Hormone Replacement Therapy

4 Ways Unbalanced Thyroid Hormone Can Affect Your Body

September 18, 2017 By Connie Odom

For you to feel healthy and happy, your thyroid gland needs to be in top working order. This gland, located in your neck, produces the thyroid hormone that helps to regulate everything from your heart rate, metabolism, to your body temperature. However, if you start to produce too much, or too little thyroid hormone, then it can lead to some unpleasant side effects. If you start to experience any of the following, then it might be time to visit your doctor to get the problem checked:

Fatigue

Fatigue is caused by a simple problem: not getting enough sleep. However, you might start to feel exhausted all the time even with plenty of shut-eye; then it’s possible that your thyroid gland is to blame. Without enough thyroid hormone in your bloodstream, your muscles don’t get enough stimulation, leaving them feeling tired and sluggish.

Rapid Weight Change

As mentioned above, one of the primary functions of thyroid hormone is controlling your metabolism. If you find that your weight keeps climbing despite a healthy lifestyle, then it could well be the case that your thyroid is to blame. Without enough thyroid hormone, your body will take longer to break down food into energy, and your weight will start to rise as a result. On the other hand, an overactive thyroid can make your metabolism too rapid, leading to weight loss which could be dangerous if left unchecked.

Hair Loss

Most of us are well aware of just how healthy our hair is, so it can be pretty worrisome to run a brush over your head, only to find a lot more hair in that brush than usual. In the vast majority of cases, you won’t be going bald- instead, it’s due to too little thyroid hormone in your body. Another of the functions of thyroid hormone is to keep your hair follicles switched on so that they act quickly to replace lost hair. If the follicles are switched off, then your hair will end up more brittle, and therefore more likely to fall out.

Depression

There are many different reasons why someone might suffer from depression. Thyroid hormone helps to regulate the production of serotonin in the brain, a chemical that makes you feel happy. Without serotonin, your mood will quickly plummet. This problem can be significant in itself and is certainly something you should see your doctor about as soon as possible.

For more information contact, Metro MediSpa at 888-637-7228 or 910-599-9925.

Rejuvenate Hair Growth with Platelet-Rich Plasma

September 4, 2017 By Connie Odom

Men and women can suffer from hair loss due to genetic conditions or scalp infections. When this happens, they deal with the hair loss in different ways. Some of them choose to undergo hair loss treatments such as hair transplants, whereas others go for options that mask but do not deal with the hair loss such as wearing wigs and extensions. Others just chose to shave their heads bald. For those people suffering from hair loss who want a non-surgical procedure to cope with their conditions, the platelet-rich plasma (PRP) treatment may be a good option for them.

What is Platelet-Rich Plasma?

Blood is made up of the liquid plasma, blood cells, and platelets. Platelets are the constituents of blood usually associated with rejuvenation and healing. They make blood clot when a person is injured. The platelet-rich plasma procedure for hair loss is a process that involves using plasma that is concentrated in platelets to stimulate the development hair follicles. By promoting the stimulation of hair follicles, PRP encourages the growth of hair from those follicles. The hair growth, in turn, results in reduced hair loss.

How PRP Works

On the first visit to a hair loss specialist, a person’s blood is extracted. The doctor then separates the cells in the blood from the plasma and platelets using spinning techniques such as centrifugation. Once the physician has the platelet-rich plasma, it is injected it into the scalp of the patient within 10 minutes of being extracted.

PRP stimulates and rejuvenates hair follicles, increasing the mean hair count and thickness. It also decreases the distance between active hair follicles, resulting in a fuller head of hair.

Hair Growth and PRP

Studies and anecdotes show that people who have undergone PRP treatment experience hair growth typically within months of undergoing the procedure. The process is easy because using a person’s blood means that there are no problems with compatibility. PRP also lessens pain and swelling when used with other procedures such as hair transplants.

For more information, contact Metro MediSpa at 888-637-7228 or 910-599-9925.

What Hormones Affect Low Libido?

August 21, 2017 By Connie Odom

At given points in their lives, men and women may suffer from low libidos. A low sex drive can be caused by a variety of factors. Sometimes medical conditions cause this condition, but at other times, psychological factors and the resulting hormonal changes make men and women disinterested in sex. Below is a look at some of the most common hormones that affect sexual behavior in both genders, and how Hormone Replacement Therapy can help deal with hormone-induced lowered libidos.

