hormone imbalance oak park

12 Signs You Have a Hormone Imbalance & How BHRT Can Help!

/in , , /by

Weight Gain? Low Sex Drive? No Energy? Natural Hormone Therapy May Help!

Women’s healthcare has indeed made significant strides since the 1800s when female patients were often subjected to dismissive diagnoses like “hysteria” or “the vapors.” Thankfully, recent advancements in medicine, coupled with societal progress, have brought about substantial improvements in how women’s health issues are addressed today.

However, unfortunately, many traditional doctors still continue to dismiss, misdiagnose, and mistreat various health concerns in female patients – particularly in older women. As a result, many women who suffer from low energy, weight gain, joint pain, and more are not properly diagnosed and treated.

But functional medicine doctors – like Dr. Nishath Hakim at Prosperity Health in the Oak Park, MI area – look at each patient as a whole person. This enables them to address the root causes of health concerns – rather than just treat the symptoms. And hormone imbalances are one of the top underlying causes of a wide variety of health issues and physical symptoms.

The good news is that by bringing the body’s hormone levels back into balance, a functional medicine doctor can alleviate a wide array of problems – from weight gain to low libido, and much more. In this article Dr. Nishath Hakim at Prosperity Health in the Oak Park, MI area explores 12 of the most common signs that may indicate you are suffering from a hormone imbalance.  

Top 12 Signs of Hormone Imbalance

Hormones are the body’s chemical messengers, responsible for almost every one of the body’s essential functions, from sex drive to metabolism, and from weight gain to mood regulation, and much more. So, when hormones fall out of balance, it can lead to a wide range of health issues.

  1. Unexplained Weight Gain

Sudden weight gain or difficulty losing weight, especially around the midsection, can be indicative of hormone imbalances, particularly involving estrogen, testosterone, insulin, and thyroid hormones. Rebalancing hormones can both improve metabolism and reverse insulin resistance – assisting patients in losing weight and building muscle in place of fat.

  1. Fatigue and Low Energy

Persistent fatigue and low energy levels are not a “natural” result of aging. Instead, lack of energy may result from disruptions in adrenal hormones like cortisol, thyroid hormones, and others. Many patients at Prosperity Health in the Oak Park, MI area have regained youthful vitality and stamina with bioidentical hormone replacement therapy (BHRT).

  1. Mood Swings and Irritability

Hormonal fluctuations can also impact mood regulation. Balancing hormones through hormone replacement therapy can help stabilize emotions.

  1. Insomnia and Sleep Disturbances

Sleep disruptions can be linked to imbalances in estrogen, as well as melatonin, cortisol, and other sleep-regulating hormones. Dr. Hakim at Prosperity Health in the Oak Park, MI area offers a holistic approach that can improve rest by addressing underlying hormonal issues.

  1. Hair Loss

Perhaps no sign of hormone imbalance is more frustrating for a woman than hair loss. Thinning hair can be associated with imbalances in thyroid hormones, sex hormones (estrogen and testosterone), or even stress hormones.

But hair loss is NOT something you have to live with! A holistic evaluation and hormone therapy can help reverse hair loss – along with PRP scalp treatments and supplements available at Dr. Hakim’s online Wellevate Store.

  1. Digestive Issues

Many people do not realize that gastrointestinal problems like bloating, constipation, or diarrhea may be influenced by hormone imbalances. Holistic interventions at Prosperity Health in the Oak Park, MI area focuses on both gut health, including microbiome and intolerance testing, as well as hormonal balance.

  1. Loss of Sex Drive

Decline in sexual desire does not come just from “getting older” but actually results from the decline in sex hormone production, including testosterone and estrogen, that occurs with age. By restoring and optimizing declining hormonal levels patients with hormone therapy, patients can enjoy a satisfying sex life at any age.

  1. Irregular Menstrual Cycles

In women of childbearing age, hormone imbalances can also lead to irregular periods, heavy bleeding, or painful menstruation. Holistic management of menstrual problems may include hormonal optimization.

  1. Brain Fog and Memory Issues

Cognitive symptoms like brain fog and memory problems can result from hormonal imbalances. But recent research has revealed that hormone replacement therapy can help restore cognitive function. In fact, several clinical studies have even shown that restoring hormone balance can help reduce the risk of developing Alzheimer’s Disease.   

