Hormone Therapy After Surgical Menopause

Menopause is described as the cessation of a woman’s menstrual cycles for a period of more than 12 consecutive months as a result of her ovaries ceasing to function. While menopause develops naturally with age – at an average of 51 years – menopause may also be the result of surgery or cancer therapy.

Menopause is referred to as “surgical menopause” when both ovaries are surgically removed. In some cases, only the ovaries are removed – but a complete or radical hysterectomy involves the removal of both ovaries and the whole uterus.

Additionally, surgical menopause typically occurs within five years after a hysterectomy, even if the ovaries are preserved. This is due to disruptions in the ovarian blood supply, which gradually impairs ovarian function – including the production of female sex hormones such as estrogen and progesterone.

Surgical menopause can occur at any age that a woman has surgery. Surgical menopause not only causes immediate cessation of menstruation, but it also results in an abrupt and precipitous decrease in female sex hormone levels.

And while the symptoms of natural menopausal typically onset gradually over time, the side effects of surgical menopause manifest very immediately because hormone production is stopped very suddenly.

Symptoms of Surgical Menopause

Surgical menopause and natural age-onset menopause share the same symptoms, including the following: vasomotor symptoms such as hot flashes and excessive perspiration, fatigue, insomnia mood swings, depression, vaginal dryness, increased body fat, and more.

Surgical menopause is distinguished from natural menopause, though, in that even after monthly cycles cease during natural menopause, the ovaries continue to produce trace quantities of estrogen and testosterone, which contribute to sexual desire or pleasure. But, surgical menopause leaves no possibility of residual sex hormone production – so it typically results in a higher loss of sexual function.

Additionally, omen who enter early menopause have an increased risk of ischemic heart disease, osteoporosis, and cognitive impairment. And, because estrogen is neuroprotective, a fast and abrupt decrease in estrogen levels (less than 50%) is often associated with increased cognitive decline and dementia, including Alzheimer’s disease. So, the surgical removal of one or both ovaries before natural menopause raises the chance of developing these diseases age-dependently, with younger women being more at risk.

Hormone Replacement Therapy for Surgical Menopause

If a patient has undergone surgical menopause symptoms, it is prudent to explore the option of hormone replacement therapy (HRT) – both for symptom relief and for protection again serious disease as well as mental decline.

Hormone Replacement Therapy for surgical menopause typically consists of a combination of estrogen and progesterone for women who still have their uterus – and estrogen alone, for women who have undergone a total hysterectomy.

Once started for surgical menopause, Hormone Replacement Therapy is typically maintained until the patient reaches the age of 51. (The average age of natural menopause). Recent clinical guidelines state that Hormone Replacement Therapy should be maintained with appropriate dose changes on an individual basis, until they are no longer needed. But additional or ongoing HRT treatments may be recommended to alleviate certain specific related health problems such as osteoporosis.

In rare cases of a personal or family history of breast cancer, or certain kinds of liver illness, however, Hormone Replacement Therapy for surgical menopause would be contraindicated.

To learn more contact Advanced Hormone Solutions today at 201-225-2525 or schedule a consultation at: https://advancedhormonesolutions.com/consultation-form/

Article created by SottoPelle and used by permission of SottoPelle. Advanced Hormone Solutions is a “Certified” SottoPelle provider

 

Do you know the difference between Phytoestrogens and Estrogen?

Most people have heard of phytoestrogens but do not really understand what it is, why they are beneficial to your health and what the difference is between phytoestrogen and estrogen.

Not all estrogen is created equal so what exactly is the difference between phytoestrogen and estrogen? Phytoestrogens and Estrogen work completely differently in the human body and come from different sources.

Estrogen is produced in the female ovaries and is abundant in females throughout their reproductive years. Estrogen primarily keeps a woman’s reproduction system running smoothly and efficiently throughout her life. When Estrogen production begins its decline that becomes the trigger for peri-menopausal symptoms and ultimately full-blown menopause.

Phytoestrogens, are a plant-based hormone and are consumed by many in their diet around the world.  Many studies indicate eating plant-based phytoestrogens can be beneficial for cardiovascular health and can actually have a protective effect for certain cancers. Phytoestrogens in general are considered to be beneficial in overall health for both men and women.

Phytoestrogens do not replace or help balance estrogen. The reality is hormone imbalance at any age can lead to variety of conditions Keeping estrogen, progesterone and testosterone hormones in balance throughout life is important for overall health and wellness throughout adulthood.

Advanced Hormone Solutions can help you maintain balance. Schedule your appointment today at: https://advancedhormonesolutions.com/consultation-form/

 

The Importance of keeping Hormone Balance in Women at any age.