Estrogen

Estrogen is a hormone found in women and is responsible for controlling pregnancy, menstrual cycles, and reproduction. When a woman has low levels of estrogen, such as during menopause, she experiences sleeping disorders, unstable moods, and vaginal dryness. All these factors ultimately result in a reduced desire for sex.

Progesterone

Like estrogen, progesterone is a female hormone that controls women’s menstrual cycles and pregnancy. Medical studies have not shown exactly how, but scientists know that low levels of progesterone impact a woman’s sexuality and reduce her desire. Women typically experience low progesterone levels during menopause.

Testosterone

Contrary to popular belief that testosterone is a male hormone, this hormone is present in both sexes and impacts the libido of both men and women. Low levels of testosterone diminish sex drive and sexual interest in men. In women, low levels of testosterone result in reduced production of the hormone progesterone, which, in turn, lowers a woman’s sex drive.

Low levels of testosterone are the product of many factors. Some men and women have low levels of testosterone because their bodies produce less of it. This problem is true among the aging population. Others experience low levels of testosterone because they are stressed. Stress makes the body produce a hormone called cortisol. Cortisol prevents the body from producing any more testosterone, high stress over long periods results in a loss of interest in sex.

Thyroid and Prolactin

Prolactin is the hormone responsible for promoting the production of milk in a woman’s body. When produced in large amounts, it causes tenderness in the breasts, which puts some women off sex. The thyroid is the human hormone that regulates a person’s metabolism and energy levels. With low thyroid levels, both men and women lose energy and stamina fast, which create low libidos.

Correcting Hormonal Imbalance with Hormone Replacement Therapy. Low levels of estrogen, testosterone, and progesterone lower the human libido. The good news is that these hormonal imbalances can be corrected using Hormone Replacement Therapy at Metro MediSpa in Wilmington, NC. With supplements and other medication, therapists can help most people regain their sexual desire and function. Call for an appointment today at 888-637-7228 or 910-599-9925.

Help! My Hair is Falling Out

August 7, 2017 By Connie Odom

As a woman, you won’t have to worry about losing your hair and going bald, as that is a problem for men, right? Well, generally speaking, yes. However, although excessive hair loss in women is rare, it is not impossible. If you happen to be experiencing it firsthand, it isn’t a nice feeling. Losing a little hair is perfectly normal, just check the drain after a shower or your hairbrush after brushing. If you are losing excessive amounts, there could be a reason which will need addressing. Here are a few causes for hair loss.

Hypothyroidism – The thyroid hormone plays a significant role in some physiological processes within the human body. In women, thyroid hormone problems could be the cause of excessive hair loss. With hypothyroidism (aka thyroid disease), the body doesn’t produce enough thyroid hormone. Hair growth slows down, and it could potentially fall out. Other common symptoms include weight gain, lack of energy, depression, lethargy, and trouble sleeping. If you suffer from thyroid issues, you may wish to speak to trained experts who may recommend treatment such as Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT for short).

Iron Deficiency – Iron is an incredibly important mineral in the human body that plays a vital role in the production of hemoglobin. A lack of iron means the body will not have enough red blood cells, so less oxygen is carried around the body to the cells. This lack of oxygen can result in a lack of energy, causing fatigue. Other symptoms include pale skin, weakness, and hair loss. To help rectify the issue, consider investing in a good quality iron supplement, and consume more iron-rich whole foods such as red meat, leafy greens, and seafood.

Too Much Styling – Let’s face it, most women’s hair goes through a lot on a weekly basis. You style it, dye it, blow dry it, curl it, and straighten it. You use sprays, gels, oils, and mousses. Exposure to too much heat and chemicals can damage your hair, and if you aren’t careful, can result in hair loss. If you are experiencing hair loss, give your hair a break and don’t use any chemicals or heat treatments on it for several weeks, and see if you notice any improvements.

For more information on HRT, contact Metro MediSpa at 888-637-7228 or 910-599-9925.

Hormone Replacement Therapy: Sex after Menopause

July 24, 2017 By Connie Odom

Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT) is the use of medicine containing female hormones estrogen and progesterone to reduce the effects of menopause such as hot flashes. Hormone Replacement Therapy works to restore the hormones that the body no longer makes after menopause. Doctors consider this type of therapy as the best way to treat menopause-related effects but advise re-evaluation six months into the treatment.

Estrogen hormone prepares the uterus to receive a fertilized egg and also controls how the body utilizes calcium. High levels of estrogen increase the chances of getting cancer of the endometrium and why it goes hand in hand with progesterone. Progesterone reduces the likelihood of getting this type of cancer as it thins the lining of the uterus. The chances of getting this cancer are high in females who’ve hit menopause as cells from the endometrium aren’t leaving your body as would be the case during your period.

