Women’s Hormone Therapy | Royal Oak, MI
Estrogen & Progesterone Replacement
Dr. Hakim in Royal Oak, MI specializes in treating perimenopause, menopause, and other causes of women’s hormone deficiency or imbalance. Hormones play a critical role in women’s health and wellbeing. They are chemical messengers that regulate various bodily functions, including metabolism, growth, mood, and reproduction. In women, hormones such as estrogen, progesterone, and testosterone play a vital role in regulating the menstrual cycle, fertility, pregnancy, and menopause. Hormonal imbalances can cause disruptive symptoms as well as increase the risk of serious diseases, including osteoporosis, heart disease, and Alzheimer’s.
Estrogen dominance is a common issue in the latter half of the menstrual cycle, where estrogen levels should be low, and progesterone levels should be at their highest. Common symptoms of estrogen dominance in women include irregular periods, mood swings, breast tenderness, fatigue, weight gain, headaches, and decreased sex drive. On the other hand, symptoms of progesterone deficiency may include irregular periods, heavy or painful periods, mood swings, breast tenderness, insomnia, low libido, and fatigue. Testosterone, often thought of as a male hormone, is equally important for women. Testosterone deficiency can lead to a range of symptoms, including low sex drive, fatigue, difficulty sleeping, decreased muscle mass and strength, increased body fat, mood changes, reduced bone density, decreased cognitive function, and decreased hair growth.
Menopause marks a significant hormonal shift in a woman’s life, typically occurring in her late 40s to early 50s. During this natural transition, the ovaries gradually produce less estrogen and progesterone, leading to a decline in these hormone levels. This hormonal decline triggers various physical and emotional changes, such as irregular periods, hot flashes, night sweats, vaginal dryness, mood swings, and fatigue. These symptoms can vary in intensity and duration from woman to woman, impacting their overall quality of life. The decline in estrogen levels during menopause not only affects reproductive health but also has broader implications for bone density, cardiovascular health, and cognitive function.
Polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS) affects 8-12% of women and is caused by insulin resistance due to a sugar or carbohydrate-rich diet in women who are sensitive to carbohydrate intake. PCOS can lead to elevated levels of testosterone. Often, women with PCOS are prescribed birth control pills to regulate their cycles. However, it’s important to address the underlying metabolic disturbance of PCOS with dietary changes to reestablish metabolic health and normal hormonal balance.
Women’s hormone therapy at Prosperity Health in Royal Oak can help women reduce symptoms, renew energy, restore youthfulness and live a longer, healthier life.