Why Cortisol Testing Is Important
Cortisol testing is important because that system does not always function in the normal, healthy manner outlined above. Sometimes cortisone levels can stay too high for too long, which can have far-reaching effects on your health, such as:
- Problems with memory and/or concentration
Issues That Can Cause Abnormally High Cortisol Levels include:
1- Chronic stress: The bodys natural fight-or-flight stress response system is set up to manage short-term stress situations. Stress in todays world is often a longer-term health issue. Rather than being stressed by a sudden encounter with a predator, a situation that can be resolved quickly by running away, we are more likely to face ongoing problems that cause stress, like job pressures, for instance, or financial ones. This can cause long-term activation of the stress response system, leading to chronically high levels of cortisol.
2- Problems with the pituitary gland: Tumors on the pituitary gland or excess growth of the gland can cause it to release too much ACTH, increasing cortisol levels.
3- Problems with adrenal glands: Tumors on the adrenal glands can cause overproduction of cortisol.
4- Other tumors: Growths in other areas of the body can increase cortisol production.
5- Medications: Overuse of corticosteroid medications or long-term use of them can lead to abnormally high cortisol levels.
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How Are Hormonal Imbalances Diagnosed
Healthcare providers typically order blood tests to check hormone levels since your endocrine glands release hormones directly into your bloodstream.
Certain hormone levels vary drastically throughout the day, so providers may order other tests to measure your levels, such as a glucose tolerance test or insulin tolerance test.
Your provider will also ask you about your medical history and symptoms and perform a physical exam.
Why Blood And Serum Hormone Tests Do Not Reflect Your Symptoms:
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What Are Bioidentical Hormones
Bioidentical hormones are lab-created hormones that are made using the same chemical structure as the hormones that your body naturally makes. Traditional HRT relies on synthetic hormones that have a slightly different chemical structure. As a result, the excess hormones could not be eliminated as well by the bodys natural waste disposal processes, resulting in increased risks for several serious medical problems.
Because bioidentical hormones have the same chemical structure as natural hormones, the body recognizes, processes, and eliminates the hormones in the same manner as natural hormones, so you derive the benefits without the increased risks associated with traditional HRT.
What Is Hormone Replacement Therapy
Hormone replacement therapy uses bioidentical hormones to replace or supplement the hormones naturally produced by your body. As we get older or as a result of certain conditions or diseases, our bodies begin producing fewer hormones — specifically, estrogen and progesterone. Although these hormones are primarily associated with sexual function, they actually play far more diverse roles in your health and wellness, which means when your levels of these hormones decline, you can experience a wide array of symptoms that can take a toll on your life and your health. Hormone replacement therapy helps relieve these symptoms and reduces the risks of serious side effects.
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What Experience And Training Do Endocrinologists Need
Endocrinology is a subspecialty of internal medicine. Endocrinologists are healthcare providers who have trained in the information and techniques needed to diagnose and treat endocrine conditions specifically.
To become an endocrinologist in the United States, a person must obtain or complete the following:
- A bachelors degree .
- Approximately four years of medical school.
- A two- to three-year residency in internal medicine or pediatrics.
- A two- to three-year fellowship in endocrinology, diabetes and metabolism.
- Pass an exam to become board-certified in internal medicine through the American Board of Internal Medicine.
- Pass an endocrinology, diabetes and metabolism exam to become board-certified as an endocrinologist.
Endocrinologists and all healthcare providers also partake in yearly learning and training courses known as Continuing Medical Education to stay up to date in their medical field.
They Provide Plenty Of Individualized Attention
One of the greatest benefits of seeking top-of-the-line medical care is individual attention. Ask your potential hormone doctor how much time they typically spend with a patient during consultation and follow-up appointments. Then, consider if thats enough time to truly understand your medical background, symptoms, concerns, and questions.
Youre an individual with unique needs that deserves personalized solutions. Understanding those needs, evaluating your treatment options, and monitoring your progress are all essential components of caring for your healthand they take time. By prioritizing doctors who offer plenty of time and individualized attention, youre making sure that your concerns will be heard.
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What Is High Estrogen In Men
Too much estrogen in the male body can interfere with fertility, sexual function and even raise the risk for chronic diseases. One cause of hormone imbalance in aging men is that is testosterone is converted to estrogen, which can result in an excess of estradiol. Lab testing can reveal hormonal imbalances of estrogen and testosterone.
What Are The Treatments For Hormonal Imbalance
Dr. Krol begins by evaluating your health and determining the type and extent of your hormonal balance.
Following an in-depth personal consultation and any necessary testing and bloodwork, Dr. Krol devises an individualized treatment plan that might involve hormone replacement therapy, lifestyle changes , and other effective hormone-balancing solutions.
