Is Hormone Replacement Therapy The Same For Everyone
You would not give the same amount of medicine to a child that you would to an adult, or to a 300 pound wrestler that you would to a 90 pound elderly woman. Hormone replacement therapy is no different.
Each therapeutic regimen is created specifically for that person based on their risk factors, age, symptoms, and results of the hormone lab tests. If your hormone levels are extremely low to begin with you will likely need a much higher dose to keep your hormone levels in a safe range. It takes a specially trained provider to take all of these factors into consideration and create the right treatment for you.
What Procedures And Treatments Does An Endocrinologist Do
Endocrinologists order or perform various procedures and treatments to manage hormonal conditions. If you need surgery, your endocrinologist will refer you to either a or a specialized surgeon depending on your condition. Common endocrinology procedures and treatments include:
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Counseling including behavior modification for obese and overweight patients
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Diet including medical weight loss treatments and nutrition education
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Exercise and fitness counseling including weight-bearing exercises and cardiovascular conditioning
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Medications including hormonal therapy, hormone replacement, hormone blockers, vitamins, diabetes medications, insulin, targeted biologic therapies and cancer chemotherapies
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Radiation including radioactive isotopes for hyperthyroidism, radiation therapy, and other applications
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Recommendations and referrals for surgery including partial or full removal of an endocrine gland, , and surgery to remove cancerous and noncancerous tumors
When To Test Progesterone
Progesterone levels are highest 5-7 days following ovulation, which is within our luteal phase . This is why testing is recommended days 19-22 of a 28 day cycle.
Even though were commonly told that women ovulate like clockwork on day 14 of their cycle, unfortunately, this isnt always the case. Its a great idea to track your basal body temperature and evaluate your cervical mucus to get an idea of when and if you are ovulating. Or you can use over-the-counter LH strips which can help you dial in the day you ovulate.
Ive got a whole article devoted to this practice, but the general idea is pretty simple, but can take some time. When you ovulate, your body temperature rises and your vaginal discharge becomes the consistency of stretchy egg whites. If you keep an eye on these changes to your body, theres a pretty good chance you can approximate when youre ovulating.
For a lot of women, this will mean that testing for progesterone should happen on roughly day 19-22 of their cycle. Again, this recommendation could change if youre not ovulating day 14 of your cycle which is actually pretty common, or if your typical cycle is shorter or longer than 28 days. Track your cycle for a few months before and talk to your doctor so that they can tell you the best day to test progesterone.
If you feel confused, talk to the provider ordering your test.
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What Happens When A Woman Takes Estrogen
Estrogen side effects and risks
The risk factors and side effects associated with estrogen use include: Blood clots: Estrogen increases your risk of blood clots, which can cause stroke, heart attack, and even death. Cancer: Estrogen may increase your risk of certain cancers, specifically breast cancer.
Mood And Mental Health
Many people find that their mood on feminising hormones is calmer, and that their mental health becomes a lot easier to manage. For some people this is due to the euphoria experienced from starting hormones, for others its just a general sense of calm and better mental health.
This doesnt mean that trans and gender diverse people on hormonal therapy dont still experience mental health issues and require support for them, and theres nothing wrong with needing help. For more information, check out our mental health page.
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What Are The Parts Of The Endocrine System
While many parts of the body make hormones, the major glands that make up the endocrine system are the:
The pancreas is part of the endocrine system and the digestive system. That’s because it secretes hormones into the bloodstream, and makes and secretes enzymes into the digestive tract.
Hypothalamus: The hypothalamus is in the lower central part of the brain. It links the endocrine system and nervous system. Nerve cells in the hypothalamus make chemicals that control the release of hormones secreted from the pituitary gland. The hypothalamus gathers information sensed by the brain and sends it to the pituitary. This information influences the hormones that the pituitary makes and releases.
Pituitary: The pituitary gland is at the base of the brain, and is no bigger than a pea. Despite its small size, the pituitary is often called the “master gland.” The hormones it makes control many other endocrine glands.
The pituitary gland makes many hormones, such as:
The pituitary also secretes endorphins , chemicals that act on the nervous system and reduce feelings of pain. The pituitary also secretes hormones that signal the reproductive organs to make sex hormones. The pituitary gland also controls and the menstrual cycle in women.
Thyroid hormones are important because they help kids’ and teens’ bones grow and develop, and they also play a role in the development of the brain and nervous system.
What Are The Signs And Symptoms Of Low Estrogen In Men
In men, male menopause may result from too little estrogen in addition to lower testosterone levels, at least according to some recent studies. Diminished libido, strength and energy are the main symptoms. However, testosterone levels tend not to fall as sharply in aging men as estrogen does in women who are post-menopausal. Further research is needed to determine if changes that come with aging are due to hormonal declines and if so, which hormones are the culprit.
