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Estrogen Dominance and Hormonal Imbalances

February 6, 2015

Estrogen Dominance and Hormonal Imbalances

Estrogen dominance describes a state in which a woman can have insufficient, normal or too much estrogen, but has little or no progesterone to match or balance its effects in the body.

Hormones are very important in the normal body functioning. When the hormones are not working as they should then a hormonal imbalance occurs. Hormonal imbalance is very common especially among women and it’s the leading causes of weight loss difficulties. Hormonal imbalance also increases obesity risks in females especially.

Women more than men, are likely to experience an imbalance in their hormones. In women menopause is the leading causes of hormonal imbalances. However, contrary to popular belief, there are other factors that may throw your hormones off balance. Such include things like medication, lifestyle as well as pregnancy. Stress also among the causes of hormonal imbalances in both men and women.

Underneath this hormonal imbalances are healthy problems that occur as a result. Such imbalances lead to things like moods swings, hot flashes, depression, weight gain, heavy breeding, migraines, and fibroids among others. Weight loss is very difficult when your hormones are not balanced for example, estrogen.

estrogen-dominance

Estrogen Balance

It is an important factor while trying to maintain weight as well also in losing some. It is often associated with belly fat when its levels are not balanced. Estrogen imbalance is common in men and women who are experiencing premenopause. It leads to bloating, water retention, fat gain and other health issues. In women, age and stress lead to the progesterone and testosterone levels decline and this leaves the body with too much estrogen.

Women and men who have an excess of estrogen hormone end up gaining weight with the concentration being around the abdomen and hip. This is generally what leads to belly fat. When the levels of estrogen are not restored back to normal, weight loss is very difficult no matter how much effort you put into it.

You have probably come across people who no matter how much of good diet and exercise they take they just can’t seem to shed off those extra pounds.  This can be a real issue and it ends up affecting the quality of your life. Just like poor diet and lack of enough exercises, high levels of estrogen in the body are a risk factor of obesity. It is common knowledge that obesity leads to health conditions such as heart attack and high blood pressure.

Estrogen Dominance

Estrogen dominance is a sad state for a woman to find herself medically speaking. When estrogen is in excess in the body it will in most cases lead to considerable weight gain. So what brings about excess estrogen in the body? Most often excess estrogen will often arise when the body produces too much of it, when levels of other hormones such as progesterone and testosterone reduce and also through our diets and lifestyles.

Most of the foods we eat contain compounds such as herbicides and pesticides which are toxic and contain growth hormones. Such compounds take the nature of estrogen and when ingested into the body, the result is an increased level of the hormone creating an offset in the balance that normally exists. Most of these toxics have been shown to lead weight gain and promote estrogen dominance to a certain degree.

Age and stress are also factors that lead to an increase in the levels of hormone estrogen. What happens is that as we age especially women the level of other hormones like progesterone decreases but the levels of estrogen do not decline. This leads to an increased level of the estrogen dominance which leads to an imbalance that translates into health issues like obesity. As you gain weight, insulin resistance occurs whereby the body resists the insulin that is produced by the body. Thereby, with insulin resistance, the risk of estrogen dominance increases.

hormonal-imbalance

How to Correct Hormonal Imbalance

As seen, hormonal imbalance is often caused by medications, toxics, poor eating habits and lifestyle choices. So how do we correct this hormonal imbalance?

Avoid Toxics: compounds such as pesticides and herbicides contain toxics and growth hormones. These mess up the hormonal balance that usually exists leading to an increase in the levels of estrogen hormone in the body. To avoid this, always wash vegetables and fruits well before consumption.

Change your lifestyle: almost every medical expert will tell you that the lifestyle you lead may either improve or destroy your health. Change your eating habits by starting to take a well-balanced diet. Also find time to regularly exercise because, weigh gain is a risk factor for estrogen dominance.

Supplements: there are hormone supplements that contain hormones that are meant to restore the balance again. Visit your doctor for more information on the kind of hormones you should take.

Avoid stress:  sometimes you may find yourself going through a stressful situation. Always try to avoid such situations by focusing on the positive side of life. Stress is a factor that can wreak havoc to your hormones throwing them completely out of balance.

Dr. Akoury has years and years of experience in the medical arena. Many patients bear witness to her good work in wellness and awareness tips she offers them. Become a part of this successful journey and join the community at www.awaremednetwork.com today. Both Estrogen dominance and hormonal imbalance are well taken care of at Awaremed Health and Wellness Centre.

Estrogen Dominance and Hormonal Imbalances

 

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Low T linked to Depression in Women

January 12, 2015

Low T Levels Causing Depression in Women

DepressionTestosterone is needed by the women just like men need it. In case of a drop in its level below the optimum a woman may experience such symptoms as Low libido, fatigue and depression among other symptoms of low testosterone in women. Of the many symptoms, depression is a call for concern as it leads to even other bigger problems. Depression leads even to suicide among other health risks that can be directly linked to it. Testosterone is the hormone responsible for muscle and bone development. Obviously males have a higher level of testosterone than women during adolescent years, which lead to a more muscular stature. This continues into adulthood and is the main reason why males have a bigger muscle mass than women. the fact that women have low testosterone levels as compared to men does not mean that they do not have much to do with the hormone, this hormone is crucial in the body of females and when the levels fall far below the optimum then the woman will suffer the symptoms already mentioned above.

