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Overview
Feeling out of sorts and can’t pinpoint why? It might be due to hormonal imbalances. At The James Clinic, we identify their root causes, which can range from age-related changes to broader health issues. Our goal is to distinguish between these factors and use our resources to guide the body back to a state of balance.
Signs of hormonal imbalance can vary widely, including insomnia, fatigue, irritability, lack of motivation or libido, mood swings, high cholesterol, feeling unusually cold, or experiencing hair shedding. Because the hormonal system is intricately linked, an imbalance in one hormone often leads to changes in others. This interconnectedness is precisely why our holistic approach is essential.
Symptoms & Conditions
Hormonal imbalances can lead to a wide range of symptoms and conditions, including:
- Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), infertility, and menstrual irregularities
- Thyroid disorders like Hashimoto’s, hypothyroidism, and hyperthyroidism
- Adrenal dysfunction and menopause/perimenopause symptoms
- Andropause and low libido
- PMS, PMDD, and endometriosis
- Insulin resistance and weight changes
- Fatigue, brain fog, and memory loss
- Mood swings, anxiety, and sleep disturbances
If you’re experiencing any of these issues, it’s important to address them holistically. Schedule an appointment to explore personalized treatments that can help restore hormonal balance.
Women's hormones
Hormones play a crucial role in women’s health, impacting everything from bone density to mood. Understanding the functions and benefits of key hormones can help in managing and improving overall well-being, especially as women age and experience hormonal changes. Here’s an overview of some of the primary hormones and their significant roles:
- Estradiol (E2). This primary estrogen hormone can decline after menopause. Estradiol’s benefits include supporting bone health, cardio protection, anti-aging, skin health, and maintaining mucosal lining.
- Testosterone. Although often associated with men, this hormone is also essential for women in lower doses. Its benefits encompass muscle building, joint health, memory, concentration, focus, libido, endurance, and post-workout recovery.
- Progesterone. Progesterone can alleviate issues like night sweats, hot flashes, sleep quality challenges, relaxation, and anxiety.
Men's hormones
As men age, they may experience a decline in hormone levels, a condition often referred to as andropause. This decrease can lead to various symptoms that significantly impact quality of life. Understanding and addressing these hormonal changes is crucial for maintaining overall health and well-being. Bioidentical hormone therapy, tailored specifically for men, can help mitigate these symptoms and promote better health.
- Testosterone. Testosterone is crucial in men’s health. It helps in maintaining muscle mass, bone density, and a healthy libido. It also supports mood regulation and cognitive function.
- Estrogen and Progesterone. Though in smaller amounts, these hormones are also essential for men’s hormonal balance. They contribute to mood stability and bone health.
Treatment
Testing & Diagnosis
Determining your hormonal status can often begin with a simple blood test. Factors like high stress, which can elevate cortisol levels, along with increased insulin or blood sugar, can all disrupt your hormonal balance. At The James Clinic, we thoroughly assess these elements:
- Full thyroid panel: This includes Free T3, Free T4, Thyroid Stimulating Hormone (TSH), Reverse T3, and thyroid antibodies to provide a comprehensive view of thyroid health.
- Sex hormone testing: Evaluates levels of essential hormones such as estrogen, testosterone, and progesterone.
Personalized Treatment Plan
Based on the results of these tests, we’ll develop a tailored plan to correct any hormonal imbalances. Whether you’re not experiencing symptoms but need to maintain peak performance for competitive sports, or you’re managing demanding job responsibilities, optimizing your hormones can provide the enhancement you need.
Therapy Options
Once hormonal imbalances are identified through a thorough evaluation, there are various treatment options we can choose from to address these:
- Ozone Therapy: This is used for a wide range of chronic infections and to detoxify substances like mycotoxins and microplastics.
- Peptide Therapy: Targets the root causes of inflammation, such as immune dysregulation, and can also stimulate hormone production.
Frequently asked questions
We have the information you need for our hormone balancing protocol and the common questions we answer for our patients.
Diagnosing hormonal imbalances at The James Clinic involves a thorough evaluation process. We start with an in-depth review of your medical history, symptoms, and lifestyle factors. Advanced diagnostic testing, such as blood panels, saliva tests, and urine analyses, are used to measure hormone levels accurately. This comprehensive approach ensures that we identify the specific hormonal issues affecting your health and tailor an effective treatment plan accordingly.
The following supplements and herbs may be recommended for hormonal balance. Before beginning any new regimen, it is recommended that you get your hormone levels evaluated by your practitioner.
- Ashwagandha is an adaptogenic herb that helps the body adapt to stress. It supports hormonal balance by modulating the stress response, reducing anxiety, and lowering inflammation.
- Curcumin, the active component of turmeric, is known for its anti-inflammatory properties. Since inflammation can negatively affect hormone balance, incorporating curcumin can benefit overall hormonal health.
- Probiotics help balance the microbiome, which can positively influence hormonal balance. Consuming probiotic foods like fermented foods or taking probiotic supplements can support a healthy microbiome.
- Vitamin D functions as a prohormone, impacting the body similarly to hormones. With over 40% of the US population being deficient, supplementing vitamin D can help modulate immunity, reduce inflammation, and improve mood, all of which affect hormonal health.
We offer a variety of treatment options tailored to your specific needs and preferences. While bioidentical hormone replacement therapy (BHRT) is a common and effective treatment for hormonal imbalances, we also provide other alternatives. These may include lifestyle and dietary modifications, nutritional supplements, herbal remedies, and conventional hormone therapies. Our goal is to find the best approach for you, ensuring optimal health and well-being through a personalized treatment plan.