Your body is a complex machine, relying on the function of multiple systems that work well together. A vital part of your biology are the hormones that carry messages throughout your body to ensure your systems are functioning properly.
When there’s a decline in your hormone levels or underlying issues that affect hormone production, your body may react in a big way. As experienced physicians, Dr. Barbara Bopp and Dr. Felix Bopp understand how a disruption in your hormone supply can impact your life, and they offer solutions to help — like bioidentical hormone therapy.
Why your hormones become unbalanced
There are several reasons why your hormones may be out of whack. Often, underlying conditions that affect your endocrine glands, such as the adrenal glands and thyroid, can interfere with normal hormone production.
You can also experience a hormone imbalance due to issues like:
- Diabetes
- Obesity
- Poor diet
- Chronic stress
- Exposure to toxins
As you get older, your hormone levels can change gradually over time. Men experience a slowdown in the production of testosterone as they age. Women produce less sex hormones, like estrogen and progesterone, as they head toward menopause – the time when periods stop for good.
This loss of hormones can cause an imbalance in your body, which can result in a variety of symptoms.
Signs you have a hormone imbalance
Men and women can experience similar symptoms that point to a hormone imbalance. Some of the most common symptoms both sexes can develop include:
- Hair loss
- Mood swings
- Osteoporosis
- Reduced sex drive
- Loss of muscle mass
Women may experience heavy periods, irregular bleeding, hot flashes, and vaginal dryness as a result of low estrogen.
In men, low testosterone can cause erectile dysfunction, low sperm count, and overdevelopment of breast tissue.
Even a slight imbalance in your hormone levels can leave you feeling off. In some cases, the side effects of a hormone imbalance can become severe enough to interfere with your quality of life and your ability to work, and can even lead to mental health issues, like depression and anxiety.
How bioidentical hormone therapy can help
In many situations where symptoms of a hormone imbalance are disruptive to your life, rebalancing your hormone levels is all that’s needed to resolve your symptoms.
To restore hormones your body lacks, Dr. Bopp may recommend bioidentical hormone therapy. This treatment involves the use of manmade hormones that are structurally identical to the hormones your body makes naturally. They come from plant materials and are an alternative to synthetic hormones produced in a lab.
To supply your body with a steady stream of hormones, Dr. Bopp inserts hormone pellets just under the surface of your skin through a small incision.
It can take several weeks for your body to adapt to the new supply of hormones, but soon after implantation, you can begin to notice a reduction in your symptoms.
Every person has unique needs when it comes to hormone replacement therapy. Dr. Bopp works closely with you, monitoring your symptoms to determine the right dosage of hormones you need to find relief.
Pellets need to be replaced every 3-6 months during a quick, in-office procedure. Throughout your treatment, Dr. Bopp continues to track your progress with hormone replacement therapy and your overall health.
If you’re struggling with symptoms of a hormone imbalance, don’t delay getting a medical evaluation. You can call our office in Metairie, Louisiana, to schedule an appointment today.