  1. Skin Issues; From Breakouts to Wrinkles

Acne, dry skin, or other skin problems may be influenced by imbalances in sex hormone (estrogen, progesterone, and testosterone). This is why adolescents, pregnant woman, and women going through menopause often experience breakouts – because their hormones are out of balance.

Similarly, menopausal women may start to experience aging skin that is wrinkling and sagging, due to hormone decline.  Hormone therapy to restore missing hormones can help the body produce the proteins it needs to build and repair skin – both reducing breakouts and keeping it hydrated and supple to ward of premature signs of again.

  1. Muscle Weakness and Joint Pain

Muscle weakness and joint pain can have many causes. But if arthritis, injury, and other culprits are ruled out, it may simply be a hormone imbalance that is the root cause of your discomfort.  Hormones are necessary to both fight inflammation and produce the lubrication that joints need to move without friction.

  1. Hot Flashes and Night Sweats

Hot flashes are the quintessential symptom of menopause. Fluctuations in sex hormones, especially estrogen, can lead to hot flashes and night sweats.  

Addressing the Root Cause of Hormone Imbalance with BHRT

Understanding the root cause of these and many other common signs and symptoms requires a comprehensive approach to wellness. And recognizing the signs of hormone imbalance is crucial to overall health and vitality.

Diagnosing hormone imbalance is a pivotal step in Dr. Hakim’s holistic approach to wellness. Instead of merely treating the symptoms presented, she conducts thorough evaluations, which may include comprehensive blood tests to assess your unique, individual hormone levels, deficiencies, or imbalances.

Diagnosing and identifying hormonal imbalances allows her to create a personalized treatment plan that replaces and rebalances specific hormones with customized Bioidentical Hormone Replacement Therapy (BHRT).

 Bioidentical Hormone Replacement Therapy (BHRT)

Unlike synthetic hormones, bioidentical hormones precisely mimic the structure of hormones naturally produced by the body. This similarity enables them to integrate seamlessly with the body’s existing hormone pathways, effectively restoring balance – more effectively and with fewer side effects.

Bioidentical hormone therapy can play a transformative role in alleviating the symptoms associated with hormonal imbalances, including those mentioned earlier and many, many others. However, the benefits of BHRT also extend beyond symptom relief.

By addressing the root causes of hormone decline, bioidentical hormone therapy can help protect against various diseases and conditions. For women, this includes reducing the risk of type 2 diabetes, heart disease, Alzheimer’s Disease, and osteoporosis, among others. This holistic approach not only seeks to improve immediate well-being but also aims for long-term health and vitality.

Hormone Therapy (BHRT) | Oak Park, MI Area

At Prosperity Health in the Oak Park, MI area, Dr. Hakim understands that true healing involves addressing the root causes of health issues, and she is committed to helping her patients achieve optimal balance, both in their bodies and in their lives.

Through a personalized approach that encompasses nutrition, lifestyle adjustments, and, when necessary, Bioidentical Hormone Replacement Therapy, she can help you achieve hormonal harmony and improved health. If you are suffering from any of the symptoms listed above, schedule an appointment at Prosperity Health in the Oak Park, MI area, and take the first step to getting your quality of life back – so you can enjoy life at any age.

Hormone Therapy (BHRT) | Oak Park, MI Area: 248-997-4242

Treating Metabolic Syndrome: Reverse Weight Gain, Heart Disease, Diabetes & More

/in , , , , /by

Naturally Treating Metabolic Syndrome: Lose Weight Gain, Reverse Heart Disease & More

Many patients come to Prosperity Health in Royal Oak because they are facing more and more health issues as they get older – and they are finally at a place where they are ready to take their life back and live with wellness and vitality “before it’s too late.”

Weight gain, heart disease, cholesterol issues, high blood pressure, type 2 diabetes – these are common health concerns that many American men and women face. But these are NOT just natural or normal effects of aging! What many people do not realize is that these seemingly unrelated conditions can often be interconnected and part of a cluster of diseases known as metabolic syndrome.

Dr. Nishath Hakim of Prosperity Health in the Royal Oak, MI area is dedicated to diagnosing and treating metabolic syndrome comprehensively, addressing not just its individual components but the underlying causes as well. She helps her patients take control of their total health – so they can prevent or reverse disease and live life to the fullest at every age.

What Is Metabolic Syndrome?