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Is It Possible To Increase Female Sex Hormones Naturally
No, it is not possible naturally. However, certain hormone drugs can influence the hormonal levels in women and help control the menstrual cycle. In this sense, we can find the following medications:
- Contraceptives: Composed of estrogen and progesterone, which act by inhibiting ovulation and preventing pregnancy.
- Gonadotropins: Used to cause ovarian stimulation in patients who undergo fertility treatment.
- Estrogen patches & progesterone pessaries: Used to prepare the endometrial lining during a replacement cycle in IVF patients.
What Do Hormones Do
Hormones are chemical messengers that affect and manage hundreds of bodily processes. Often, a bodily process involves a chain reaction of several different hormones.
A hormone will only act on a part of your body if it fits if the cells in the target tissue have receptors that receive the message of the hormone. Think of a hormone as a key and the cells of its target tissue, such as an organ or fat tissue, as specially shaped locks. If the hormone fits the lock on the cell wall, then itll work the hormone will deliver a message that causes the target site to take a specific action.
Your body uses hormones for two types of communication. The first type is communication between two endocrine glands: One gland releases a hormone, which stimulates another gland to change the levels of hormones that its releasing. An example of this is the communication between your pituitary gland and thyroid. Your pituitary gland releases thyroid-stimulating hormone , which triggers your thyroid gland to release its hormones, which then affect various aspects of your body.
The second type of communication is between an endocrine gland and a target organ. An example of this is when your pancreas releases insulin, which then acts on your muscles and liver to help process glucose.
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How Is Oestrogen Used In Medicines
Oestrogen is used in some medicines, including some contraceptives and menopause medications.
In Australia, the combined oral contraceptive pill and the vaginal ring contain a synthetic version of oestrogen. These contraceptives work mainly by preventing the release of eggs from the ovaries.
If you are having problems with menopause symptoms, such as hot flushes and mood swings, you may choose to go on menopausal hormonal therapy . MHT includes oestrogen taken in the form of a tablet, gel or skin patch and can be very effective in easing menopausal symptoms. Its also available as a cream, pessary or vaginal tablet to relieve vaginal dryness.
Some people experience early menopause . This can be caused by a health condition or cancer treatment that affects your ovaries, or surgery to remove your ovaries. If you go through early menopause, your doctor may prescribe MHT or the contraceptive pill, so that you continue to get the protective effects of oestrogen, even when its no longer made by your ovaries.
Usually when you take a medicine containing oestrogen, you will also need to take a progestogen. This is a version of progesterone, another hormone also produced by the ovaries. High levels of oestrogen without a progestogen can cause dangerous changes to the lining of your uterus. If youve had your uterus removed , it is safe to take oestrogen by itself.
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Ask A Laboratory Scientist
This form enables patients to ask specific questions about lab tests. Your questions will be answered by a laboratory scientist as part of a voluntary service provided by one of our partners, American Society for Clinical Laboratory Science. Please allow 2-3 business days for an email response from one of the volunteers on the Consumer Information Response Team.
What Are Female Hormones And What Do They Do
Ovaries produce and release two groups of sex hormonesprogesterone and estrogen. There are actually three major estrogens, known as estradiol, estrone, and estriol. These substances work together to promote the healthy development of female sex characteristics during puberty and to ensure fertility.
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Where Can I Find An Endocrinologist
You can ask your doctor or you can visit the healthdirect service finder. The Endocrine Society ofAustralia has a directory that allows you to search for endocrinologists based on location or the endocrinologists area of expertise.
Youll need a referral from your doctor to see an endocrinologist. You may also need to wait a while before seeing an endocrinologist, as specialists sometimes have long waiting times before you can get an appointment.
When you make a booking, you can ask how much the visit will cost, and how much you will get back from Medicare.
Generally, visits to specialists arent covered by private health funds.
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What Are Injectable Female Hormones Used For
Injectable female hormones are used in fertility treatment cycles to artificially control the menstrual cycle It allows for an optimization of the ovarian stimulation cycle in fertility treatment cycles, thereby increasing the chances of success.
If you would like more information about this, then please visit the following article: Ovarian induction.
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Do You Need To See An Endocrinologist For Your Thyroid Disease
Thyroid disease is often managed by hormone specialists called endocrinologists and thyroidologists, but some primary care doctors diagnose and manage it as well. Other healthcare practitioners, such as naturopaths and chiropractors, can provide complementary treatments.
The main types of thyroid disease are:
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Where Is Estrogen Located In The Body
Your ovaries make most of your estrogen during your reproductive years. Your adrenal glands and adipose tissue secrete estrogen, too. The placenta secretes estrogen during pregnancy.
