perimenopause doctor detroit area

How Holistic Doctors Approach Treating Menopause

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Holistic Doctors Offer a Natural, Integrative Approach to Menopause

Ah, menopause – the time in a woman’s life when hot flashes make you feel like you’re sunbathing on the surface of the sun, mood swings leave you feeling like you’re on a never-ending roller coaster, and the dreaded night sweats turn your bed into a kiddie pool.

And let’s not forget the vaginal dryness, urinary incontinence, and decreased libido that can make intimacy feel like an Olympic sport you never wanted to compete in. But fortunately for menopausal women, there are natural, holistic approaches to managing menopause symptoms, that can make this transition not only bearable, but restore your quality of life!

Royal Oak integrative medicine doctor Nishath Hakim, MD offers evidence-based, scientifically proven, natural treatments that can be effective in reducing the symptoms of menopause. She takes a holistic approach treating menopause symptoms by taking into account the whole person, including the woman’s physical, emotional, and spiritual health. And rather than simply treating symptoms, she focuses on addressing the underlying imbalances that contribute to menopause symptoms.

Why Menopause Causes So Many Crazy Symptoms

Perimenopause and menopause are characterized by a gradual decline in the production of the female hormones estrogen and progesterone, which are produced by the ovaries. And since these two female hormones regulate or affect nearly every function of a woman’s body, this decline can lead to a variety of truly crazy physical and emotional symptoms.

Perimenopause typically begins in a woman’s 40s, although it can start earlier or later. During perimenopause, hormone levels can fluctuate widely, causing irregular periods, hot flashes, night sweats, mood changes, insomnia, joint pain, brain fog, painful sex, and other frustrating symptoms. The average length of perimenopause is four years, although it can last anywhere from a few months to ten years.

As perimenopause progresses, the ovaries produce less and less estrogen, eventually leading to menopause, which is defined as the absence of menstrual periods for twelve consecutive months. The average age of menopause in the United States is 51, although it can occur anywhere from the late 30s to the early 60s.

The symptoms of menopause can last for several years afterwards, although they typically subside within a few years of a woman’s periods stopping. However, some women may experience symptoms for up to ten years or more. And some conditions caused by hormone decline – like painful intercourse or urinary incontinence – can last the rest of a woman’s life if not addressed and treated.

Natural, Holistic Menopause Treatments

Integrative medicine doctors like Dr. Hakim in Royal Oak take a holistic approach to treating menopause symptoms, which involves addressing the underlying imbalances that contribute to these many side effects. They recognize that menopause is a natural transition and view symptoms as a manifestation of the body’s attempts to adapt to changing hormone levels. Rather than simply treating symptoms, they focus on addressing the root causes of menopause side effects, which can include hormonal imbalances, nutrient deficiencies, stress, and other factors.

One approach that integrative and holistic doctors may use to address painful sex, hot flashes, hair loss, weight gain, sleep problems and other menopause symptoms is lifestyle modifications. This may involve dietary changes, regular exercise, and stress reduction techniques. These lifestyle changes can help to address the underlying imbalances that contribute to menopause symptoms, such as inflammation, insulin resistance, and cortisol dysregulation.

Another approach that integrative and holistic doctors may use is natural supplements. These may include herbal remedies that have been traditionally used to address menopause symptoms, as well as vitamin and mineral supplements to restore essential missing nutrients. Other natural therapies for menopause symptoms may include mindfulness-based therapies – such as meditation, massage, or yoga – which can help to promote relaxation, reduce stress levels, and help quell inflammation in the body.

Bioidentical Hormone Replacement Therapy for Menopause

Integrative medicine doctor Nishath Hakim, MD in Royal Oak may also recommend bioidentical hormone replacement therapy (BHRT) to address the hormonal imbalances that contribute to menopause symptoms. BHRT involves the use of 100% natural, plant-derived hormones that are identical in structure to those produced naturally by the female body.

Traditional synthetic hormones prescribed by conventional doctors are not structurally identical to human hormones – and are typically one-size-fits all, with every patient receiving the same dose. Bioidentical hormones provide a more natural, physiological approach to hormone replacement therapy by exactly mimicking the body’s hormones – making them more effective with fewer side effects than lab created hormones.

