Could Your Symptoms be trying to Get Your Attention?
By Randi Mann, WHNP-BC, NCMP, APNP
If you are female, know a female or live with a female this is a very important subject! When a woman’s hormones are out of balance she will not feel well, it’s as simple as that. In today’s fast paced world there are lots of women who are very successful at their jobs and take great care of their families but unfortunately don’t take very good care of themselves.
Do You Know The Symptoms of Hormone Imbalance?
Many women today are suffering from hormonal imbalances and may even be too busy to recognize the unique warning signs that their bodies are trying to give them. Think of your symptoms as being similar to the warning lights on your car’s dashboard – designed to get your attention so you can act before something major happens to your “engine”.
Are you experiencing any of these uncomfortable hormonal imbalance symptoms?
- Hot flashes or night sweats
- Fatigue or lack of motivation
- PMS
- Sleepless nights
- Vaginal dryness
- Loss of sex drive
- Foggy thinking or memory issues
- Anxiety or depression
- Irritability or mood swings
- Weight gain
- Joint and muscle pain
- Tender breasts
- Bladder issues
- Changes in periods
- Painful sex
The Consequences Of Untreated Hormone Depletion
Depending on your age, you may be at greater risk for chronic illnesses such as osteoporosis and heart disease and even breast cancer when your hormones are out of balance in addition to feeling poorly.
Unfortunately, many women (and their partners) do not understand the power of our various endocrine hormones – these amazing chemical messengers can help us to feel great and operate at our best…or make us feel miserable. The most common hormones that may become unbalanced due to age or high stress and poor self-care include the thyroid, adrenal and ovarian hormones (estrogen, progesterone, and testosterone). Most American women are done menstruating by age 51 but some women stop as early as 40 or as late as age 58. This change in ovarian function, coupled at times with new onset thyroid dysfunction, over-committed lifestyle, poor diet, limited physical exercise and not enough fun and play is a bad combination.
How To Track Your Own Hormone Symptoms
It is a great idea to track your symptoms on a Personal Symptom Chart each month to get in touch with what is going on for you. This is one of easiest and best ways to determine the pattern and severity of your symptoms related to your menstrual cycle (if you are still cycling). It is also a great way to get you to tune into your body even if you are no longer cycling.
It is best to fill your chart out on a daily basis about the same time each day for two to three months. You then will have a record of the changes in your symptoms over time.
When Should You Seek Specialist Help For Hormones?
Mild symptoms can usually be relieved by improving your diet, rest, exercise and better stress management, however if you have multiple symptoms that you identify as moderate or severe please see a hormone expert who can help you sort out what is going on for proper diagnosis and treatment.
Blood Tests Used To Identify Hormone Issues
I often order female/ovarian and adrenal hormone testing for my patients and may follow up with thyroid testing next depending on your symptoms.
Ovarian and adrenal hormone testing is done at home, is quite easy to do and can tell us which of your levels are low or out of balance. We can then decide the best course of treatment for your unique symptoms and health situation.
I find most of my patients prefer customized dosed, bio-identical hormones as they tend to offer timely symptom relief and minimal side effects along with decreasing risks for bone loss.
It is very important to seek care from a medical professional who is skilled and experienced at hormone management to help you. At our center we have helped thousands of women feel like themselves again through proper diagnosis and hormone management and lifestyle guidance. Please join us at our monthly End Hormone Havoc seminar to learn more about the symptoms of hormonal imbalance and treatment options so you can feel your best no matter what your age or where you are in your hormonal transition!
Randi Mann, WHNP-BC, NCMP, APNP, is a woman’s hormone expert and the owner of Wise Woman Wellness LLC, an innovative wellness and hormone care center at 1480 Swan Road, De Pere. Mann is the author of the eBook: A Guide to Gluten and Going Gluten Free. She is a board certified Women’s Health Nurse Practitioner and NAMS Certified Menopause Practitioner, one of a handful in Wisconsin and less than 1600 worldwide to achieve this distinction. She combines the best of conventional, functional and integrative medicine to help women with female, thyroid and adrenal hormone issues to live healthier, more abundant, joy-filled lives using a blend of compassion, cutting edge science, practical guidance and humor. Contact her at 920-339-5252 or via the Internet at www.wisewomanwellness.com. Attend the introductory seminar, “End Hormone Havoc – Crazy Hormones Cause Fatigue, Weight Gain and Brain Fog and How to Fix Them!”, offered monthly, to learn about specialized thyroid, adrenal and female hormone testing and customized, bioidentical hormone treatments to achieve lifelong optimal hormone balance, increased vitality and longevity.
http://wisewomanwellness.com/events/