Hormonal Imbalance and Hormone Testing in Denver
Hormones play a vital role in regulating our body’s various functions and maintaining overall health. A hormonal imbalance can lead to many symptoms and health conditions that affect both men and women.
Understanding Hormones and Hormonal Imbalances
What Are the Different Types of Hormones?
There are several types of hormones produced by our endocrine system. These include:
• Sex hormones such as estrogen, progesterone, and testosterone
• Metabolic hormones such as insulin and glucagon
• Stress hormones such as cortisol, adrenaline, and noradrenaline
• Thyroid hormones such as triiodothyronine (T3) and thyroxine (T4)
• Growth hormones such as insulin-like growth factor 1 (IGF-1)
What Are Estrogen and Progesterone?
Estrogen and progesterone are sex hormones produced in women. They are responsible for the development of female secondary sexual characteristics, such as breast tissue and body fat distribution, and they also play a role in fertility.
What Is Testosterone?
Testosterone is a sex hormone produced in both men and women. In men, the hormone is produced in the testes and is responsible for the development of male secondary sexual characteristics, such as facial hair and muscle mass. Testosterone also plays a role in fertility, libido, and energy levels. In women, the hormone is produced in the ovaries and helps regulate bone density, libido, and energy levels.
What Are Insulin and Glucagon?
What Are T3 and T4?
What Is IGF-1?
Insulin-like growth factor 1 (IGF-1) is a hormone that plays an important role in regulating cell growth and development. It helps regulate bone and muscle growth, as well as metabolism and energy production in cells.
What Is a Hormonal Imbalance and What Causes Them?
Hormonal imbalances can be a significant issue for both men and women. They occur when the hormones in our bodies are not produced at the proper levels, leading to deficiencies or surges in certain hormones. Hormone imbalance typically occurs in women in their forties. The decade of hormone decline for womens is from 40-50 years. A forty year old woman is still reproductive, thus making a lot of hormones. Whereas a 50 year old is making so little hormones because the average age of menopause is 51 years. Most of Dr. Bruice’s patients present in their forties because of symptoms or low hormone presenting as: hot flashes, night sweats, interrupted sleep, mood change, low energy, and low libido. Men do not have a decade of hormonal decline like women; they have a slow decline through life after the age of 35 years.
Common causes of hormonal imbalance include:
- Hypothyroidism (underactive thyroid)
- Hyperthyroidism (overactive thyroid)
- Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS)
- Menopause
- Stress
- Nutritional deficiencies
Hormone Imbalance During and After Pregnancy
Hormone Imbalance During Pre-Menopause and Menopause
Women going through pre-menopause and menopause often experience decreased estrogen levels due to the body’s natural aging process. This decrease can cause a host of symptoms, such as hot flashes, night sweats, mood swings, sleep disturbances, and vaginal dryness. Hormone replacement therapy (HRT) is often recommended to alleviate these symptoms, but it is important to have a hormone level test before starting any HRT program.
Hormone Imbalance in Men
Symptoms of Hormonal Imbalances
Hormonal imbalances can manifest differently in individuals, but some common symptoms include the following:
- Fatigue
- Mood swings, anxiety, or depression
- Weight gain or weight loss
- Sleep problems
- Decreased sex drive
- Sexual dysfunction
- Menstrual irregularities in women
- Hot flashes in women
- Hypogonadism (low testosterone) in men
Conditions Caused by Hormonal Imbalances
Hormonal imbalances can lead to several health conditions, such as:
- Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS)
- Endometriosis
- Hypothyroidism or hyperthyroidism
- Diabetes
- Adrenal fatigue
The Importance of Hormone Level Testing
- Thyroid function tests
- Sex hormone levels such as estradiol, progesterone and testosterone
- Adrenal function tests
- Growth hormone levels
Bioidentical Hormone Therapy for Men and Women
Bioidentical hormone therapy is a type of natural hormone replacement therapy that uses hormones identical in structure to those produced by the body. It can help relieve symptoms associated with hormonal imbalances and restore hormone balance.
Bioidentical hormones reduce symptoms of hormonal imbalance by supplementing the body’s natural hormones, or the hormones that our bodies are no longer producing. This therapy is often combined with lifestyle changes, such as stress management and dietary adjustments, to maximize the benefits of hormone therapy.
Treating Hormone Imbalances With Pellet Therapy
Pellet therapy is a form of hormone replacement therapy that uses hormone pellets, which are tiny cylinders made of biodegradable material. The pellets are inserted beneath the fatty tissue, usually in the hip or buttocks area, and slowly release hormones into the bloodstream over time. Pellets provide consistent delivery of hormones to promote optimal balance and can last up to 6 months before needing to be replaced.
Dr. Bruice prefers this method of delivery because it mimics the body’s natural hormone production, offering more consistent results than other forms of hormone therapy. After carefully analyzing your hormone levels, Dr. Bruice will tailor your dose to meet your individual needs. After several months, a follow-up blood test will be ordered, and your hormone levels will be checked. If any adjustments need to be made to the dosage, Dr. Bruice will make them accordingly.
Bioidentical Hormone Replacement Therapy Denver
Hormonal imbalances can cause a wide range of symptoms and lead to serious health conditions if left untreated. Testing your hormone levels is an important step in diagnosing and monitoring hormone imbalances, and treating them with bioidentical hormones can help restore optimum balance.
Dr. Kenton Bruice is an expert in diagnosing and treating hormone imbalances. With years of experience and a specialization in bioidentical hormone therapy and pellet therapy, Dr. Bruice offers a safe and effective solution for balancing hormones and improving overall well-being.
Don’t let hormonal imbalances hold you back from living your best life. Schedule an appointment with Dr. Kenton Bruice today, and take the first step towards better health and well-being. Call now, and experience the transformative power of balanced hormones!
If you are experiencing symptoms of hormonal imbalance and are looking for a hormone doctor near me, contact Dr. Bruice at his Denver or Aspen office today to learn more about your treatment options!
For our Denver location, call Denver Hormone Institute of Colorado at (303) 957-6686 or complete the online inquiry form.
For our Aspen location, call Aspen Hormone Institute of Colorado at (970) 925-6655 or complete the online inquiry form.
Successful Patient Stories
Many patients have experienced life-changing results after seeking treatment from Dr. Bruice. Stories of increased energy, improved mood, better sleep, and restored sexual function are just a few examples of the benefits his patients have enjoyed.
“Dr Bruice is personable and knowledgeable In his specialty. His attention to details and follow up is exceptional. Excellent physician who I highly recommend to anyone dealing with hormonal issues”
“Dr. Bruice has helped alleviate my symptoms! My hot flashes/night sweats are gone, my mood is back up and I’m sleeping great! He quickly identified my issues and knew exactly what my body needed.”
“I have been using Dr Bruice for hormone replacement therapy for over 6 years. He not only has helped me maintain balance with hormones, he has helped counsel me in other areas! HIGHLY recommend!!!!”