Q and A Today

Five Essential Things to Know About Hormones:

1. Know the causes of hormone imbalances:

• Aging

• Environmental toxins

• Genetics

• Gut dysbiosis

• Heavy metals

• Mold

• Poor diet

• Stress

• Yeast infections

2. Get the right hormone testing:

• Find a provider who is knowledgeable in all types of hormone testing.

• Get baseline testing done before starting hormone therapy.

• Get regular monitoring after starting hormone therapy.

3. Use the right type of hormone therapy:

• There are different types of hormone therapy available, so it's important to find the one that's right for you.

• Bio-identical hormones are the most natural and effective type of hormone therapy.

• Make sure you use an accredited pharmacy when purchasing compounded hormones.

4. Know what to expect from hormone therapy:

• Hormone therapy can improve your symptoms, but it's important to be aware of the potential side effects.

• Some common side effects of hormone therapy include nausea, headaches, and breast tenderness.

• If you experience any side effects, talk to your doctor.

5. Make healthy lifestyle changes:

• Eating a healthy diet, getting regular exercise, and managing stress can help to improve your hormone health.

• Load up on veggies, keep it clean, and choose organic foods.

Q & A Today!

Q: Do Hormone Levels Matter?
So I am always talking about why it's so important to check hormone levels. Even though that isn't standard of care and that's not what most traditional doctors do. They claim that you don't need blood levels to diagnose menopause. 

That's true. We diagnose menopause based on your symptoms and your menstrual history. If you've had no period, here is why I'm so passionate about checking levels.

There’s a recent study published in the Lancet Oncology in December of 2023 that looked at patients at high risk for breast cancer They looked at their levels of estrogen and SHBG, which is sex hormone binding globulin, and they tried to see if that would be somewhat predictive of their risk of breast cancer.

In other words, then they would be given a medication to potentially improve the prevention. So, what was the conclusion?

These results suggest that serum hormones should be measured more routinely and Integrated into risk management decisions. Measuring serum hormone concentration is inexpensive and might help clinicians differentiate which women would benefit most from aromatase inhibitors.

So, not only could both baseline labs determine whether or not you would benefit from hormone therapy, whether or not you're somebody who should take hormones or not take hormones it also could identify patients who are at risk for breast cancer. At risk for osteoporosis. At risk for heart disease. And, be more preventative about health. So again, baseline labs. And, we like to monitor hormone levels via labs.

So find a provider that can work with you.

If you’re unable to find a provider that’ll work with you, consider heading over to Rupa Labs, ordering a test, and then getting your follow-up there.

Q: I Bleed or Spot In-Between Periods, Is That Normal?
So this is another thing that spotting between your periods may be common but is not normal. And it may be that there's nothing wrong. But what are the things that can cause spotting between your period?

Well, first it depends on whether are you spotting after the period starts, before the period starts, or right in the middle of the cycle. It is common at ovulation when the egg is released and there's a little drop in hormones for people to have spotting at this time.

The other time people have spotted during their period is a couple of days before their period and generally, both of those times can be because of low progesterone. Other things that can cause spotting are if something is wrong with your cervix, like a legion or a polyp or a polyp inside your uterus or a fibroid.

So it's something that you want to get checked out by your gynecologist. First with a pelvic ultrasound and a pelvic exam and then after that, it would be something that we would do a hormone evaluation for.

And a lot of times it's because of either too much estrogen or not enough progesterone. But either way, it could be a sign something needs to be checked.

Hormone Guru Answers Your Questions!
Do You Ever Recommend Low Dose Birth Control Pills?

The Hormone Guru:

Transform Your Life with Threads of Wisdom and Bursts of Laughter!

Embrace your role as the maestro of your hormones... And, rather than just riding the waves, command them with elegance and joy.

It's time to celebrate the orchestration of your internal rhythms, note by joyful note. But how?

• Stay Curious: Dive deeper into "The Hormone Beat" and uncover secrets to master your hormonal harmony.

• Cherish Your Journey: Your path is unique. Embrace it with every burst of laughter and moment of discovery.

• Live Balanced: Discover the bliss of well-tuned hormones. Let your days resonate with the harmony you deserve.

Until we meet again on this vibrant voyage, just remember: Your path to hormonal balance isn't just a journey, it's a celebration. Come join us on this adventure. Let's make every moment count.

Stay inquisitive, cherish your unique journey, and may your days be filled with the balance and bliss of well-tuned hormones.

Until our paths cross again... Keep tuning into The Hormone Beat.