Hormones play a very important role in women’s reproductive and their overall health. Hormones can go out of balance for a myriad of reasons throughout a woman’s lifespan but for certain during menopause. Menopause is characterized by a significant change in the women’s hormone levels when the ovaries produce less progesterone and decrease the estrogen. The decreased estrogen level leads to a drop in the quality and quantity of the eggs that are being produced causing infertility in women.

Even though there are many reasons why women may have a hormone imbalance, the most important and well-known reason is menopause. The common reason for addressing hormones tends to be when a woman realizes they are perimenopausal dealing with hot flashes, sleepless nights, weight gain and more.

Another hormone issue is excessive testosterone that can lead to Polycystic Ovaries (PCOS). PCOS can make it difficult for a woman to ovulate, and she may have difficulty getting pregnant. If a woman’s testosterone and estrogen levels are out of balance, pregnancy becomes difficult.

The reality is hormone imbalance at any age can lead to variety of conditions Keeping hormones in balance throughout life is important for overall health and wellness.

Advanced Hormone Solutions can help you maintain balance. Schedule your appointment today at: https://advancedhormonesolutions.com/consultation-form/

May is National Osteoporosis Month

Osteoporosis affects approximately 10 million Americans, and postmenopausal women are at the highest risk. Currently, the National Osteoporosis Foundation estimates there is an additional 33.6 million Americans whom have osteopenia.

The most common causes of osteoporosis include:

  • Decreasing estrogen levels in women and testosterone levels in men
  • Low vitamin D and calcium levels
  • Lack of exercise and a sedentary lifestyle
  • Smoking
  • Parathyroid imbalance

BioIdentical Hormone Replacement Therapy works to protect you against osteoporosis by replacing testosterone in both men and women to help strengthen bones.  Derived from naturally-occurring sources and designed to replicate the molecular structure of hormones produced naturally in your body, the preferable BHRT method is the insertion of slow-release pellets.

Before starting on BHRT, we will perform a Hormone Panel to determine your individual hormone needs.  When you’re ready to get started, give our office a call at 201-255-2525 to schedule your consultation. There’s never been a better time to be proactive about your bone health.

 

April is Parkinson’s Awareness Month

Parkinson’s disease effects approximately 60,000 American’s each year, though that number does not reflect the potentially thousands of cases that go undiagnosed or undetected. While there is no standard treatment for Parkinson’s as treatments are based on each individual’s specific symptoms, Bio-Identical Hormone Replacement Therapy has seen promising results.

In addition to hormone therapies, certain medications along with increasing your exercise and getting plenty of rest are also recommended. While these medications are often taken at different doses and throughout the day, BHRT pellets are inserted under the hip to deliver a precise dose of hormones 24 hours a day.

The hormones in BHRT pellets are customized for each patient based on their specific hormone panel and deficiencies. After insertion, the pellets release the specific levels of hormone necessary to aid in brain function such as dopamine, which is depleted in individuals with Parkinson’s disease.

If you or someone you know is living with Parkinson’s disease, give us a call at 201-225-2525 to schedule a consultation.  Let’s see if Bio-Identical Hormone Replacement Therapy is the right treatment for you.

Staying in Shape during Coronavirus

This month marks one full year since the global pandemic began. During the stay-at-home and lockdown mandates, Americans were, on average, 12% less active after this began last March than they were last January. With many places still closed and social distancing still as important as ever, it can be hard to stay focused and stay on target.

You might want to start with a little tune-up. Long periods of immobility can cause tension and tightness in your hips. Getting a massage or visiting a chiropractor can help loosen up stagnant muscles and joints.

It’s important to understand you likely won’t still be at your previous fitness level, and that’s okay. Don’t overdo it by picking up where you left off. Focus on the small victories as you work up to your previous intensity.

A great way to be active, and stay distanced, is to walk or cycle to work if possible. If you’re working from home, use your old commuting time to walk or jog around the block. And don’t forget to hydrate. A good rule of thumb is to drink half your body weight in ounces of water every day.

Give us a call at 201-225-2525 for a hormone checkup. Hormonal imbalances can inhibit motivation, weight loss, energy levels, and much more.

 

The Impacts of a Hormonal Imbalance

Hormonal imbalances occur when we have either too much or too little of a certain hormone. Some hormonal levels are meant to fluctuate throughout our lives, while other fluctuations could be the result of an endocrine issue.


Hormonal imbalances affect both men and women. Some common symptoms are:
– Weight gain or weight loss
– Fatigue
– Muscle weakness, aches, tenderness, or stiffness
– Joint pain
– Increase in sensitivity to heat or cold
– Depression
– Decreased sex drive or infertility
– Nervousness, anxiety, or irritability
– Rounded or puffiness in the face


The presence of some or any of these conditions doesn’t necessarily mean you’re experiencing a hormone imbalance. If you suspect your hormones could be to blame, give us a call at 201-225-2525 to schedule your consultation. Let’s make 2021 your best year yet.