Menopause is a natural transition in a woman’s life, which typically occurs between the ages of 40 and 55. When the ovaries stop producing estrogen and progesterone, menstruation ceases and fertility is no longer possible. Menopause is typically confirmed when there is no period for 12 consecutive months. For some women menopause can occur as early as the late 30s, or as late as 60s, however, the average age of onset is 52 years of age. When menopause occurs before 40, it is considered premature menopause. Medically induced menopause refers to menopause brought on suddenly as a result of surgery (removal of the ovaries), chemotherapy, or radiation therapy. For most women menopausal symptoms diminish during the initial two to five years, although for some it may take more than ten.
Women’s hormone levels begin to change in their middle to late 30’s. Perimenopause is the process of change that leads up to menopause and usually occurs 2- 10 years prior to the onset of menopause. During perimenopause, progesterone and estrogen levels (as well as other sex hormone levels) decline, however, progesterone declines more rapidly than estrogen. These fluctuating and declining hormone levels cause menstrual cycle changes, such as irregularity, or heavier or lighter cycles.
Eventually progesterone and estrogen levels drop enough that the menstrual cycle stops and menopause begins. The decline in hormones causes many of the well-known physical and emotional symptoms associated with perimenopause and menopause. Excessive or chronic stress, poor nutrition, lack of exercise and exposure to environmental toxins all contribute to the decline in hormone levels.
Most common physical signs and symptoms of menopause and perimenopause:
· Heart pounding (heart palpitations)
· Rapid, irregular heartbeats
· Vaginal dryness
· Dry eyes
· Painful intercourse
· Sleep disturbances & insomnia
· Hot flashes and/or night sweats
· Abdominal weight gain
· Urine leakage
· Cravings for sweets or carbohydrates
· Brain fog (difficulty concentrating, memory problems)
· Weight gain, especially around the middle
· Stiffness and joint fatigue
Emotional symptoms:
· Depression
· Mood swings
· Irritability
· Anxiety
Optimizing and balancing hormones with Bio-identical hormones not only helps ease menopausal and perimenopausal symptoms, but may also decrease the risk of osteoporosis, colon cancer, and cardiovascular disease.
If you are suffering from menopause or perimenopause, call Southern California Center for Anti-Aging today at 424.247.4962 for a comprehensive appointment.
Estrogen is not just a single hormone, but rather a group of related hormones produced in the body. The three most important of this group are Estrone, Estradiol and Estriol. Estrogen is manufactured primary in the ovaries, but can also be made in fat cells, muscles cell and the skin.
Estriol (E3)
This is the most abundant of all the estrogens. It makes up approximately 80 percent of the estrogen present in the system and is produced by the ovaries. It is made in large amounts during pregnancy and is necessary for a carrying to full term. It also works on protecting the bones from losing density, protects the urogential health of a woman and has many valuable antioxidant properties. It is generally considered to be the weakest of the estrogens in terms of stimulating tissue growth and many see it as the safest form of all. It works well to combat vaginal dryness and vaginal atrophy as well.
· Considerable evidence exists to show that it protects against breast cancer
· Is used in Europe to treat breast cancer instead of Tamoxifen
· It does not have the bone, heart, or brain protection of estradiol
Estradiol (E2)
This estrogen is considered to be the most active of all the estrogens. Estradiol makes up 10 percent of the body’s estrogen supply. It is a powerful hormone and is used most widely for controlling hot flashes and general menopausal symptoms. It may offer bone protection, improve lipid profile, enhance blood clotting, improve memory and clarity, increase serotonin and endorphin levels, enhance intestinal absorption of vital nutrients and is associated with eye lens health.
· Increases HDL
· Decreases LDL and total cholesterol
· Decreases triglycerides
· Helps maintain bone structure
· Increases serotonin
· Decreases fatigue
· Works as an antioxidant
· Helps maintain memory
· Helps absorption of calcium, magnesium, zinc
Estrone (E1)
Is the main estrogen the body makes post menopausally. High levels many researchers believe may increase a women’s risk of breast cancer.
· Estronehas very similar properties as Estradiol
· It composes the last 10 percent of estrogen present in the body
· It is usually converted from body fat
Call Southern California Center For Anti-Aging today for your preferred appointment at 424.247.4962.
Estrogen dominance is a phrase used to describe what can happen when estrogen and progesterone get out of balance. It is a relative excess of estrogen −it doesn’t mean there is too much estrogen, but that there is too much estrogen relative to the level of progesterone. As a woman reaches the age of menopause, her body continues to produce estrogen in her muscle and fat cells. She may typically produce 40-60 percent of the estrogen made before menopause but only very little progesterone.
Over-stimulation from estrogen of the breast tissue can cause unpleasant symptoms and lead to health issues for example, breast tenderness, swelling, and fibrocystic breasts. In the uterus, excess estrogen stimulation may lead to endometriosis, cervical dysplasia, increased risk of uterine cancer, heavy or irregular menses, menstrual cramping and uterine fibroid tumors. Excessive estrogen (dominance) can also cause weight gain, constipation, cyclical headaches and migraines, depression, mood swings, fluid retention, low libido, and anxiety.