A common occurrence in women who are at the menopause age is low sexual drive and complicated vaginal problems. According to Menopause Matters survey, 51% of the females polled reported that once they hit menopause bothersome vaginal problems like bleeding and vaginal dryness were key factors for them to avoid sex. 47% also said that after menopause they realized that their sexual drive was lacking. The females were told to go for consultations with professional healthcare givers. A majority of those that started Hormone Replacement Therapy reported that they felt like their old selves. HRT eliminated the complicated vaginal issues and low sex drives. Hormone Replacement Therapy takes four to six weeks to show results and is known to help women suffering from low levels of testosterone which is also a major contributor of low sexual interest. Through HRT testosterone levels are increased, and sexual interest and response are restored.

As good as HRT is, some medical experts advise against its use. They say that its continued use causes long-term effects and diseases such as heart complications, stroke, blood clots and breast cancer. These issues are the main reason why HRT is not recommended for everyone. Females suffering from the conditions mentioned above are advised to seek other alternatives to the HRT treatment. Women who suffer from early menopause and those who had their ovaries removed are also advised not to undertake the treatment until the age of 45 at the earliest.

To have hormone levels tested, contact Metro MediSpa at 888-637-7228 or 910-599-9925.

Hormones and Headaches

June 19, 2017 By Connie Odom

Did you know about 75% of all chronic headaches are suffered by women? This information is according to statistics provided by the US National Headaches Foundation. The distinction between the number of females and males who experience headaches is underlined by one factor: hormones.

The Relationship Between Hormones and Headaches

Every person in the world has hormones. Hormones are the compounds that are responsible for almost all impulses that related to pain in the body. Some hormones induce pain reception by the cells in our bodies. Different hormones enhance these responses while others transmit pain signals to the brain.

Men and women have different dominant hormones. While men have testosterone, women have estrogen and progesterone. Progesterone and estrogen are the hormones in the female body that control the brain’s reception of pain signals.

During certain periods in a woman’s life, the levels of these two hormones will vary considerably. These times are when a woman has her menstrual cycle, experiences menopause or is pregnant. Estrogen and progesterone levels spike and fall during these times. When a woman has high levels of these hormones, she will feel euphoric. On the other hand, when the levels of these hormones become too low a woman begins experiencing symptoms such as headaches or migraines. This is because reduced levels of estrogen and progesterone decrease the hormone endorphin’s ability to hinder the brain from responding to all forms of pain. The headaches caused by lowered levels of female hormones are known as hormonal headaches.

Signs of Hormonal Headaches

A physician may give a hormonal headache diagnosis if a woman frequently gets migraines or headaches about two days before her menses begin. These headaches are typically the lone symptom of hormonal headaches, but at times they may be accompanied by other signs. These additional symptoms include fatigue and poor sleeping patterns, slight tiredness, facial acne, intense cravings especially for red wine, alcohol, and salt, and dizzy spells.

Controlling Hormonal Headaches

Hormonal headaches are controlled in different ways depending on the woman’s medical history. Some ways of preventing and managing hormonal headaches include:

Natural Methods – A woman with hormonal headaches can reduce the pain and frequency of a headache through her diet. Eating healthy foods and drinking lots of water while avoiding processed meats, overly salty or sugary foods, and red wine helps balance hormone levels in the body. Additionally, getting massages or taking up relaxation exercises like yoga and meditation reduces the tension thereby relieving some of the pain caused by the headaches. If the headaches persist, staying in a dark room and using a cold compress on the side of the head that aches could help.
Medication – Medication is used to reduce the intensity of hormonal headaches. NSAIDs such as ibuprofen and naproxen make the headaches bearable, and triptans shrink blood vessels to produce a similar effect. NSAIDs are taken when the headaches occur while triptans are ingested from 1-2 days before menstruation until the cycle ends. Supplements rich in magnesium can also be used to even out hormonal levels in women.
Hormone Balancing – Hormonal headaches are caused by extremely low hormone levels in women. Therefore, they can be managed by balancing these levels. One way to do this is through taking hormone replacement therapy. This treatment comes in estrogen pills and patches and is used mainly by women who are past menopause. Women who have not reached menopause can use oral contraceptives to balance their estrogen and progesterone levels.

For more information on hormone replacement therapy contact Metro MediSpa at 888-637-7228 or 910-599-9925.