Metabolic syndrome is not a single disease but a collection of medical conditions that tend to occur together. The presence of three or more of these conditions in an individual can indicate metabolic syndrome.

Abdominal Obesity

Abdominal obesity, also known as visceral fat accumulation, is a condition characterized by an excessive build-up of fat around the belly. This condition is closely linked to metabolic syndrome and is often considered one of its central components.

The accumulation of fat in the abdominal area can lead to an increase in waist circumference and contributes to a higher risk of various health issues. Abdominal obesity is typically caused by a combination of factors, including poor dietary choices, a sedentary lifestyle, hormonal imbalances, and genetics. High levels of visceral fat are associated with insulin resistance, inflammation, and the release of harmful substances into the bloodstream, all of which contribute to the development of metabolic syndrome and its associated health risks.

High Blood Pressure (Hypertension)

Hypertension, or high blood pressure, is a common condition that often goes hand in hand with metabolic syndrome. It involves elevated blood pressure levels, which can strain the heart and blood vessels, increasing the risk of cardiovascular disease.

Hypertension is closely related to metabolic syndrome because several factors associated with the syndrome can contribute to high blood pressure. These factors include insulin resistance, which can impair blood vessel function, excessive abdominal fat, and hormonal imbalances that affect blood pressure regulation. The chronic inflammation associated with metabolic syndrome can also damage blood vessels, making them less flexible and more prone to constricting, which further raises blood pressure.

High Blood Sugar (Insulin Resistance) & Type 2 Diabetes

High blood sugar, often linked to insulin resistance, is a central component of metabolic syndrome and plays a pivotal role in the development of type 2 diabetes. Insulin resistance occurs when the body’s cells become less responsive to the hormone insulin, which is essential for regulating blood sugar levels. As a result, the pancreas produces more insulin to compensate, leading to elevated blood sugar levels.

Over time, this can progress to pre-diabetes or type 2 diabetes. The relationship between high blood sugar and metabolic syndrome is bidirectional, as each condition exacerbates the other. High blood sugar contributes to the development of metabolic syndrome, and the presence of metabolic syndrome makes it more challenging for the body to maintain healthy blood sugar levels. Therefore, addressing insulin resistance is crucial in preventing both metabolic syndrome and diabetes.

High Cholesterol

High cholesterol levels, characterized by elevated triglycerides and low HDL (high-density lipoprotein) cholesterol, are common features of metabolic syndrome. Triglycerides are a type of fat found in the bloodstream, and high levels can increase the risk of heart disease. Low HDL cholesterol, often referred to as “good” cholesterol, is associated with reduced cardiovascular protection.

In metabolic syndrome, insulin resistance and other underlying factors lead to dyslipidemia, an abnormal lipid profile characterized by high triglycerides and low HDL cholesterol. Insulin resistance impairs the body’s ability to properly regulate lipids, resulting in increased triglyceride production and decreased HDL cholesterol clearance. These lipid abnormalities contribute to atherosclerosis, the buildup of plaque in the arteries, and a higher risk of heart disease and stroke.

Diagnosing Metabolic Syndrome

Dr. Hakim at Prosperity Health in Royal Oak diagnoses metabolic syndrome with a holistic “whole person” approach that involves assessing multiple factors, including waist circumference, blood pressure, fasting glucose levels, triglycerides, and HDL cholesterol levels.

Rather than just treat each individual disease separately, Dr. Hakim employs a thorough and comprehensive evaluation process to identify and confirm the presence of metabolic syndrome – so she can treat the underlying problems.

Treating and Reversing Metabolic Syndrome

Lifestyle Changes to Treat (and Reverse) Metabolic Syndrome

Addressing the underlying causes of metabolic syndrome through lifestyle changes and, in some cases, hormone therapy, can help manage hypertension and reduce the risk of heart disease, as well as reverse insulin resistance and inflammation that contributes to the development of type 2 diabetes and other life-threatening medical conditions.

The good news is that metabolic syndrome is often preventable and reversible through lifestyle modifications. Dr. Hakim will work with patients to help them adopt a holistic approach that includes:

  • Healthy Eating: Emphasizing a balanced diet rich in whole foods, lean proteins, and vegetables.
  • Regular Physical Activity: Incorporating exercise into daily routines to improve fitness levels and manage weight.
  • Stress Management: Employing stress reduction techniques to help manage cortisol levels and mitigate the effects of chronic stress.
  • Smoking Cessation: Quitting smoking, if applicable, to reduce cardiovascular risks.

