Mid-life is when both women and men often experience changes in mood, sex drive and energy levels. Many tend to think it is “normal” or “a phase,” but it may actually be hormonal imbalance. While this phase is more common with women in and before menopause, science shows that men experience hormonal imbalance and its side effects, as well.
As there is no single solution that works for everyone, it is best to be tested and have an individualized approach prescribed for you, with options for natural remedies, as well as other treatments.
Female Hormonal Fluctuation
Perimenopause, the time leading up to menopause, gets little attention, but should. It is characterized by night sweats, irritability, and can cause havoc for over a decade before women experience menopause—heavy and/or sporadic periods, hot flashes and, ultimately, menstrual cessation. There are a number of natural hormonal balancing remedies, such as herbs, that can provide significant relief from perimenopause symptoms with little or no risk (e.g. Chaste Tree Berry and Shepard’s Purse). When herbs and supplements cease to offer relief, hormone replacement therapy (HRT) can relieve many of those unpleasant symptoms. Recent guidelines support starting hormone replacement therapy earlier than waiting for full menopause, which is one year with no period. This alleviates the uncomfortable symptoms of hot flashes and sleep disturbance, and protects against the inevitable loss of bone mass with loss of estrogen.
Hormone Replacement Therapy and Bio-Identical Hormones
It is important to have a specialist review your entire medical history and condition prior to considering HRT, as it is not without risks. A family history of breast cancer, stroke or heart disease may make this type of therapy inadvisable. Those specific risks may not be a concern with “bioidentical” or “natural hormones.” This is the approach we favor most, based on its safety. A bioidentical hormone mimics the body’s natural state, and has been synthesized from a natural botanical source. We prefer that these hormones be administered transdermally, so that the hormones bypass the liver and go directly through the skin and into the bloodstream, then onto the target cells (e.g., the brain, skin, vagina).
Male Hormonal Imbalances DO Impact Social/Work Life
It isn’t only women who experience serious disruptions to their work or lives; men are greatly affected as well, although it is generally less publicized. Men manifest some symptoms similar to women, however, the fluctuations in men are often fleeting. Unfortunately when hormonal imbalance affects men’s bodies, moods, and concentration, it is seldom noticed.
Just as with women, hormones in men tend to fluctuate more with age. Imbalances in men and women may cause bone loss, depression, irritability, weight gain, and weight or muscle loss; but men may also experience impotence or erectile dysfunction. Testosterone Pellet Therapy is an effective, convenient, and safe method to raise low testosterone levels for both men and women with benefits that enhance multiple areas of health. Pellets provide an even and consistent dose of testosterone and only need to be administered every 5-6 months. Testosterone can aslo be given by gel, patch, compound creams, or injection.
At the Kaplan Center, we take everything – all medical and natural options – into consideration to create a personalized treatment plan. If you are experiencing any of the symptoms described above and would like to regain a more stable, symptoms-free life, call 703-532-4892.
We are here for you, and we want to help.
Our goal is to return you to optimal health as soon as possible. To schedule an appointment please call: 703-532-4892 x2
Dr. Gary Kaplan joined Elizabeth Clare Brewington and Elton R. Brewington, co-hosts of the Discover Brightside Video Podcast, for an insightful discussion exploring:
The body’s “normal” inflammatory process — and why inflammation occurs
The effects of chronic inflammation on the brain, longevity, and overall health
Practical strategies to reduce inflammation and promote healing
The promising role of artificial intelligence in shaping the future of medicine
More from Dr. Gary Kaplan..
What I Know About Healing Chronic Pain From 37 Years Of Treating Patients
There are over 50 million adults in the United States living with some form of chronic pain. The impact of chronic pain on people’s lives is enormous; unfortunately, despite modern medical advances we’re still not that great at treating it.
We may be unsuccessful in treating chronic pain because the way we’ve thought about where it comes from is all wrong. Research demonstrates that chronic pain is frequently a symptom of inflammation in the brain. Finding a cure requires that we identify and treat all the things that are causing the brain to remain in an inflamed state.
Dr. Gary Kaplan says mold exposure can lead to a wide range of symptoms that go beyond what most people expect. Watch his interview with WUSA9 on the risks of mold exposure inside your home or work environment and how it can impact your health.
Symptoms of toxicity may include any of the following:
Joint or Muscle Pain
Vision Problems
Chronic Headaches
Fatigue
Digestive Problems
Decreased Ability to Focus
Sleep Problems
Wheezing
Decreased Libido
Weight gain / Obesity
Depression / Anxiety
Irritability / Mood Swings
Poor Memory
Genetics can also influence whether or not a person will suffer ill effects, some people are genetically able to metabolize toxins, while others are not. Additionally, it is possible to be affected years after exposure.
Our evolving understanding of the disease process involved in mold toxicity, combined with your symptoms, genetic make-up, history of exposure, and health status will determine the treatment path most suitable for you. If the underlying cause of your pain or illness is mold toxicity and your treatment plan does not include a detoxification regimen, your overall recovery is very likely to be incomplete and far slower than it needs to be.
If you suspect you may be dealing with mold toxicity or have been exposed to it, we can help you. Please give us a call to speak to one of our experienced nurses today.
We are here for you, and we want to help.