Additionally, BHRT involves the use of hormones that are custom formulated for each patient’s unique needs. Rather than a one-size-fits-all pill, BHRT pellets are formulated for each woman based on the hormone deficiencies that Dr. Hakim identifies through thorough testing.

Before prescribing BHRT, Dr. Hakim will conduct a thorough evaluation to assess hormone levels and other bodily functions such as ‘gut health’ and nutrient deficiencies. She may use various testing methods, including saliva, blood, and urine tests, to evaluate hormone levels and identify any imbalances. Based on this evaluation, she may recommend BHRT as one part of a broader treatment plan that also includes the lifestyle modifications, nutritional support, and other natural therapies mentioned in this article.

Natural, Holistic Menopause Doctor | Royal Oak

Royal Oak integrative medicine doctor Nishath Hakim, MD takes a holistic approach to menopause, recognizing that symptoms can be caused by a variety of imbalances and can be exacerbated by other factors, such as stress, poor nutrition, lack of exercise, and even environmental toxins.

She will take a comprehensive, personalized approach to treating your menopause symptoms, which may include the use of BHRT as part of a broader treatment plan that may also include lubricants, supplements, and lifestyle modifications, such as stress reduction and relaxation techniques, dietary changes, weight loss, gut health, and exercise programs.

If you are a woman in the Royal Oak area who is suffering from the up-ending symptoms of menopause – including hot flashes, night sweats, mood changes, vaginal dryness, painful sex, brain fog, joint pain, insomnia, or urinary incontinence – Dr. Hakim can help you get your life back. With lifestyle modifications, natural therapies, and medical interventions like BHRT when necessary, menopause doesn’t have to be a nightmare!

Schedule an appointment at Prosperity Health in Royal Oak today to work with Dr. Hakim who can develop a natural, personalized menopause treatment plan just for you – safely and effectively restoring your body to health, wellness, and happiness through menopause and beyond.

Holistic Menopause Doctor | Royal Oak:  248-997-4242

 

Painful Sex? 100% Natural BHRT May Help!

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BHRT & Other Natural Treatments that Can Help Painful Sex

If you are suffering from pain during intercourse, you are not alone. According to a survey conducted by the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG), approximately 75% of women in the United States report experiencing pain during intercourse at some point in their lives, and around 30% report experiencing it in the past 12 months.

Pain during sex – medically called dyspareunia – has multiple causes. However, it is especially prevalent in women during and after menopause. Sadly, many women are too embarrassed to seek medical treatment for painful sex, and just ‘learn to live with it’ or forgo sexual activity altogether.

The good news is that women’s health integrative medicine doctor Nishath Hakim, MD in Royal Oak can identify the underlying cause of pain during intimacy – and can offer natural treatments that eliminate painful sex and restore sexual pleasure and satisfaction.

Causes of Painful Sex in Women

Painful sex is not a disease itself – but rather a very common symptom of something that is out of balance in a woman’s body. It can be caused by a variety of underlying medical conditions, including the hormone decline of menopause. During menopause, the decline in estrogen levels can cause changes in the vaginal tissues, including thinning and dryness. This can result in decreased lubrication and elasticity, making intercourse uncomfortable or painful.

Other medical conditions that can cause painful sex include vaginal infections, such as yeast or bacterial vaginosis, pelvic inflammatory disease (PID), endometriosis, and vulvodynia. These conditions can cause inflammation, irritation, and even scarring in the genital area, leading to pain during intercourse.

Certain medications, such as antidepressants and hormonal contraceptives, can also cause vaginal dryness and decrease libido, contributing to painful sex. Additionally, psychological factors such as stress, anxiety, and a history of sexual abuse can also play a role in painful sex.

Natural Treatments for Painful Sex

Integrative medicine doctors like Dr. Nishath Hakim in Royal Oak take a holistic approach to treating painful sex, which involves addressing the underlying imbalances that contribute to these symptoms.