Hormone Therapy to Treat & Reverse Metabolic Syndrome

Metabolic syndrome is a complex condition with multiple contributing factors, including hormonal imbalances. Dr. Nishath Hakim at Prosperity Health in the Royal Oak, MI area recognizes the importance of addressing these underlying hormonal issues in the treatment and reversal of metabolic syndrome.

One highly effective approach Dr. Nishath Hakim employs to treat and reverse metabolic syndrome is the use of 100% natural Bioidentical Hormone Replacement Therapy (BHRT) pellet therapy. BHRT involves the use of hormones that are identical in molecular structure to those naturally produced by the body.

BHRT pellet therapy helps address hormonal imbalances that can contribute to metabolic syndrome, such as insulin resistance and abnormal cortisol levels. By optimizing hormone levels, patients can experience improved metabolic function, enhanced weight management, and a reduced risk of heart disease and diabetes.

Several recent research studies have shed light on the inextricable relationship between hormonal fluctuations/decline and metabolic syndrome. These studies show that hormonal imbalances, including disruptions in insulin, cortisol, and sex hormones, can exacerbate the components of metabolic syndrome, such as insulin resistance, and high blood pressure. The research also shows that BHRT can positively influence lipid profiles, improving triglyceride levels and increasing HDL cholesterol.

BHRT pellet therapy, offered by Dr. Hakim in Royal Oak, provides a targeted and personalized solution to rebalance hormones, addressing the root causes of metabolic syndrome.  Bioidentical Hormone Replacement Therapy is a form of hormone therapy that uses hormones identical in structure to those naturally produced by the body. This precision allows for optimized hormonal levels, which can positively impact metabolic function. For instance, in cases of insulin resistance, BHRT can help improve insulin sensitivity, promoting better blood sugar control. Moreover, hormone therapy can address cortisol imbalances, helping to manage stress and reduce its harmful effects on metabolic health.

Hormone Therapy for Metabolic Syndrome | Royal Oak, MI

At Prosperity Health, Dr. Hakim tailors her treatments to each patient’s unique needs, ensuring a personalized approach to metabolic syndrome treatment. By addressing both the lifestyle issues and the hormonal imbalances associated with metabolic syndrome, she offers a promising avenue to not only manage but potentially reverse this complex condition.

Dr. Hakim’s commitment is to holistic and effective treatments that promote overall health and well-being for her patients in the Royal Oak, MI area – helping patients regain their health and vitality, and reducing the risks associated with the complex cluster of metabolic syndrome diseases.

Metabolic Syndrome | Royal Oak, MI: 248-997-4242

In a Weight Loss Rut? It Could be Your Hormones!

/in , , /by

How Hormone Replacement Therapy Can Help Weight Loss – 

Many men and women find that as they get older they gain weight – even though their diet or activity level hasn’t changed. For other people, their weight may stay the same but now they find fat or weight in different places – especially around the belly. One reason this happens is that a person’s hormone levels change or drop as they age.

The good news is that hormone level testing, and safe, 100% natural hormone replacement can help bring an individual’s body back in balance so that they can more easily lose those extra pounds – and even take it off from their midsection!

In this article Bloomfield Hills bioidentical hormone expert Dr. Nishath Hakim explains how hormone imbalance can cause weight gain in women and men – and how rebalancing your missing hormones may be able to help you lose weight and reduce stubborn belly fat.

Women’s Hormones & Weight Loss

As a women’s reproductive years draw to a close, she enters menopause. Her menstrual cycles stop – and her production of female hormones such as estrogen drops substantially.  This hormone decline can cause a wide variety of symptoms – from hot flashes, to mood swings, and more. But perhaps the most frustrating side-effect of menopause is weight gain.

Fortunately, the annoying hot flashes and mood swings will eventually subside. But, unfortunately, the unwanted weight gain and accompanying belly fat of menopause often last for the rest of a woman’s life – no matter how much she diets or exercises.

The reason for this is that a woman’s levels of estrogen and testosterone help determine how the body burns energy or “calories”, as well as how and where the body stores fat. So, decreased levels of estrogen slow down a woman’s “metabolism” – which is the rate at which her body burns energy (calories).

