Hormone Imbalance Symptoms and Bioidentical Hormones

As a primary care physician who specializes in natural medicine, I think the most important role doctors can play is that of teacher – to provide complete, unbiased information so that patients can make their own informed decisions.

Symptoms of hormone imbalance in women include:

• Heavy, irregular, or painful periods
• Hot flashes or night sweats
• Mood swings
• Anxiety or depression
• Foggy thinking
• Memory problems
• Breast tenderness
• Water retention or bloating
• Weight gain
• Low libido
• Vaginal dryness
• Acne or oily skin
• Increased facial hair
• Thinning skin or wrinkles
• Hair loss
• Headaches
• Insomnia
• Cold body temperature
• Urinary incontinence
• Infertility
• Bone loss
• Ovarian cysts or uterine fibroids

It makes sense to test baseline hormone production, and then if low levels and/or hormone imbalance symptoms deem necessary, to prescribe low dosages of bioidentical hormones that eliminate or minimize symptoms, or to bring a patient’s hormone levels to within physiological range. There is no established protocol for such treatment and potential risks exist; therefore, a conservative approach to treatment is most prudent.

Choosing an doctor who listens, provides you with information, and respects your treatment decisions is your right and responsibility. Expect your physician to provide you with available research, benefits, and risks of any treatment you choose. Do not be afraid to question any treatment or to make your own healthcare decisions

 

For additional information about hormone imbalance symptoms, anti-aging and bioidentical hormones replacement therapy, please visit my clinic website at:

http://www.hormonesynergy.com/

or read my new book: HormoneSynergy, Optiomal Aging and Hormone Balance.

 

In Health

Dr. Kathryn Retzler
Portland, Oregon