Conditions Treated with Bioidentical Hormone Replacement Therapy
Hormones are chemical messengers that travel throughout the body, coordinating complex processes including digestion, growth, energy supply and reproduction. They can influence the function of the immune system and even alter behavior. They help to regulate appetite, mood and libido. Unfortunately, when hormone imbalances occur, they can lead to a chain reaction of health problems.
Dr. George Gavrila at ProMD Health in Baltimore County, Maryland works hard to restore your hormone balance to improve your body’s overall function and health.
Bioidentical hormones are designed to chemically and biologically match the hormones in the human body. Instead of using synthetic or animal hormones, which do not exist naturally in humans, Bioidentical Hormone Replacement Therapy uses hormones that are exact chemical matches to the hormones naturally found in your body. For over 80 years, bioidentical hormones have been used successfully. These hormones are used today to treat many medical conditions.
The first time I came here I felt heard by a Dr for the first time. I’ve seen many Drs for the last 10yrs trying to find a boost to my libido and energy levels just to be told that’s life. But Dr. G didn’t dismiss me and I received my first hormone replacement therapy (HRT). He even worked around my 2yo who had to come with me that day. I’ve been on testosterone pellets for 3yrs now and am very happy. -Sarah B.
Conditions Treated with Natural Hormone Replacement Therapy
- Perimenopause
- Perimenopause is the period during which the body undergoes reproductive changes resulting from declining ovarian hormone production. Perimenopause can last from 4-6 years and usually ends after twelve months of amenorrhea. Symptoms of perimenopause can include acne, vaginal dryness, elevated PMS symptoms, irregular menstrual periods, painful periods, and irritability or depression.
- Menopause
- Menopause sets in when a woman’s ovaries make less estrogen and progesterone, and her supply of eggs becomes diminished, which typically occurs between ages 41-59. A woman is considered to have reached menopause when she has not had a period for 12 months, and symptoms of menopause include low libido, vaginal dryness, insomnia, anxiety, depression, cold sweats, hot flashes, and night sweats.
- Andropause
- Andropause usually occurs between the ages of 45 and 55, and it is marked by a decrease in testicles’ secretion of testosterone. Testosterone is responsible for creating male sex characteristics, such as sperm production, body hair, and a deeper voice, and when this hormone reduces, many functions can become impaired. Testosterone decline causes the body to change, and it may cause symptoms such as erectile dysfunction, mood swings, low libido, weight gain, muscle atrophy, decreased athletic performance, fatigue, and hair loss on the head, groin, and under the arms.
- Sexual Performance Issues
- Sexual Performance Issues may occur with testosterone, estrogen, or progesterone decline. Both men and women can suffer from the sexual disorders that can sprout from hormone decline. Aging does not have to mean a decrease in sexual function, and BHRT can help Symptoms such as low libido, erectile dysfunction, vaginal dryness, and infertility.
- Weight Loss Resistance
- Weight Loss Resistance is usually caused by progesterone and estrogen. The body’s overall composition is greatly dependent on having balanced hormones. Balancing hormones, maintaining a healthy digestive tract, eating a balanced diet, and having an awareness of food allergies can help with weight loss.
- Metabolic Syndrome
- Metabolic Syndrome may occur during hormone decline and with long-term stress or poor lifestyle choices. Often a person puts on weight and may have high levels of cholesterol or triglycerides in the blood. Insulin resistance may also occur and happens when the body does not allow insulin to regulate blood sugar. Prolonged insulin resistance can lead to diabetes. Hormone imbalances can contribute to metabolic syndrome, which is comprised of high blood pressure, high cholesterol, increase triglycerides, and insulin resistance.
- Adrenal Fatigue
- Adrenal Fatigue is a stress-induced condition characterized by a set of common symptoms that indicate decreased function of the adrenal glands. Adrenal Fatigue is usually brought on by long-term stress, and it can occur when cortisol levels are constantly elevated in the body, which affects every organ and system. Symptoms that can be produced include lack of motivation, fatigue, insomnia, chronic infections, anxiety, and body aches.
- Chronic Fatigue
- Chronic Fatigue may be caused when the adrenal glands have been exhausted for an extended period of time. When a person is under stress for a long period of time, the adrenals excrete cortisol, and eventually, the body begins to convert sex hormones into cortisol in order to meet the body’s demands. A person may experience symptoms such as fatigue, sore throat, loss of memory or concentration, muscle pain, enlarged lymph nodes, and extreme exhaust after physical or mental activity.
- Hyperthyroid
- Hyperthyroid occurs when the thyroid hormone is produced in excessive amounts. Because the thyroid is the body’s regulator, an imbalance of thyroid hormone can affect every metabolic function in the body. Thyroid hormone modulates carbohydrates, proteins, fats, and vitamins. Symptoms of hyperthyroid may include extreme moodiness, constantly feeling hot, fatigue, hair loss, excessive bowel movements, and chest pain.
- Hypothyroid
- Hypothyroid happens when the thyroid gland does not produce adequate amounts of thyroid hormone. Because thyroid hormone is vital for sustaining the body, it must be replaced to normal levels; otherwise, severe metabolic issues can result. Symptoms of hypothyroid can include unexplained weight gain, fatigue, constipation, dry skin and hair, hair loss, heavy periods, and depression.
Dr. George Gavrila of ProMD Health serves patients in the Arlington, Virginia and Timonium, Annapolis and Columbia, Maryland areas.
