Could Hormone Imbalances Be Behind Your Symptoms? How Hormone Therapy Helps

Are you feeling off but can’t quite figure out why? Ongoing fatigue, mood changes, poor sleep, and low libido are often dismissed as aging, stress, or a busy life. For many people, however, these symptoms may point to an underlying hormonal imbalance. 

Hormones are chemical messengers that regulate vital functions throughout your body, including metabolism, mood, and sleep. When even one hormone falls out of balance, it can affect how your entire body functions. 

Fortunately, hormone therapy is a treatment option that can restore balance and relieve symptoms so you can start to feel more like yourself.

At MS Family Medicine Health Care, PC, in Mineola, New York, Dr. Michele Reed and our experienced primary care team specialize in wellness and preventive care. And, we offer personalized hormone therapy to help relieve your symptoms, improve your quality of life, and support your long-term health.

Could a hormone imbalance be behind your symptoms? Here’s what you need to know.

Hormones and what they do

Hormones are tiny chemicals produced by your endocrine glands that travel through your bloodstream, turning various body functions on and off. While we know the human body produces at least 50 hormones, several play a major role in overall health, including:

• Estrogen and progesterone
• Testosterone
• Thyroid hormones
• Insulin
• Cortisol

Estrogen, progesterone, and testosterone are sex hormones that support reproductive health, bone density, and mood. Thyroid hormones regulate metabolism, insulin manages blood sugar levels, and cortisol helps your body respond to stress.

Small changes in hormone levels can have a significant effect. When one hormone is too high or too low, it impacts your physical and emotional well-being. 

Signs and symptoms of hormone imbalance

Hormone imbalance may cause a wide range of symptoms, which can sometimes make them difficult to diagnose. Common signs and symptoms include:

• Low energy or fatigue
• Mood changes
• Difficulty sleeping
• Low sex drive
• Weight gain or difficulty losing weight
• Dry skin
• Thinning hair
• Loss of muscle mass

Because these symptoms often develop gradually, you may not notice them, especially if you’re under stress or juggling a busy schedule.

Causes of a hormone imbalance

In some cases, the exact cause of a hormone imbalance isn’t known. However, declining sex hormone levels are a normal part of aging and commonly contribute to many of the symptoms listed above.

Other factors that can affect hormone production include chronic stress, certain medications, and underlying health issues. Some medical conditions, such as diabetes, Cushing’s syndrome, and polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), are directly linked to hormonal disruptions. 

How hormone therapy helps

When hormone levels decline or fall out of balance, hormone therapy is often the most effective treatment. We provide hormone therapy for conditions such as:

• Hypothyroidism
• Perimenopause and menopause
• Low testosterone (Low T)

The goal of hormone therapy is to restore balance, alleviate symptoms, and support overall health. Because no two patients are the same, hormone therapy isn’t a one-size-fits-all. We tailor treatment plans to your symptoms, lab results, and individual health needs.

Regular follow-up appointments are essential for monitoring progress and adjusting treatment as needed. 

If you’re not feeling like your usual self and you’re not sure why, checking your hormone levels can provide some answers. With the correct diagnosis and a personalized plan, you can start feeling better sooner.

We’re here to help you get answers. Call us today or request an appointment online anytime to learn more about hormone therapy and how it might benefit you.