Hormone Optimization Therapy Baltimore
Hormone Optimization Therapy Baltimore
Hormones are strong chemicals in our bodies that are important for controlling different functions. They manage things like growth, energy, feelings, and making babies. But when these hormones are not in balance, it can really affect our health. In this blog, we’ll look at the main hormones, talk about hormone health, go over the signs of hormone imbalance, and look at why it happens.
The Key Hormones
Testosterone: Primarily known as the male sex hormone, testosterone is also present in females but in smaller quantities. It contributes to muscle mass, bone density, and sexual desire.
- Estrogen: The primary female sex hormone, estrogen regulates the menstrual cycle, maintains bone density, and affects mood.
- Progesterone: Another crucial hormone in females, progesterone helps maintain pregnancy and regulates the menstrual cycle.
- Cortisol: The adrenal glands produce this hormone, which helps the body deal with stress, control blood sugar, and reduce inflammation.
- DHEA (Dehydroepiandrosterone): DHEA is a starting material that the body can change into testosterone and estrogen. It helps keep hormones in balance.
Hormone Health
Hormone health is the delicate balance of these hormones in the body. It is essential to maintain this balance in order to stay healthy and happy. Factors that contribute to hormone health include diet, exercise, stress management, and adequate sleep. A balanced lifestyle can help ensure that hormones are produced and regulated appropriately.
Symptoms of Hormone Imbalance
Hormone imbalances can manifest in a variety of ways, and the symptoms can differ depending on which hormones are affected. Common symptoms of hormone imbalance include:
- Fatigue
- Weight gain or loss
- Mood swings
- Irregular periods
- Hot flashes
- Loss of libido
- Hair loss
- Acne
- Insomnia
- Muscle weakness
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Meet Your Doctor
Dr. Lauren Nawrocki, DNP
Dr. Nawrocki shares her time between treating patients at a local hospital, teaching at a local university, and helping patients with the latest anti-aging treatments, IV nutrient therapies, and more at Green Relief Health in Baltimore.
She personally sees each patient for either their medical aesthetics services, IV nutrient therapy, or other services. She is a certified BOTOX, Dysport, Medical Weight loss, and Dermal Filler provider. Dr. Lauren is also a certified IV Vitamin therapy expert.
She is also a member of the American Academy of Facial Esthetics (AAFE), the American Academy of Aesthetic Medicine (AAAM), and the Institute for Functional Medicine (IFM).
Meet Your Doctor
Dr. Lauren Nawrocki, DNP
Dr. Nawrocki shares her time between treating patients at a local hospital, teaching at a local university, and helping patients with the latest anti-aging treatments, IV nutrient therapies, and more at Green Relief Health in Baltimore.
She personally sees each patient for either their medical aesthetics services, IV nutrient therapy, or other services. She is a certified BOTOX, Dysport, Medical Weight loss, and Dermal Filler provider. Dr. Lauren is also a certified IV Vitamin therapy expert.
She is also a member of the American Academy of Facial Esthetics (AAFE), the American Academy of Aesthetic Medicine (AAAM), and the Institute for Functional Medicine (IFM).
Causes of Hormone Imbalance
Hormone imbalances can occur for various reasons, including:
- Aging: As people get older, their hormone levels can change and become unbalanced.
- Stress: Long-term stress can increase cortisol levels, which can mess with other hormones.
- Eating and Living Habits: Eating poorly, not exercising, and not getting enough sleep can all cause hormone issues.
- Health Problems: Some illnesses, like PCOS, thyroid problems, and diabetes, can change hormone levels.
- Medicines: Certain drugs, like birth control pills and corticosteroids, can change hormone levels too.
- Harmful Chemicals: Being around certain chemicals can mess with how hormones work in your body.
- Menopause and Pregnancy: These life stages involve significant hormonal changes that can lead to imbalances.
Benefits of Balanced Hormones
Balanced hormones are essential for overall health and well-being. When your hormones are in harmony, you can experience a range of benefits, including:
- Improved Mood and Mental Health: Balanced hormones reduce symptoms of depression and anxiety.
- Healthy Weight Management: Hormonal balance is crucial for regulating metabolism and appetite, which can aid in maintaining a healthy weight.
- Enhanced Fertility: In women, hormonal balance is essential for regular menstrual cycles and optimal fertility. In men, it can support healthy sperm production.
- Strong Bones: Estrogen and progesterone play a role in maintaining bone density. Balanced hormones can reduce the risk of osteoporosis.
- Increased Energy Levels: Balanced hormones contribute to higher energy levels and reduced fatigue.
- Improved Libido: Hormonal balance can enhance sexual desire and performance.
- Healthy Skin and Hair: Hormonal balance can lead to clearer skin and healthier hair.
- Better Sleep: Balanced hormones are associated with improved sleep patterns and better quality of sleep.
- Lower Risk of Chronic Diseases: Hormonal imbalances are linked to an increased risk of conditions like diabetes, cardiovascular disease, and certain cancers. Balancing hormones can reduce these risks.
How to Naturally Balance Your Hormones
Achieving and maintaining hormonal balance can often be achieved through natural lifestyle changes. Here are some strategies to help balance your hormones naturally:
- Eat a Balanced Diet: Consume a diet rich in whole foods, including fruits, vegetables, lean proteins, and healthy fats. Avoid excessive sugar and processed foods.
