Hormone Replacement Therapy for Women

Hormones Change As Women Age

Female hormones start to decline around the age of 35. As this happens, estrogen becomes elevated, while progesterone and testosterone start dropping. Women start to experience symptoms like increased abdominal fat, stubborn weight, decreased energy and decreased libido. Once fully menopausal, estrogen levels will also start to decline. As they enter their 40’s and 50’s, symptoms increase and can include memory loss, night sweats and osteoporosis.
 

Typical hormone imbalances that women experience:

• Progesterone deficiency

• Estrogen deficiency or excess

• Testosterone deficiency or excess

• Thyroid deficiency (hypothyroidism) or excess (hyperthyroidism)

• Cortisol deficiency (adrenal fatigue) or excess

• Growth hormone deficiency

• DHEA deficiency

 

Hormones play a vital role in every woman’s health and well-being. Hormones work together like a symphony; imbalance of one hormone leads to imbalance of other hormones. This imbalance can cause many unpleasant symptoms and increase the risk of health problems.

 

Age-related hormone decline and hormone imbalance is a natural and inevitable process. Luckily, bio-identical hormone replacement therapy is a safe and effective treatment that works exceedingly well in improving hormone imbalances for many women.

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​​Female Sexual Dysfunction

40 million women in the United States have some form of female sexual dysfunction, which includes:

• Low sexual desire (low libido)

• Sexual arousal disorder

• Difficulty attaining orgasm or no orgasm

• Sexual pain disorder

 

Several key hormones contribute to proper female sexual function, including oxytocin, estrogen, and testosterone.

 

Oxytocin

Oxytocin is made directly in the brain and treatment with oxytocin can generate sexual desire in women.

 

Oxytocin levels correlate with orgasmic intensity, as it:

• Increases blood flow to sexual organs and all peripheral structures in the body, thus providing warmth and increased sensitivity to skin and sensory organs

• Is strongly linked to emotions of love, desire, and cuddling

• Can be stimulated by touch, hugging, and massage

• Is very active in the part of the brain that is believed to be the epicenter of orgasm

 

Estrogen

Estrogen is responsible for:

• Maintaining appropriate vaginal lubrication in response to arousal

• Tone of local musculature

• Contributes to the increase in blood flow to the vaginal area during arousal and orgasm

 

Sexual signs and symptoms of estrogen insufficiency include:

• Decreased vaginal lubrication

• Absent or very brief orgasms that last no more than seconds

• Prolonged time to reach orgasm

• Decreased desire for intimacy

• Decreased interest in sex

 

Other clinical signs and symptoms of low estrogen levels include:

• Anxiety and nervousness

• Unfriendliness and isolation

• Minimal eye contact during social interactions

• Decreased interest in social interaction

 

Testosterone

Testosterone is mainly linked to:

• Libido

• Vaginal tone and blood flow to clitoris

• Mood, motivation, and energy

• Self-confidence

• Mental sharpness

• Better recovery and results from exercise

• Low muscle / high body fat

 

The correct combination of hormones based on individual lab results can effectively treat female sexual dysfunction in menopause and beyond.

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​The Live Fit Solution

At Live Fit Again, our patients receive a thorough review of their symptoms, medical history, laboratory results, and health goals. If hormone replacement therapy is indicated, we create a personalized treatment program using only bio-identical hormones and medical-grade supplements, while also emphasizing proper diet and exercise.