For example, integrative medicine recognizes that menopause is a natural transition and so the symptoms are viewed as a manifestation of the body’s attempts to adapt to changing hormone levels. Rather than simply treating symptoms, they focus on addressing the root causes of menopause symptoms, which can include hormonal imbalances, nutrient deficiencies, stress, and other factors.

Treatment for painful sex depends on the underlying cause. For menopausal women, bioidentical hormone replacement therapy (BHRT) to increase estrogen levels can improve vaginal lubrication, as well as stimulate renewed production of collagen and elastin for thicker, healthier, more elastic vaginal walls. Natural lubricants and moisturizers can also be prescribed to help reduce discomfort during intercourse.

Lifestyle adjustments such as dietary changes, regular exercise, stress reduction, meditation, yoga, and sleep hygiene can also help to address the hormone imbalances that contribute to menopause symptoms, such as inflammation, insulin resistance, and cortisol dysregulation.

For other medical conditions causing painful sex, treatment may involve antibiotics, anti-inflammatory medication, or physical therapy. Psychotherapy or counseling may be recommended for psychological causes of painful sex.

In addition, integrative medicine doctors may recommend supplements to address nutrient deficiencies that can contribute to hormone imbalance, painful sex, and other menopause symptoms. For example, they may recommend collagen supplements to address thinning skin and tissue, or omega-3 supplements to address inflammation.

Bioidentical Hormone Replacement Therapy (BHRT) for Painful Sex

100% natural bioidentical hormone replacement therapy (BHRT) can also be an effective tool in helping reduce or eliminate pain during intercourse.

Integrative medicine doctor Nishath Hakim, MD in Royal Oak may recommend bioidentical hormone replacement therapy (BHRT) to address hormonal imbalances that contribute to menopause symptoms. BHRT involves the use of hormones that are identical in structure to those produced naturally in the body, in contrast to synthetic hormones that are not structurally identical. BHRT provides a more natural, physiological approach to hormone replacement therapy that is both more effective and has fewer side effects than lab-created hormones.

Bioidentical hormone replacement therapy (BHRT) may help reduce or eliminate pain during intercourse by increasing estrogen levels. Estrogen plays a key role in maintaining the health of the vaginal tissues, including the production of vaginal secretions and the maintenance of vaginal tissue. Estrogen is necessary for the production of collagen and elastin – the protein building blocks that give vaginal walls thickness and elasticity. Estrogen therapy can also improve vaginal lubrication in menopausal women, as well as improve sex drive, and increase sexual sensitivity.

Clinical Studies on BHRT Treatment for Painful Sex

As an integrative medicine doctor, Nishath Hakim, MD relies on evidence-based, scientifically proven treatments. And numerous clinical studies have shown that BHRT can be effective in reducing pain during intercourse in menopausal women.

A randomized controlled trial published in the journal Menopause found that women who received BHRT experienced significant improvements in vaginal lubrication, pain with intercourse, and overall sexual satisfaction compared to women who received a placebo.

Another study published in the Journal of Sexual Medicine found that women who received BHRT had significant improvements in vaginal dryness, sexual desire, and sexual function compared to women who did not receive hormone therapy.

Holistic, Natural Treatment for Painful Sex | Royal Oak

If you are a women who is experiencing the discomfort and frustration of painful sex, an integrative medicine doctor like Nishath Hakim, MD in Royal Oak can identify the underlying cause and develop an appropriate treatment plan. In addition to BHRT, other treatments for painful intercourse may include the use of natural vaginal lubricants or moisturizers, pelvic floor physical therapy, counselling or psychotherapy, natural supplements, and lifestyle adjustments.

Using evidenced-based, natural medical treatments – and a holistic approach that takes into consideration the patient’s body, mind, spirit, and lifestyle – Dr. Hakim can help restore your sexual health and eliminate painful sex, so you can enjoy a satisfying sex life now and for years to come.