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Can Hormone Imbalance Cause Anxiety
Yes, certain hormonal imbalances can cause anxiety, including:
- Hyperthyroidism: If you have hyperthyroidism, it means your body has too much thyroid hormone. Excess thyroid hormone speeds up your metabolism. This can cause anxiety, in addition to unusual nervousness, restlessness and irritability.
- Cushings syndrome: While its not as common of a symptom, Cushings syndrome can cause anxiety, as well as depression and irritability.
- Adult-onset growth hormone deficiency: Adults with growth hormone deficiency often report having anxiety and/or depression.
Several other conditions and factors can cause anxiety. Its important to talk to your healthcare provider if youre experiencing anxiety.
Can An Endocrinologist Help With Female Hormones
What kind of diseases does an endocrinologist treat?
The most common diseases treated by an endocrinologist include diabetes mellitus type 1 and type 2, Thyroid disorders, hypothyroidism, hyperthyroidism, and goiter. An endocrinologist is a specialist doctor who treats imbalances of hormones or the endocrine system of the body. An endocrinologist is trained for almost two to three years in
Who are the endocrinologists at the Jackson clinic?
Endocrinologists are medical doctors with years of training in the diagnosis and treatment of endocrine disorders. At The Jackson Clinic, our endocrinologists are available to diagnose, monitor and treat a variety of endocrine disorders.
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How Are Hormones Administered
There are several types of hormone replacement products available, including pills, patches, creams, and other products. During your visit, Dr. Tureanu can explain all the options and help you select the one thats best for your needs. Plus, your levels of hormones will be monitored throughout your treatment to ensure your therapy remains optimized for you.
The Men’s Health Platform Provides Access To:
- Initial hormone analysis and replacement therapy.
- Direct access to your healthcare team
- Ongoing wellness and fitness coaching
- Monthly recalibration of a treatment plan using lab and bloodwork analysis
- Diet and supplements adjustments
- Continuous preventative health monitoring for maximum daily performance
- Penile Filler Enhancement Procedure improving size both erect and flacid with noticeable effect on girth.
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What Is The Process For Bio
The process begins with an evaluation of the individual’s status. This means a blood draw or a saliva sample. Saliva testing is utilized in situations in which multiple levels are required, such as measuring adrenal function during the course of a day or following estrogen/progesterone levels during the course of a woman’s monthly cycle. Blood testing is used in all other situations. For men and women who are not cycling, timing is not important, but the blood should be drawn in the morning. For women who are cycling, the best day to evaluate these levels is five to six days after ovulation. This usually means a blood draw on day 19 or day 20 of the monthly cycle . Once levels have been determined – supplements, precursors, or hormones are prescribed to balance these levels.
Progress is followed clinically and by blood work at three to four month intervals until a state of balance is achieved.
What Hormones Might Be Imbalanced
Some of the hormones that are most often imbalanced include:
The male sex hormone testosterone and the female sex hormone estrogen regulate secondary sexual characteristics. The other female sex hormone progesterone regulates pregnancy and menstruation. Thyroid hormone and cortisol affect metabolism and energy use, and melatonin regulates sleep.
Although testosterone is the male sex hormone, women do have some testosterone and can experience symptoms of testosterone imbalance.
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Know Your Family History
Many endocrine disorders have a genetic component and tend to run in families. Be ready with a list of family members and their medical diagnoses. Common conditions that your doctor will want to know about include:
- High blood pressure and heart disease
- Breast cancer and other hormone-responsive cancers
- Diabetes and metabolic syndrome
- Mental health disorders
How Do I Know I Have A Hormone Imbalance
Some women can experience a hormone imbalance and not even realize it. Symptoms can be masked by medications prescribed for anxiety, depression, insomnia, and weight gain. Other women have debilitating symptoms that interfere with their daily life.
Symptoms that indicate an imbalance include:
- Hot flashes and night sweats
- Unexplained weight gain
- Reduced interest in sex
If you suffer from these symptoms, consult with Dr. Grier to find out if youd benefit from hormone therapy. She checks your hormones to determine if theyre out of balance.
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Finding A Hormone Doctor Doesnt Need To Be Complicated
Finding the right doctor and receiving the correct hormone treatment can vastly improve your quality of life and overall well-being. The information included in this article can be used to help guide your decision, and take some of the guesswork out of finding a new hormone doctor.
Blending complementary and conventional therapies gives you access to a wider array of treatment options, so feel free to shop around for multiple providers. Additionally, keep an eye out for any red flags that we discussed, and always trust your judgment when looking for any kind of healthcare practitioner.
If youre currently looking for a hormone doctor, our functional medicine providers have experience in treating many different types of hormone disorders and imbalances. Reach out to our clinic at the Ruscio Institute for Functional Medicine to schedule an appointment and begin your healing journey today.