Depression is a serious illness caused by changes in brain chemistry. Researchers have found out the other factors contribute to the onset of depression, including genetics, changes in hormone levels, certain medical conditions, stress, grief or difficult life circumstances. Any of these factors alone or in combination can precipitate changes in brain chemistry that lead to depression’s many symptoms. According to the World Health Organization, depression is one of the most disabling disorders in the world, affecting roughly one in five women and one in ten men at some point in their lifetime. It is estimated that 21% of women and 12% of men in the U.S will experience an episode of depression at some point in their lifetime. These statistics show that depression is here with us and so we need to do much to save our women from its adverse effects.

Major causes of low testosterone

Low Progesterone Levels- when the levels of progesterone reduce then the levels of testosterone will also reduce. This is because it is progesterone that converts into androstenedione from which testosterone is produced. Therefore when there is an insufficient level of progesterone in the body then the production of testosterone will equally be insufficient. However as women approach menopause the production of progesterone hormone falls which in turn induces a fall in the production of testosterone hence this explains why women who are over 40 exhibit the symptoms of lower levels of testosterone fatigue and even depression.

Oral Contraceptive– there are contraceptives that causes low production of sex hormones in women. The contraceptives especially the oral contraceptives affect the production of estrogen, progesterone and testosterone. Using oral contraceptives for a long time can alter the body’s ability to produce the sex hormones naturally leading to dwindling levels of testosterone in women. According to a study in the January 2006 issue of the “Journal of Sex Medicine,” women who used the pill may be exposed to long term problems with low testosterone. A protein called sex hormone binding globulin is found in the pill and binds with testosterone to stop it being used. Users of the pill have shown continued high levels of sex hormone binding globulin in their body after stopping use.

Age- naturally as a woman grows older the production of hormones become slowed, at menopause the ovaries will stop producing testosterone and even the adrenal glands will stop producing hormones that are often converted to testosterone and this leads to low testosterone levels.

Organ failure- just like any other organ of the body, the organs that are charged with responsibility of failure producing hormones like testosterone may fail to work properly. When the ovaries become dysfunctional which is often referred to us premature ovarian failure. This problem can also be caused by an illness such as cancer that results in removal of ovaries hence no more production of testosterone. The pituitary glands may also fail to regulate the amount of testosterone that is to be produced in case they malfunction.

Low T and depression in women

It is known fact that women suffer more often from depression than males and this is a clear indication that hormones might be involved in the etiology of this disorder. Low as well as high testosterone levels is related to depression and well-being in women, Lower levels are related to depression, osteoporosis, declining libido, dyspareunia and an increase in total body fat mass.

DepressionThere are also scenarios when the levels of androgens may be excess in the body of women. This is referred to as Hyperandrogenic. Its symptoms include hirsutism, acne and polycystic ovary syndrome. Through social research it has been suggested that high androgen levels cause aggressive behavior in men and women and as a consequence may cause depression. Higher androgen values are more pronounced at young ages and before and after delivery of a baby. It has also been found that depression in pubertal girls correlated best with an increase in testosterone levels in contrast to the common belief that environmental factors during the time of growing up might be responsible for mood swings in girls.

Dr. Dalal Akoury of AWAREmed Health and Wellness Center has dedicated her life to helping patients restore their lives by use of integrative medicine. She also holds many conferences in which she offers training on how integrative medicine can be used to fight addiction and mental disorders among other conditions. Call her on (843) 213-1480 for help.

Low T Levels Causing Depression in Women

 

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Estrogen Replacement Therapy

December 25, 2014

Estrogen Replacement Therapy

Estrogen replacement therapy (ERT)The estrogen hormone plays crucial roles in the life of a woman. Among other things this hormone is responsible for the maintenance of human skin. They improve collagen content and quality, increase skin thickness and improve blood supply to the skin, maintaining good moods in women. Estrogen has effects on other hormones too as it increases cortisol and Sex hormone binding globulin. Estrogens increase melanin and pheomelanin and reduce eumelanin.

The known basic roles of estrogen hormones in women is that it promotes the growth and health of the female reproductive organs and keeps the vagina moisturized, elastic and well supplied with blood. Moisturized vagina is safe for sex as it will not allow for bruises that may be a source of pain during sex. This hormone also makes the vagina elastic hence making it able to accommodate a good size of penis during intercourse without pain.  When this hormone declines all its functions will become unattended to making sex a rare practice for those in post menopause.

Despites its benefits, after menopause the ovaries of women stops producing certain hormones and this lead to lower levels of these hormones in the body. The hormones; progesterone, estrogen and testosterone plays certain crucial roles in the body of a woman.

