By Jamie Spence | Contributor
If you’ve been feeling off lately, you’re certainly not by yourself. Given the ongoing global pandemic, political instability, and widespread social changes, many people are under significant pressure. However, what you’re experiencing might be related to a hormone imbalance. Stress can disrupt your hormonal balance, and when paired with the natural decline in hormones that accompanies aging, you might feel exhausted and out of sync. So, how can you distinguish between stress and a hormone imbalance?
Signs of Hormone Imbalance
Hormones are substances made by the glands in the endocrine system. They travel through your bloodstream to various tissues and organs, helping to regulate their functions. A hormonal imbalance means there is an excess or deficiency of a hormone in the bloodstream. Hormones play crucial roles in many bodily functions; thus, these imbalances can lead to a range of side effects throughout the body.
Since hormones govern most major bodily functions, fluctuations can impact various systems. As we age, hormone production decreases. Your body might respond to lower hormone levels with symptoms like:
- Anxiety
- Depression
- Fatigue
- Hair loss
- Hot flashes
- Decreased energy levels
- Reduced sex drive
- Memory issues or “brain fog”
- Mood fluctuations
- Difficulties with concentration
- Insomnia
- Weight gain
- Breast tenderness in females
- Vaginal dryness
- Gynecomastia (enlarged breast tissue in men)
- Erectile dysfunction
- Impotence
Signs of Stress
Stress is the body’s response to perceived threats. It triggers a chemical response known as the “fight or flight” reaction, enabling you to react to avoid danger or injury. Stress-related symptoms can include:
- Anxiety
- Depression
- Mood fluctuations
- Low energy or fatigue
- Headaches
- Digestive issues, including diarrhea, constipation, and nausea
- Muscle tension, aches, and pains
- Chest discomfort and rapid heartbeat
- Insomnia
- Reduced sex drive
- Erectile dysfunction
- Impotence
- Teeth grinding and jaw clenching
- Rapid thoughts
- Memory issues or brain fog, poor concentration
- Weight gain
- Weight loss or loss of appetite
Stress impacts individuals in different ways. Ironically, the signs of stress often mimic those of hormone imbalances, and stress can additionally lead to hormonal disruptions. When under stress, the body produces more of the hormone cortisol. While cortisol aids your body in managing stress, it also plays roles in regulating blood sugar, metabolism, inflammation, blood pressure, and memory. Progesterone, which serves as a precursor to cortisol, tends to decrease as cortisol levels rise, leading chronic stress to result in a deficiency of progesterone.
Chronic stress can also negatively affect testosterone production. Not only can stress lower testosterone levels, but it can also hinder the body’s ability to release and use testosterone effectively. Research from the University of Texas at Austin suggests that stress may block the effects of testosterone.
Stress can also disrupt levels of estradiol, a form of estrogen that is essential for numerous bodily functions. Elevated cortisol levels can interfere with estradiol’s functioning in various areas. Studies indicate that low estradiol can be linked to issues with concentration and memory, as high cortisol levels can harm the hippocampus, thus hampering memory retrieval. Furthermore, low estradiol levels have been associated with depression.
What You Can Do
It’s crucial to speak with a healthcare provider if you’re experiencing these symptoms. A medical assessment and hormone level tests can determine your current hormonal status. If you qualify for bioidentical hormone replacement therapy, your doctor can recommend a personalized dosage tailored to your needs.
Bioidentical Hormone Replacement Therapy (BHRT)
Bioidentical hormones are typically delivered in pellet form that releases hormones gradually over time. The insertion procedure for these pellets is straightforward and usually painless under local anesthesia. Pellets, about the size of a grain of rice, are placed in the buttocks through a small incision which is then sealed with tape. These pellets provide a steady release of hormones for three to five months, achieving consistent, optimal hormone levels. Patients commonly experience relief from hot flashes, improved libido and sexual performance, alleviation of vaginal dryness or erectile dysfunction, reduction of migraines, better sleep, improved mood, decreased joint pain, increased bone density, enhanced memory, better concentration, and enhanced cardiovascular health. Testosterone therapy can also promote lean muscle development and assist with weight management. Eventually, the pellets dissolve.
It is advisable for patients to refrain from intense physical activity for 48 hours after pellet insertion. While complications are infrequent, potential minor issues might include bruising, bleeding, infection, or pellet extrusion. Side effects from bioidentical hormone replacement therapy are generally mild and tend to resolve naturally, such as breast tenderness, fluid retention, vaginal bleeding, increased hair growth, or acne. If necessary, dosages can be adjusted to alleviate side effects.
Hormone levels are evaluated four weeks post-insertion and again two months later to assess timing for pellet replacement. Following the first year, hormone level testing becomes less frequent, typically required only once or twice annually.
Pellet implants can also assist in treating migraines and menstrual headaches. Additionally, hormone replacement therapy may help with vaginal dryness, incontinence, and urinary urgency or frequency. Many women begin to notice symptom relief within a week or two after pellet insertion. Those undergoing bioidentical hormone replacement should continue to have annual check-ups, including physicals and breast examinations. Changes in health can influence the hormone levels necessary for maintaining balance.
“Bio-identical HRT can be transformative for most patients. They begin to feel better, sleep better, and their overall outlook improves. The aim of bio-identical HRT is to restore hormones to youthful levels, enhancing both physical and mental well-being.”
— DR. KATHRYN WHITE OF AZURE MED SPA
Stress Management
While exploring hormone balance through bioidentical hormone replacement might be beneficial, it’s also sensible to implement strategies to alleviate stress in your life. This can help sustain your hormone levels naturally and work synergistically with any hormone supplements you may be taking.
Here are some strategies to manage stress:
- Engage in physical activities such as walking, jogging, gardening, house cleaning, biking, swimming, weight training, or any sport or hobby that encourages movement.
- Maintain a balanced diet by minimizing sugar and refined carbs while incorporating lean proteins, fruits, vegetables, and whole grains.
- Avoid unhealthy habits like excessive caffeine or alcohol consumption, smoking, overeating, or abusing substances to cope with stress.
- Practice meditation.
- Connect with friends and family or volunteer for a cause you believe in.
- Incorporate laughter into your life; studies suggest that laughter can strengthen the immune system and improve mood.
Editor’s Note: For the third consecutive year, Dr. Kathryn White of Azure Med Spa has been recognized as “Best Hormone Replacement Center.” Azure Med Spa is located at 2840 Legacy Dr Ste. 200, Frisco, TX 75034.
