deficient levels of hormones and bringing them back to the optimal level for your individual body. Once these hormone levels are restored to optimal levels you will feel better than ever.

Optimal Bio Wants To Help

Optimal Bio is focused on holistic health and wellness in all aspects of life. If you could relate to any of the symptoms caused by hormonal imbalance, we can help. Our goal is to get your hormones back up to levels that are advantageous to your health, even though some conventional doctors might say you are in a normal range for your age. We are committed to finding your perfect hormonal balance, custom-tailored to your body, so you can have the energy, health, and vitality you desire. Contact us today or visit us at one of our 7 office locations: Cary, Southern Pines, Wilmington, Charlotte, Charleston, Charlottesville, or Greenville.