Female Hormones

Hormones are the basic building blocks for how our bodies function, starting from birth. A common misunderstanding is that hormones do not affect women until menopause. Also, most people think of female hormones as estrogen and progesterone and are not aware that women produce 3-4 times more testosterone than estrogen daily. Each of these hormones plays an important role in the body’s most basic levels of functioning. Let’s explore the importance behind each of them.

Testosterone

Testosterone is a common hormone that is often overlooked when assessing the overall health of a woman. However, as early as the age of 25, women start experiencing a considerable drop in testosterone levels which can cause significant health risks. Women ages 20-40 lose 50% of their testosterone production. Testosterone in women is produced by the ovaries, adrenal glands, and peripheral conversion from other circulating androgens.

Why is testosterone important?

Men and women have androgen receptors throughout their bodies. These receptors are located in the skin, scalp, brain, spinal cord, nerves, eyes, ears, thyroid gland, heart, breasts, lungs, GI tract, liver, kidneys, pancreas, adrenals, uterus, bladder, muscles, bone and joints. Therefore, testosterone deficiency can cause physical symptoms related to each of these areas in our bodies.

Low testosterone in women...

is linked to increased risk for:

Alzheimer’s Disease
Cardiovascular Disease
Osteoporosis-related Fractures
Diabetes Mellitus
Breast Cancer

Bioidentical Testosterone Replacement Therapy

Testosterone optimization therapy has been researched and used for decades. Cardozo et al. (Am J OB/GYN 1984) reported significant improvement in the following symptoms for those being treated with testosterone optimization therapy; headaches, poor sleep, hot flashes, sweating, bone pain, painful intercourse, low libido, irritability, poor memory and concentration, depression, low energy, and bladder symptoms.

Positive outcomes of bioidentical hormone replacement therapy in women are listed.

Lower cholesterol (LDL)
Increased protective cholesterol (HDL)
Increased energy
Enhanced sleep
Heart protection
Enhanced libido
Improved feeling of overall well-being
Reduction of body fat
Stronger bones and muscles
Relief of anxiety/depression
Reduced brain fog

Estrogen

Women who are premenopausal make their own estrogen, however, estrogen production ceases after menopause. Estrogen is mainly used by our reproductive organs, but also plays a role within the following body systems; cardiovascular, skeletal, immune, gastrointestinal, and brain.

Symptoms of Estrogen Deficiency:

Irregular or absent periods
Hot flashes
Mood swing
Vaginal dryness
Poor sleep
Breast tenderness
Headaches
Depression
Anxiety
Frequent UTIs

Positive Outcomes...

of bioidentical estrogen therapy in women:

Reduced osteoporotic fractures
Reduced cardiovascular disease
Reduced risk for diabetes mellitus
Reduced cognitive impairment

Progesterone

Progesterone is a steroid hormone that is derived from cholesterol and is a crucial metabolic intermediate in the production of other endogenous steroids including cortisol, testosterone, estrogens, and corticosteroids. The ovaries are the main source of progesterone production, therefore in menopause progesterone levels drastically fall.  Progesterone receptor sites are located in the uterus, breast, vagina, blood vessels, and brain.

The benefits of micronized (bioidentical) progesterone include reduced risk of Type II Diabetes and reduced risk of hypertension (high blood pressure).

Benefits of Progesterone Replacement Therapy

Inhibits breast tissue overgrowth
Increases metabolism and promotes weight loss
Balances blood sugar levels
Acts as a natural diuretic
Stimulates the production of new bone
Enhances the action of thyroid hormones
Alleviates depression and reduces anxiety
Promotes normal sleep patterns
Prevents cyclical migraines
Reduces symptoms of menopause, perimenopause and PMS
Protects against breast cancer, osteoporosis, and heart disease

A Treatment Option

Bioidentical hormone optimization therapy is individualized for each patient, and treats sub-optimal hormone levels, improving symptoms and providing the body with the necessary building blocks to prevent illness. This type of therapy is the key to living happier and healthier lives.

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BHRT is life-changing - Just ask our patients!

"... Jackie looked at me and my symptoms... She set treatment up and I remember how good I felt after I was treated... Biote Pellets have done so many GREAT things for me. #1 biggest improvement is my mental health has never been better, #2 energy levels are amazing, #3 memory hasn’t been this good in years. And my thyroid was low, too so... those issues are improving now." - Paula A.