Natural Treatments for Painful Sex | Royal Oak:  248-997-4242

 

Stop Osteoporosis Naturally with Hormone Replacement Therapy

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How HRT Naturally Prevents & Reverses Osteoporosis

Osteoporosis is a debilitating condition that affects millions of women worldwide. It’s a disease that weakens bones and makes them more susceptible to fractures. With age, the risk of developing osteoporosis increases, making it crucial to take steps to prevent it from happening. One of the most effective treatments for osteoporosis is Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT).

In this article, the women’s health experts at Prosperity Health in Royal Oak, MI explore why HRT is the best treatment and preventative for osteoporosis, including what women’s health organizations have to say about it.

Osteoporosis: The Silent Killer

Osteoporosis is a serious condition that can lead to serious consequences, including broken bones. Every year, millions of people suffer from broken bones due to osteoporosis. These fractures can be debilitating and even life-threatening, especially in older adults. In fact, the injury and mortality rates from broken bones due to osteoporosis are alarmingly high.

According to the International Osteoporosis Foundation, one in three women and one in five men over the age of 50 will suffer from an osteoporotic fracture. This means that millions of people are at risk of suffering from broken bones due to osteoporosis each year. These fractures can result in severe pain, limited mobility, and even death in some cases. In fact, the mortality rate for hip fractures due to osteoporosis is alarmingly high, with as many as 20% of patients dying within one year of their fracture.

Broken bones due to osteoporosis can also have a profound impact on a person’s quality of life. For example, a broken hip can result in limited mobility, making it difficult to perform daily activities such as walking, bathing, and getting dressed. In addition, the recovery period from a broken bone can be long and difficult, with many patients requiring rehabilitation and physical therapy. Furthermore, the emotional impact of broken bones can be devastating, leading to depression, anxiety, and decreased quality of life. These statistics highlight the need for effective treatments and preventatives for osteoporosis, in order to reduce the injury and mortality rates from broken bones.

Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT) Prevents Osteoporosis

Several women’s health organizations have recommended the use of Hormone Replacement Therapy to prevent osteoporosis. The North American Menopause Society (NAMS), for example, has stated that HRT is the best treatment for osteoporosis. NAMS recommends HRT for women who are at high risk of osteoporosis and have a low risk of heart disease and breast cancer. The World Health Organization (WHO) has also endorsed HRT as an effective treatment for osteoporosis.

Hormone Replacement Therapy is a treatment that replaces hormones that are lost during the menopause transition. During this time, women experience a decline in the production of hormones such as estrogen, which is responsible for maintaining strong bones. HRT works by replenishing the hormones that are lost, which helps to reduce the risk of osteoporosis. This is because estrogen plays a critical role in maintaining healthy bones. When there is a decline in estrogen levels, bones become brittle and more susceptible to fractures. HRT helps to prevent this from happening by replenishing the hormones that are lost.

Why HRT is Better Than Medications to Prevent Osteoporosis

Osteoporosis medications can be effective in preventing bone loss, but they also come with many serious risks and side effects. It’s important to be aware of these dangers and side effects in order to make an informed decision about your treatment options.

Some of the most commonly prescribed osteoporosis medications include Boniva, Fosamax, and others. One of the potential dangers of osteoporosis medications is the risk of gastrointestinal side effects. These medications can irritate the esophagus and stomach, leading to symptoms such as heartburn, nausea, and vomiting. In severe cases, these side effects can lead to ulcers, esophageal erosions, and other serious complications.

Another potential danger of osteoporosis medications is the risk of atypical femur fractures. These fractures can occur spontaneously and without a known cause, and they can be difficult to treat. In some cases, they may require surgery, which can be painful and lead to a long recovery period.

In addition to these dangers, osteoporosis medications can also cause other side effects, such as muscle, joint, and back pain. Some people may also experience headaches, fatigue, and difficulty sleeping.

However, 100% natural Bioidentical Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT) – now available at Prosperity Health in Royal Oak, MI – is not known to come with any of these side effects.

HRT: The Safe Way to Prevent Osteoporosis

In addition to being an effective treatment for osteoporosis, Hormone Replacement Therapy is also extremely safe. In the past, there were concerns about the safety of HRT, but these have been largely addressed. Recent studies have shown that HRT is safe when taken at the right dose and for the right amount of time. Women who are considering HRT should discuss the risks and benefits with their doctor, and make an informed decision based on their own health and medical history.

