To regulate various functions of your body, hormones travel through your blood to control the functions of organs and other tissue. Hormones are your body’s chemical messengers. If you are suffering from a hormone imbalance, it can affect your:

• Mood
• Physical Growth
• Sexual Function
• Metabolism
• Reproduction

The body naturally produces hormones, but this production can slow as your body ages. The natural functions of men and women’s bodies are affected by these shortages. Women often experience shortages in estrogen. Testosterone shortages also can appear in both men and women.

Women are more likely to have hormone imbalances than men. They make up nearly 80 percent of all cases. Women who have hormone imbalances generally begin to experience them in their late 30’s or 40’s. For men who have hormone imbalances, their symptoms appear in their late 40’s or 50’s.

Both men and women can experience symptoms of hormone imbalances. They can include:

• Weight gain
• Lower than usual energy
• Hot flashes
• General fatigue
• Brain fog – (Confused or disorganized feeling)
• Discomfort during sex

Women can also experience vaginal dryness.

At our clinic, we need to conduct a blood or saliva test to determine which hormones you are missing or do not have enough of. We will also screen you for a variety of conditions that could be causing a hormone imbalance, like issues with your thyroid. If these conditions are treated, hormones generally become balanced again. If there are no underlying conditions, then we will begin a hormone replacement plan to manage your symptoms.

There are several ways to effectively treat hormone imbalance. For women, the most common ways we treat hormone imbalance are with creams or pellets. Men are typically treated with injections, pellets, and less frequently creams. In most cases, we use bioidentical hormone replacement therapy. This means that the hormones are, at a molecular level, identical to the hormones your body produces naturally.

Our practitioners can help you decide which method of hormone replacement therapy is best for you. However, regardless of the method used to balance your hormones, your treatment protocol will be designed specifically for you.

If no underlying condition is causing your hormone imbalance, this is a long term treatment to make sure your body is getting the hormones it needs. Your body is unlikely to increase hormone production as you get older naturally. Regular visits to our facility will allow us to monitor your hormone levels and make adjustments if needed.

It usually takes a couple of weeks for patients to start to see an improvement in their symptoms.

InShape is located at 107 Edinburgh S. Drive, Suite 215 Cary, NC 27511. Our hours of operation are:

We are now open
Monday – 9 am to 6 pm
Tuesday – 9 am to 6 pm
Wednesday – 9 am to 6 pm
Thursday – 9 am to 6 pm

Would you like to learn more about hormone imbalances or make an appointment for an evaluation with our Hormone Therapy Specialist? Call our friendly staff today.