Hormone Therapy Tucson, AZ

Progesterone

Progesterone aids the functionality of thyroid hormones. Excessive and deficient progesterone can cause water retention while normal levels provide diuretic qualities, promoting weight loss. Progesterone has been found to help decrease symptoms of PMS and perimenopause. It is the “happy” hormone. Progesterone is produced in the ovaries and it opposes the effect of estrogen on breast tissue and the uterus. Progesterone is synergistic with estrogen for cardiovascular protection (PEPI trial), breast cancer protection (EPIC-E3N trial), and for helping to improve sleep and anxiety.

Estrogen

Loss of estrogen causes vaginal dryness, difficulty concentrating, anxiety, osteoporosis, hot flashes, and insomnia. Loss of estrogen also increases the risk of heart attacks, strokes, fractures, dementia, Alzheimer’s disease, and urogenital atrophy.

Testosterone

Studies demonstrate that this hormone is vital to improve general well-being in both men and women. Loss of testosterone causes loss of interest in sex as well as sexual performance. Loss of testosterone can also cause an increase in body fat, loss of muscle, strength, endurance and an increase in cholesterol. The increase in visceral fat portends an increased risk of diabetes and cardiovascular disease. There are several different modalities available for treating low levels of testosterone and the associated symptoms.

DHEA

DHEA is important to sexual function and vitality in men and women. With age DHEA levels are often lower and these lower levels correlate with many disease processes. Dehydroepiandrosterone is produced in the adrenal gland is derived from cholesterol. This is the foundation for your ability to produce testosterone, estrogen and progesterone. Adults typically have a quarter of the DHEA that they had in their youth. Low levels of DHEA have been associated with loss of protein synthesis, depression, weight gain, and diabetes and heart disease.

Cortisol

Cortisol is often called the “stress hormone” because of its connection to the stress response, however, cortisol is much more than just a hormone released during stress. Understanding cortisol and its affect on the body will help you balance your hormones and achieve good health. Cortisol is one of the steroid hormones and is made in the adrenal glands. Most cells within the body have cortisol receptors. Secretion of the hormone is controlled by the hypothalamus, the pituitary gland, and the adrenal gland, a combination glands often referred to as the HPA axis.

Excessive cortisol can lead to anxiety, insomnia and fatigue. Prolonged fatigue increases the incidence of common viral and other infections. Together insulin and cortisol regulate blood sugar levels and excess cortisol disrupts blood sugar level. Weight loss may seem impossible if the body’s cortisol levels are fluctuating with reduced levels of estradiol in the aftermath of menopause.