It’s important to note that HRT is not recommended for all women. Women who have a history of breast cancer, blood clots, or stroke should not use HRT. Women who are pregnant or planning to become pregnant should also avoid HRT. Women who have a family history of breast cancer should also discuss the risks and benefits of HRT with their doctor.

Osteoporosis Prevention with HRT | Royal Oak, MI

100% natural Bioidentical Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT) – now available at Prosperity Health in Royal Oak, MI – is the best treatment and preventative for osteoporosis. It’s a safe and effective way to reduce the risk of osteoporosis and has been recommended by several women’s health organizations.

If you have had a DEXA scan showing bone loss, or you are a woman who is at high risk of osteoporosis, schedule an appointment with Dr. Fakih at Prosperity Health in Royal Oak, MI to discuss the benefits of HRT for helping to treat, prevent or even reverse osteoporosis.

HRT is a valuable tool for maintaining strong bones and reducing the risk of osteoporosis that can help women take control of their health, to ensure that they remain strong and healthy for years to come.

HRT Osteoporosis Treatment | Royal Oak: 248.997.4242

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Natural Hormone Replacement Therapy Safely Treats Menopause Symptoms

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Menopause Symptoms Hormone Replacement Therapy Can Help –

Menopause is the time in a woman’s life when her childbearing years come to an end. While the average age of menopause in the U.S. is age 51, the uncomfortable symptoms of menopause may actually start years before, as the ovaries begin to produce far fewer of the body’s “sex hormones”, including estrogen. This time period leading up to menopause is called perimenopause.

The sex hormones, such as estrogen and progesterone, not only enable reproduction but also regulate almost every aspect of a woman’s body – from metabolism and weight gain to bone density and libido. Thus, the hormonal decline caused by perimenopause and menopause can cause widespread changes and unpleasant side effects in a woman’s body.

The symptoms and side effects of hormone decline due to menopause can include: hot flashes, sleep problems, decreased libido (sex drive), vaginal dryness, pain during intercourse, bladder leaks, weight gain, mood swings, fatigue, weakening bones (osteoporosis), and more.

But the good news is that replacing declining hormones with natural, FDA approved, BioTe hormone replacement therapy pellets can provide long-term relief from the painful and often troublesome symptoms of menopause. All without daily pills, messy gels and creams, unsightly patches, or painful shots!

In this article, the hormone replacement therapy specialists at Prosperity Health in Royal Oak, MI discuss the five most common symptoms of menopause and how hormone replacement therapy can help relieve them.

 #1. Hormone Replacement Therapy Reduces Hot Flashes

No symptom is more universally associated with menopause than hot flashes. Medical experts, including those at the Mayo Clinic and Harvard, almost universally agree that the most effective treatment for hot flashes and severe night sweats associated with menopause is hormone replacement therapy.

Hot flashes, also referred to as hot flushes, are estimated to affect up to 75% of perimenopausal women. Hot flashes are a “vasomotor” reaction, meaning they are caused by a sudden dilation of the blood vessels. This increased blood flow can cause feelings of extreme heat and profuse sweating.

In a clinical trial involving 3,329 participants, hormone replacement therapy (estrogen alone or estrogen plus progestin) reduced women’s hot flashes by an amazing 75%!

 #2. Hormone Replacement Therapy Combats Low Energy & Fatigue

Many women think that loss of energy is a natural part of aging – but this does not have to be the case. Testosterone, although thought of as a male hormone, plays an important role in increasing energy in both men and women. Testosterone helps the body produce proteins that help maintain muscle and energy. But low testosterone levels can cause debilitating fatigue and sometimes weakness.

Fatigue can also be attributable to deficiencies of thyroid hormones. The thyroid gland controls many aspects of metabolism and is therefore essential for maintaining energy levels. So, in addition to balancing a woman’s estrogen levels during menopause, it is also extremely important to run a complete hormone panel when doing her blood tests.

