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

Peri-menopause, 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. The good news is that there are natural hormonal balancing remedies, such as herbs, that can provide significant relief from peri-menopause symptoms with little or no risk (e.g. Chaste Tree Berry and Shepard’s Purse).

Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT) and Bio-Identical Hormones

When herbs and supplements cease to offer relief, hormone replacement therapy (HRT) can relieve many of those unpleasant symptoms, but it is not without risks. It is important to have a specialist review your entire medical history and condition prior to considering HRT. 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.

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.