Causes of Estrogen Dominance
Women can become estrogen dominant for many reasons. Lack of exercise, impaired elimination of estrogen, not taking in enough dietary fiber, lack of adequate amounts of progesterone to balance estrogen, using birth control pills, and environmental exposure. Estrogen mimickers are everywhere in the environment in the form of chemicals (xenoestrogens), and foods and plants (phytoestrogens). Pesticides are perhaps the biggest source of xenoestrogens followed by plastics, fuels, drugs, cosmetics, non organic meats and some dairy products.
Ways to Reduce Estrogen Dominance
- Do not heat food in plastic
- Reduce stress
- Avoid chemical sources of estrogen (xenoestrogen)
- Avoid food sources of estrogen (phytoestrogens)
- Cleanse the liver
- Balance hormones with bioidentical estrogen and progesterone
- Metabolize excess estrogen using a supplement like DIM or Calcium D glucarate
- Drink out of glass containers, not plastic or Styrofoam
- Exercise regularly
Call Southern California Center For Anti-Aging today for a comprehensive consultation at 424.247.4962.
Hypothyroidism is a condition in which the thyroid gland does not make enough thyroid hormone. Too little hormone slows down chemical reactions in the body. The thyroid gland, which is about the size of a walnut, is located in the lower front of the neck. This gland takes iodine from the food you eat to make hormones called thyroxine (T4) and triiodothyronine (T3). The hormones control metabolism, body temperature, heart rate, appetite, and digestion. If too little hormone is produced, it can cause many physical and mental symptoms such as those below.
- Tiredness
- Depression
- Muscle weakness
- Constipation
- Weight gain
- Feeling cold a lot of the time
- Heavy and long menstrual periods
- Coarse, dry hair
- Thick, dry skin
- Swollen eyelids, puffy
- Deep, hoarse voice
- Thick tongue
- Thickened facial features
- Slowed heart rate
- Less interest in sex
- Loss of hearing
- Numb and tingling hands
Some of the more common causes of hypothyroidism are:
- Hashimoto’s disease (thyroiditis): This condition is an irritation and swelling of the thyroid gland. It is caused by a problem with the immune system.
- Complete or partial removal of the thyroid gland with surgery.
- Viruses: They can infect the thyroid gland and cause it to make too little hormone.
- Radiation: Radioactivity can destroy the thyroid gland and its ability to make thyroid hormone. Radioactive iodine is a common treatment for an overactive thyroid gland, but often the treatment leads to an underactive thyroid gland. Also, X-ray treatment for cancer of the head or neck may expose the thyroid gland to radiation and damage it.
- Overdosage of medicine used to treat hyperthyroidism.
Anyone can have hypothyroidism, but it happens most often in women over age 40. Some thyroid problems are inherited or present at birth.
Call Southern California Center For Anti-Aging located in Torrance, California today for a complete consultation at 424.247.4962.
The adrenal glands are responsible for regulating the body’s response to stress by controlling the hormones released during stress. Stress damages the functioning of the adrenal glands causing a decrease in the output adrenal of hormones, especially cortisol. Adrenal fatigue is any decrease in the ability of the adrenal glands to carry out their normal functions. Adrenal fatigue is the primary cause of “burn-out,” common diseases and chronic illnesses, in which fatigue is one of the primary symptoms and stress is the primary cause.
The adrenal glands respond to every kind of stress in the same manner. Examples of stress that can cause to adrenal fatigue include, poor diets, lack of exercise, use of stimulants, lack of sleep, lack of relaxation, illness, overwork, major surgery, financial pressures, negative attitudes and beliefs, fears, marital stress, smoking, death of a loved one, and job stress. Although severe fatigue is the major complaint of patients with adrenal fatigue, often multiple non-specific symptoms are associated with it.
Some symptoms of adrenal fatigue include:
- Feeling tired for no reason
- Having trouble getting up in the morning
- Feeling run down and stressed
- Craving salty or sweet snacks
- Frequent respiratory infections
- Confusion, poor concentration, and memory recall
- Insomnia
- Gaining weight, especially around the waist
Adrenal fatigue can be suspected based on clinical exam and symptoms. However, none of the standard laboratory tests currently in use are designed to detect adrenal fatigue. Checking cortisol levels either in blood or saliva at certain times of the day may indicate a deficiency of the hormone cortisol.
Treatment begins with an attempt to relieve stressful situations as much as possible. Lifestyle changes such as diet modification and exercise can help tremendously. Limit the consumption of processed foods, alcohol and tobacco because these substances put extra stress on the adrenal glands. Take small breaks to lie down during the day, increase relaxation, eat regular meals, exercise regularly and get at least 8 hours sleep nightly.
If you believe you may be suffering from adrenal fatigue, call Southern California For Anti-Aging today for a adrenal fatigue consultation at 424.247.4962.