Hormone replacement therapy to restore a woman’s testosterone, estrogen, and thyroid levels can dramatically help renew energy and vitality.

 # 3. Hormone Replacement Therapy Treats Vaginal Dryness & Painful Sex

After menopause, more than 50% of women will experience vaginal symptoms such as dryness, itching, and pain during intercourse. The most common underlying cause of vaginal dryness and painful sex is the drop in estrogen levels due to menopause.

Estrogen is the female “sex hormone” responsible for maintaining the thickness and health of the tissues of the vaginal wall, and for producing moisture for vaginal lubrication. However, as estrogen production declines during menopause, the walls of the vagina become thinner, lose their elasticity, and produce less lubricant. And sex starts to become less satisfyingly and even painful.

Hormone replacement therapy can help a woman’s body naturally rebuild thick, strong, elastic, and moist vaginal tissues, making sex enjoyable again!

 #4. Hormone Replacement Therapy Can Help Reverse Weight Gain

Hormonal drops and imbalances during menopause can also lead to weight gain in many ways, especially around the waist or abdomen.

If estrogen levels are low, metabolism slows down, which increases body fat storage. In addition, low estrogen levels can cause a decrease in the body’s ability to break down fat, which can also lead to fat accumulation, weight gain, and an increase in waist circumference or “belly fat”.

And if the levels of a woman’s androgens (male hormones) increase relative to declining female hormones, it increases here risk of obesity. Compounding the problem can be a drop in levels of the hormone leptin, which tells the brain to feel “full” after eating, which also happens during menopause. This means that women are actually hungrier during menopause, which causes them to consume more calories.

Additionally, estrogen deficiency reduces skeletal muscle mass and causes a reduction in muscle force in women. However, restoring hormonal balance with hormone replacement therapy can help perimenopausal and perimenopausal women reverse weight gain, build muscle, and reverse fat stores around the abdomen.

 # 5. Hormone Replacement Therapy Prevents Osteoporosis

One of the many important functions of estrogen is to stimulate the activity of bone-producing cells. Therefore, as estrogen levels decline during menopause, bones lose density and become prone to fracture. In fact, 50% of women will break a bone in their lifetime due to osteoporosis. For women, the incidence of a broken bone due to osteoporosis is greater than that of heart attack, stroke and breast cancer combined!

However, many women do not even realize that they are suffering from osteoporosis until it is too late, and they have broken a bone.

The first FDA treatment approved to prevent osteoporosis was estrogen replacement therapy. And while there are now many new synthetic medications for osteoporosis, these drugs can come with harsh side effects. However, several recent clinical studies have demonstrated that estrogen replacement therapy is still the best, and most natural, method for preventing osteoporotic bone fractures.

Bioidentical hormone replacement therapy prevents osteoporosis naturally by restoring the body’s estrogen levels – rather than introducing lab-created chemicals that come with harsh side effects. Hormone replacement therapy at Prosperity Health in Royal, Oak can help ensure that you are NOT in the 50% of women who will suffer a bone fracture due to osteoporosis.

Hormone Replacement Therapy for Menopause | Royal Oak

In addition to treating hot flashes, fatigue, painful intercourse, vaginal pain and dryness, weight gain, muscle loss, and osteoporosis hormone replacement therapy also helps prevent cardiovascular disease, type 2 diabetes, certain cancers, Alzheimer’s’ disease, and many other serious illnesses associated with aging.

Dr. Nishath Hakim at Prosperity Health in Royal Oak offers BioTe bioidentical hormone replacement pellets for the safest, most consistent, 100% natural, and easiest-to-use form of hormone replacement. There are NO daily pills, messy creams or painful shots – and a single, in-office, time-released pellet insertion provides relief from menopause symptoms and protection from disease for 3 to 4 months!

If you are a woman in the Royal Oak area who is navigating the challenges of perimenopause or menopause symptoms, schedule a hormone replacement therapy consultation at Prosperity Health to see if BioTe HRT is right for you!

Menopause Hormone Replacement Therapy | Royal Oak: 248.997.4242