As a result, even if she eats the same amount of food – and engages in the same amount of exercise – that she did before menopause, she simply doesn’t burn as many calories as she did when she was younger. And the body then stores the unused calories as fat – and especially as belly fat.

To complicate weight loss after menopause even further, estrogen is responsible for helping the body break down fat. So, as estrogen levels decline during and after menopause, the body can’t break down fat as well – further encouraging weight gain. Additionally, if a woman’s estrogen and testosterone levels get too far out of balance and there is an excess of male hormones (“androgens”) it can also increase her risk of obesity.

Finally, to add to the problem of female weight gain as she ages, a woman’s levels of the hormone leptin also drop after menopause. And since leptin is the hormone that tells the brain to feel “full” after eating, menopausal women actually do feel hungrier, which can lead eating more calories in order to feel “full.”

Men’s Hormones & Weight Loss

Many people do not realize that men also experience a type of “male menopause” called andropause. After the age of 30 men’s hormones also decline in production. If testosterone levels drop too, much the condition is sometimes referred to as “Low T.” Many men realize that lowered testosterone levels can lead to sexual performance problems and loss of libido. But low testosterone levels also make a man’s body less effective at building muscle and burning energy (calories) – which results in weight gain.

Additionally, when a man’s estrogen and testosterone levels become out of balance, a man’s body is more likely to store unwanted fat on belly and in some cases even the breasts (so-called “man boobs”). Low T levels in men can also cause loss of energy and fatigue, which makes them less active, also contributing to weight gain.

Changes in levels of the “stress hormone” cortisol can also cause weight gain by putting the body into a “survival mode” where it slows down metabolism – and packs on fat – in order to store energy for later use. And lowered levels of the growth hormone HGH, as well as decreased levels of thyroid hormones, can also cause a man’s metabolism to slow down with age.

How Hormone Replacement Helps Weight Loss

Hormone decline is why so many men universally start to develop softer “dad bods”, and why so many women start collecting extra weight and fat around their middle, as they pass the age of 40.

And while weight gain can lower a person’s self-esteem, is not just an aesthetic issue! Increased levels of body fat – especially around the middle – can substantially increase a man or woman’s risk for almost every major chronic disease, including: high blood pressure, heart disease, Type 2 Diabetes, stroke, and even cancer.

Clearly, reducing calorie intake and increasing exercise is a healthy component of any weight loss plan. But when diet and working-out are simply not enough to lose unwanted fat, balancing and/or replacing a person’s declining or missing hormones can help provide the key to shedding pounds and inches.

Dr. Hakim is a biodentical hormone replacement therapy (BHRT) expert at Prosperity Health in Bloomfield Hills, MI.  She can conduct thorough and comprehensive blood testing to identify your unique hormone levels and deficiencies. Then she will prescribe individualized hormone replacement therapy that is formulated and compounded in the exact doses that are needed to restore your hormone levels to perfect balance.

At Prosperity Health in Bloomfield Hills, we offer 100% natural, safe, bioidentical hormone replacements that are safer and more effective than synthetic lab-created hormones – to rebalance hormone levels and support weight loss after menopause or andropause.

In addition to being custom formulated for each patient, BioTe® hormone replacement offers the advantage of being administered via tiny, time-released pellets that can last up to six months with a single subdermal insertion. So, there are no daily pills to remember, no painful hormone shots, no patches to fall off and replace every few days, and no messy creams to apply!

Additionally, the time-released hormone pellets deliver bioidentical estrogen and testosterone consistently and evenly 24/7 as the body needs them – so there is not the roller coaster effect of pills and injections.

Hormone Replacement for Weight Loss | Bloomfield Hills

If you are a man or women who is frustrated by your inability to lose weight as you get older, it may be time to consider that declining or imbalanced hormone levels may be part of the problem!

In many cases, bioidentical hormone replacement can help return your metabolism to what it was you were young, so you can burn calories more easily and lose weight and body fat. BHRT can also help increase your energy and reduce fatigue, so you can continue to be as active as you ever were – helping you naturally lose weight!

If you live in the Bloomfield Hills area and are discouraged by the weight gain of female or male menopause, schedule a hormone replacement therapy consultation at Prosperity Health today – and let Dr. Hakim help you get your body back!

Hormone Replacement Weight Loss Consultation | Bloomfield Hills: 248.997.4242