- Exercise Regularly: Engage in regular physical activity, including both cardio and strength training, to help regulate hormones and manage stress.
- Handle Stress: Try techniques like mindfulness, meditation, yoga, or deep breathing to lower stress.
- Sleep Well: Try to get 7-9 hours of good sleep each night to help your hormones stay balanced.
- Cut Down on Alcohol and Caffeine: Drinking too much alcohol or caffeine can mess with your hormones, so try to limit how much you have.
- Keep a Healthy Weight: Eating well and exercising to keep a healthy weight can help keep hormones like insulin and leptin in check.
- Drink Enough Water: Hydration plays an important role in maintaining the balance of your hormones and your health overall.
- Stay Away from Harmful Chemicals: Try to avoid chemicals that can mess with your hormones, like those found in some plastics, pesticides, and household products.
- Think About Herbal Supplements: Some herbs, like maca, chasteberry, and ashwagandha, might help your hormones. Before taking any supplements, consult your doctor.
Testing and Diagnosing Hormone Imbalance
Diagnosing hormone imbalance typically involves a series of steps:
- Health Background: Your doctor will want to know about the symptoms you’re having, your past health issues, and if your family has had any hormone-related problems.
- Check-Up: A doctor might look for physical signs of hormone issues by examining you.
- Blood Tests: To determine hormone levels, your doctor might ask for blood tests. The exact tests will vary based on what kind of hormone issue they think you might have, like tests for thyroid, different hormones, or adrenal glands.
- Imaging: In some cases, imaging studies like ultrasound or MRI may be necessary to assess the condition of specific organs or glands.
- Saliva or Urine Testing: For some hormones, saliva or urine testing may provide additional insights into hormone levels over time.
- Specialized Testing: Depending on your symptoms, your healthcare provider may recommend specialized testing for conditions like polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) or adrenal disorders.
- Consultation with Specialists: In complex cases, consultation with an endocrinologist or hormone specialist may be necessary for a more detailed evaluation.
Once a hormone imbalance is diagnosed, treatment options may include lifestyle modifications, hormone replacement therapy, or other targeted interventions, depending on the underlying cause and severity of the imbalance.
Remember that it’s essential to work closely with a qualified healthcare provider to diagnose and manage hormone imbalances effectively. They can provide personalized guidance and treatment options based on your specific needs and circumstances.
Hormone Imbalance Treatments at Green Relief Health
At Green Relief Health, our experts know a lot about hormone health. They understand how different parts of the body work together to keep everything balanced and healthy. To live your best life, it’s important to use treatments like BHRT and also focus on things like eating well, dealing with stress, staying active, and getting good sleep.
We think that everything is connected when it comes to health. We create a treatment plan that looks at all the problems that are stopping you from feeling your best. Our medical team will start your treatment with tests to figure out the main problem and monitor your hormone levels to make sure you’re safe. Our BHRT treatments include ongoing support, careful checks, and access to all our testing tools.
Are you wondering if you have a hormone imbalance? The only way to know is to get tested. Green Relief Health offers both online appointments and in-person visits, so you can choose what works best for you.
Schedule an Appointment
Contact Green Relief Health to get a plan to fix your hormones so you can live your life to the fullest – you don’t have to settle for anything less.
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Our convenient location ensures easy access to our expert care. Use the map for directions, and let your wellness journey with us begin.
We can’t wait to welcome you and help you achieve your health and beauty goals with personalized attention in a professional setting.
Frequently Asked Questions
Hormone replacement therapy: what is it?
The purpose of hormone replacement therapy (HRT) is to replace the hormones the body no longer produces sufficiently. By replenishing estrogen and progesterone levels, it alleviates hot flashes and vaginal dryness associated with menopause. In addition to treating low testosterone levels in men and hormonal imbalances, HRT can also be used to treat other conditions.
Is hormone replacement therapy safe?
Hormone replacement therapy (HRT) can be safe for certain individuals, but it also carries risks. The benefits and risks of HRT depend on factors such as age, timing of treatment, and individual health history. HRT may help relieve menopause symptoms, protect against heart disease and bone loss, and improve mood.
How much does hormone replacement therapy cost?
The expense of hormone replacement therapy (HRT) can differ greatly. Factors such as the type of hormone treatment, method of treatment and length of treatment can greatly impact price. In order to better understand what hormone replacement therapy costs may be for you, you should schedule an appointment with a healthcare provider.
Who should not take hormone replacement therapy?
Individuals who should not take hormone replacement therapy (HRT) include those who have:
- Problems with vaginal bleeding.
- Breast cancer or uterine cancer.
- Blood clots.
- A history of heart attack or stroke.
- A bleeding disorder.
- Liver disease.
- Allergic reactions to medications containing hormones.
Is hormone therapy FDA-approved?
Yes, hormone therapy is FDA-approved. The FDA has approved several categories of hormone therapy, including estrogen-only products, progesterone-only products, products that combine estrogen and progesterone, and products that combine estrogen with other medications.
These hormone medications come in various forms, such as pills, patches, injections, skin creams or sprays, and vaginal rings or creams.