Our goal is to return you to optimal health as soon as possible. To schedule an appointment please call: 703-532-4892 x2
Mid-Life Irritability & Fatigue Improved by Hormonal Balancing
/in Hormone Health, Treatments/by Lisa Lilienfield, MDMid-life is when both women and men often experience changes in mood, sex drive and energy levels. Many tend to think it is “normal” or “a phase,” but it may actually be hormonal imbalance. While this phase is more common with women in and before menopause, science shows that men experience hormonal imbalance and its side effects, as well.
As there is no single solution that works for everyone, it is best to be tested and have an individualized approach prescribed for you, with options for natural remedies, as well as other treatments.
Female Hormonal Fluctuation
Perimenopause, the time leading up to menopause, gets little attention, but should. It is characterized by night sweats, irritability, and can cause havoc for over a decade before women experience menopause—heavy and/or sporadic periods, hot flashes and, ultimately, menstrual cessation. There are a number of natural hormonal balancing remedies, such as herbs, that can provide significant relief from perimenopause symptoms with little or no risk (e.g. Chaste Tree Berry and Shepard’s Purse). When herbs and supplements cease to offer relief, hormone replacement therapy (HRT) can relieve many of those unpleasant symptoms. Recent guidelines support starting hormone replacement therapy earlier than waiting for full menopause, which is one year with no period. This alleviates the uncomfortable symptoms of hot flashes and sleep disturbance, and protects against the inevitable loss of bone mass with loss of estrogen.
Hormone Replacement Therapy and Bio-Identical Hormones
It is important to have a specialist review your entire medical history and condition prior to considering HRT, as it is not without risks. A family history of breast cancer, stroke or heart disease may make this type of therapy inadvisable. Those specific risks may not be a concern with “bioidentical” or “natural hormones.” This is the approach we favor most, based on its safety. A bioidentical hormone mimics the body’s natural state, and has been synthesized from a natural botanical source. We prefer that these hormones be administered transdermally, so that the hormones bypass the liver and go directly through the skin and into the bloodstream, then onto the target cells (e.g., the brain, skin, vagina).
Male Hormonal Imbalances DO Impact Social/Work Life
It isn’t only women who experience serious disruptions to their work or lives; men are greatly affected as well, although it is generally less publicized. Men manifest some symptoms similar to women, however, the fluctuations in men are often fleeting. Unfortunately when hormonal imbalance affects men’s bodies, moods, and concentration, it is seldom noticed.
Just as with women, hormones in men tend to fluctuate more with age. Imbalances in men and women may cause bone loss, depression, irritability, weight gain, and weight or muscle loss; but men may also experience impotence or erectile dysfunction. Testosterone Pellet Therapy is an effective, convenient, and safe method to raise low testosterone levels for both men and women with benefits that enhance multiple areas of health. Pellets provide an even and consistent dose of testosterone and only need to be administered every 5-6 months. Testosterone can aslo be given by gel, patch, compound creams, or injection.
At the Kaplan Center, we take everything – all medical and natural options – into consideration to create a personalized treatment plan. If you are experiencing any of the symptoms described above and would like to regain a more stable, symptoms-free life, call 703-532-4892.
We are here for you, and we want to help.
Our goal is to return you to optimal health as soon as possible. To schedule an appointment please call: 703-532-4892 x2
Updated on November 13, 2025.
From Challenges to Change: Dr. Kaplan on Healthcare’s Biggest Challenges
/in Wellness/by Kaplan CenterDr. Gary Kaplan joined Elizabeth Clare Brewington and Elton R. Brewington, co-hosts of the Discover Brightside Video Podcast, for an insightful discussion exploring:
More from Dr. Gary Kaplan..
What I Know About Healing Chronic Pain From 37 Years Of Treating Patients
There are over 50 million adults in the United States living with some form of chronic pain. The impact of chronic pain on people’s lives is enormous; unfortunately, despite modern medical advances we’re still not that great at treating it.
We may be unsuccessful in treating chronic pain because the way we’ve thought about where it comes from is all wrong. Research demonstrates that chronic pain is frequently a symptom of inflammation in the brain. Finding a cure requires that we identify and treat all the things that are causing the brain to remain in an inflamed state.
Here are seven things you need to do to effectively to deal with your chronic pain. →
We are here for you, and we want to help.
Our goal is to return you to optimal health as soon as possible. To schedule an appointment please call: 703-532-4892 x2
Overlooked Dangers of Mold Exposure and How to Stay Safe – Dr. Kaplan Talks to WUSA9
/in Featured Press, Toxicity, Treatments, Wellness/by Kaplan CenterDr. Gary Kaplan says mold exposure can lead to a wide range of symptoms that go beyond what most people expect. Watch his interview with WUSA9 on the risks of mold exposure inside your home or work environment and how it can impact your health.
Symptoms of toxicity may include any of the following:
Genetics can also influence whether or not a person will suffer ill effects, some people are genetically able to metabolize toxins, while others are not. Additionally, it is possible to be affected years after exposure.
Our evolving understanding of the disease process involved in mold toxicity, combined with your symptoms, genetic make-up, history of exposure, and health status will determine the treatment path most suitable for you. If the underlying cause of your pain or illness is mold toxicity and your treatment plan does not include a detoxification regimen, your overall recovery is very likely to be incomplete and far slower than it needs to be.
If you suspect you may be dealing with mold toxicity or have been exposed to it, we can help you. Please give us a call to speak to one of our experienced nurses today.
We are here for you, and we want to help.
Our goal is to return you to optimal health as soon as possible. To schedule an appointment please call: 703-532-4892 x2