Once its released, estrogen travels through the bloodstream until it reaches the part of your body that needs to be spurred into action. There, estrogen binds to a protein, called an estrogen receptor, that gets the process moving. Estrogen receptors are located throughout your body.
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Faqs On Female Hormones
1. What factors lead to hormonal imbalance in Females?
Women are more prone to hormonal imbalances in their lifetime, including during puberty, menstruation, pregnancy, childbirth, post-menopause, and menopause. Women have more tendency to develop hormonal imbalance than men as they have different endocrine glands and cycles. Medical conditions that can cause hormonal imbalance in women include the following: polycystic ovary syndrome or PCOS , along with other causes such as hormone replacement or birth control medications. Other reasons are early menopause, primary ovarian insufficiency , and ovarian cancer. Symptoms include irregular periods, indigestion, osteoporosis, hair loss, hoarse voice, infertility, weight gain, acne, abnormal hair growth on facial areas, etc.
2. Is there a natural treatment for Hormonal Imbalance?
Hormones have a significant effect on the mental, physical, and emotional health. These chemical messengers have a considerable role to play in controlling appetite, weight, and mood. Fortunately, healthy lifestyle behaviours and a nutritious diet can help improve hormonal health and allow a person to feel and perform best. One can try the following measures – have enough protein at every meal, engage in regular exercise, avoid sugar, and refined carbs. Manage stress, consume healthy fats, avoid overeating and undereating, drink green tea, and have a high-quality sleep. Some factors are beyond control, but a healthy lifestyle and medications help.
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 Are The Pubertal Changes In Female
girls breasts continue to grow and become fuller. around 2 years after beginning puberty, girls usually have their first period. pubic hair becomes coarser and curlier. underarm hair begins to grow some girls also have hair in other parts of their body, such as their top lip, and this is completely normal.
When Is Hormone Testing Helpful
Women with fertility issues. For women in this category, hormone panels are key, both as a diagnostic and a therapeutic tool. So many fertility problems can be traced to irregularities in the menstrual cycle, and your practitioner needs to understand what’s wrong in order to give you the right support.
Women with ordinary symptoms of hormonal imbalance. Women often ask us: is there a test to tell whether I’m in menopause? The short answer is no. You’re menopausal when you haven’t had a period for a year. Hormone tests are not required for this largest group of women. The symptom patterns are very individual, but the first line therapy is mostly the same: build a nutritional foundation, take the right basic supplements to restore balance, and make meaningful lifestyle changes.
Women with severe symptoms of hormonal imbalance. For women with debilitating or intractable symptoms, a hormone panel is essential. When dealing with PCOS, fibroids, diagnosed alopecia , and other more severe hormone issues, your practitioner simply can’t treat you without knowing where your hormones are.
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How Do Hormones Affect Sex And Reproduction
Reproductive hormones are made by the ovaries and the testicles. The ovaries produce estrogen, progesterone, and androgens, while the testicles produce androgens like testosterone .
Puberty, development of breasts, ability to become pregnant or produce sperm, and body hair growth are all influenced by reproductive hormones. The levels of these hormones fluctuate throughout a personâs life, generally declining as a person ages .
For women and people with cycles, these hormones shift throughout the menstrual cycle during the reproductive years, unless you introduce hormones into the body with hormonal birth control.
Pregnancy is the time of the most dramatic hormone shift. The body even creates a new organ called the placenta that secretes progesterone .
Progesterone And Estrogen Production And Function
Progesterone and estrogen are necessary to prepare the uterus for menstruation, and their release is triggered by the hypothalamus.
Once you reach puberty, the ovaries release a single egg each month this is called ovulation. Thehypothalamus sends a signal to thepituitary gland to release gonadotrophic substances . These hormones are essential to normal reproductive functionincluding regulation of the menstrual cycle.
As the egg migrates down the fallopian tube, progesterone is released. It is secreted by a temporary gland formed within the ovary after ovulation called the corpus luteum. Progesterone prepares the body for pregnancy by causing the uterine lining to thicken. If a woman is not pregnant, the corpus luteum disappears.
If a woman is pregnant, the pregnancy will trigger high levels of estrogen and progesterone, which prevent further eggs from maturing. Progesterone is secreted to prevent uterine contractions that may disturb the growing embryo. The hormone also prepares the breasts for lactation.
Increased estrogen levels near the end of pregnancy alert the pituitary gland to release oxytocin, which causes uterine contractions. Before delivery, the ovaries release relaxin, which as the name suggests, loosens the pelvic ligaments in preparation for labor.
More hormones are released during pregnancy than at any other time of a womans life, but during menopausewhich marks the end of fertilityestrogen levels fall fast. This can lead to a range of complications.
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