The Ruscio Institute has developed a range of high-quality formulations to help our patients and audience. If youre interested in learning more about these products, please click here. Note that there are many other options available, and we encourage you to research which products may be right for you.
References
Are You Feeling The Effects Of A Hormone Imbalance
Hormonal imbalances affect our daily lives, including development, mood, metabolism, heart rate, sleep cycle, body temperature, sex drive, and reproduction. Hormones are critical for our wellbeing, and an imbalance can wreak havoc on our bodies.
- The Hormone Clinic offers patient-centered care which means you are at the center of everything we do and every decision.
- Our Hormone Specialists serve as your health partner, helping you live well by providing virtual appointments and delivering what you need right to your doorstep.
- We provide fast and effective care for your hormone therapy needs.
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Have A List Of Questions Ready
Its good to be armed with questions when seeing a new provider, so you can feel like an active participant in your health. The following are some general inquiries that can help determine if your doctor is the best fit for you.
These questions are not specific to hormone doctors, and can be helpful when choosing any kind of healthcare provider. If your doctor is unwilling or reluctant to discuss any of your questions or concerns, its probably time to find a new one.
How Can Hormone Replacement Therapy Balance My Hormones
Medications often correct a hormone imbalance, as can hormone replacement therapy . HRT is designed to ease menopause symptoms by replacing the hormones your body no longer produces. Dunwoody OB/GYN, LLC, offers regular and bioidentical HRT.
Bioidentical HRT closely mimics the hormones naturally produced by the human body. They can provide relief from uncomfortable menopause symptoms, like hot flashes or low libido. But HRT may not be safe for all women. Your provider can help you determine if HRT is right for you.
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Integrative Medicine Womens Health Consults
An integrative medicine consult explores the whole spectrum of options to manage your unique womens health needs. Integrative consults are useful for all womens health issues, ranging from hormone imbalances and chronic fatigue, to mood disorders and chronic pain.
A comprehensive womens health consultation starts with an extensive history and appropriate evaluation including lab tests and functional medicine tests. Treatment recommendations will offer a range of options, such as herbs and dietary supplements, bioidentical hormones, nutrition and mindbody methods. You may also be referred to other healthcare professionals at the Osher Center for Integrative Health to support your health.
Referrals for additional care may include practitioners in acupuncture, nutrition counseling, naturopathic medicine and health psychology.
Providers:
What Are The Symptoms Of A Hormone Imbalance
Your symptoms may vary depending on the cause of your hormone imbalance. Some conditions cause mild symptoms, while others can be debilitating.
Symptoms of hormone imbalance may include:
- Irregular or heavy periods
- Breast tenderness
Keep in mind that many of these symptoms can be a sign of early pregnancy or may suggest that you’re entering menopause. Dunwoody OB/GYN, LLC, can test your hormones to find the exact cause.
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What Are The Effects Of A Hormone Imbalance In Women
Hormones govern a wide variety of bodily systems, not just your mood and sexuality. They can influence whether youre at risk for diabetes, heart disease, osteoporosis, Alzheimers disease, and thyroid disease.
Hormone imbalances can also cause metabolism problems and abnormalities with your menstrual cycle and breasts.
What Kind Of Doctors Treat Hormonal Imbalances
Primary healthcare providers can diagnose and help you manage many hormonal imbalances, but you may benefit from seeing an endocrinologist.
An endocrinologist is a healthcare provider who specializes in endocrinology, a field of medicine that studies conditions related to your hormones. They can diagnose endocrine conditions, develop treatment and management plans and prescribe medication.
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What Is A Hormone Imbalance
Hormones are the chemicals in the body that control major bodily functions ranging from digestion and hunger to reproduction and emotions. Hormones are created by different glands in the body and are responsible for normal body function.
Sometimes an imbalance occurs when one of the glands doesnt work properly. This can be due to a change in life, such as menopause or a medical condition like hypothyroidism. When a womans hormone levels are too high or too low, her body will not work properly and she will experience an array of symptoms.
Struggling With Hormone Imbalance Conventional Doctors May Not Be Your Strongest Ally
So many women come to me after trying to explain the symptoms shes experiencing before, during or after menopause to a conventional physician and failing to get any answers. They just want someone who can help them feel better and they deserve to find the help they need!
Hormonal imbalance can cause confusing and sometimes frightening symptoms. You need someone to help you sort through whats going on in your body, and to help you find solutions. And when you talk to your doctor, you shouldnt come away feeling even worse because they dont have any solutions to offer. There are lots of options but conventional health care practitioners often default to the same old thing, whether it works or not. They may not even acknowledge that theres another way!
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