The decline in the levels of this hormone leads to low sex drive among other problems. The person loses interest in sex and sexual intercourse becomes a once in a while indulgence as opposed to a regular activity that it was before menopause.

Low Estrogen Symptoms

Low estrogen levels are low moments for every woman. During this time women will suffer varied symptoms that lasts for varied length of time however few women will be able to know that they are suffering the symptoms as a result of decline in the levels of estrogen hormone. It is advisable that every woman should have her levels of estrogen hormone checked frequently to shun the chances of being debilitated by these symptoms. Symptoms of low estrogen hormones include the following

  • Vaginal dryness
  • Loss of libido
  • Mood swings
  • Hot flashes
  • Night sweats
  • Anxiety
  • Thinning hair
  • Weight gain
  • Arthritis
  • Difficulty concentrating

Estrogen replacement therapy (ERT) 

During menopause the production of estrogen hormones stops but the need for estrogen hormone still stands therefore the need to supplement this crucial hormone sets in, besides with low levels of this hormone women suffer such symptoms as hot flashes, vaginal dryness and osteoporosis among other conditions. Going for estrogen replacement therapy may help fight against the symptoms of menopause in women.

Estrogen Replacement Therapy has helped many women to win fight against post menopause symptoms. Here are some benefits of Estrogen Replacement Therapy.

  • Help prevent postmenopausal osteoporosis by slowing bone loss and promoting some increase in bone density.
  • Reduce the risk of dental problems, such as tooth loss and gum disease.
  • Maintain the lining of the vagina, reducing irritation.
  • Reduce the frequency and severity of hot flashes.
  • Improve moodiness and sleep problems related to hormone changes.
  • Increase skin collagen levels, which decline as estrogen levels decline. Collagen is responsible for the stretch in skin and muscle.

Risks associated with ERT

Despite its many benefits there are also risks associated with ERT. These risks may include;

  • Vaginal discharge.
  • Fluid retention.
  • Weight gain.
  • Breast tenderness.
  • Spots on skin may appear
  • In rare cases, an increased growth of preexisting uterine fibroids or a worsening of endometriosis.

Natural Estrogen Replacement

There are some risks associated with ERT, however the good news is that both diet and the right supplements provide some of the safest and most effective hormone balancing remedies. One of the favorite and best-researched foods for menopausal symptoms is flaxseed. Flaxseeds offer a high content of essential fatty acids and large quantities of a natural hormone-balancing substance known as lignins. Lignins are very potent anti-cancer agents for cancers that are hormone sensitive and extensive studies on both colon and breast cancer show that as little as 2 tablespoons per day is highly effective in reducing tumor growth. The best news of all: Lignins possess both anti-estrogen and estrogenic properties. With regard to menopausal symptoms, they are as effective as traditional HRT in lessening hot flashes and sweating. Grind up a couple of tablespoons a day and put it in your smoothie, yogurt, or cereal. You’ve then got one of the best sources for health, healing, and taking charge of your menopausal symptoms naturally.

Estrogen replacement therapy (ERT)

Another nature given remedy for low estrogen symptoms is the evening primrose oil, which is a source of GLA, an essential fatty acid has been found to be mostly helpful for getting rid of cramping, irritability, headaches, and water retention that are so common with PMS. But its benefits don’t just stop with PMS. It can also be used in a natural hormone replacement therapy in menopause. It works to suppress hot flashes and triggers the production of serotonin, the feel good hormone in the brain. Skin conditions like eczema, psoriasis, and plain old dry skin are marvelously helped with evening primrose oil and other GLA-containing botanicals. It is one of the most potent inner and outer menopausal and skin care treatments known.

Dr. Dalal Akoury of AWAREmed wellness and resource center is an expert in integrative treatment and has helped many women fight menopause symptoms naturally. If you’re struggling with menopause or dealing with low estrogen symptoms like hot flashes, joint pain and depression, estrogen hormone replacement therapy (ERT) may be the answer. Please call (843) 213-1480 to contact her.

Estrogen Replacement Therapy

 

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Sex Hormones Depression: Restoring sex Hormones cures it.

September 29, 2014

Sex Hormones Depression; Neurotransmitters: Depression, Anxiety

Sex Hormones Depression

Sex Hormones Depression

Sex hormones Depression is real. There is a clear relationship between sex hormones and mood disorders in human beings. But before we delve into the topic, it is important to highlight the definition of a few basic terms at this pointSex hormones Depression is real.

What are Hormones?

Basically, a hormone is a special biochemical compound in the body that is secreted by specialized glands and used to perform specific functions. Hormones can be produced either by specialized cells within the brain or by the cells of specialized glands which are located at specific points within the body.

For hormones to work efficiently, they depend on the activity of special cells that are able to respond to their signals. These cells are known as receptors. What happens is that many different organs and tissues of the body have specific types of receptors for specific hormones. Therefore, a particular hormone is able to affect an organ that has receptors that match it.

Therefore, when hormones are produced, they are able to travel throughout the body via the normal body circulatory systems. However, they only affect specific organs in the body, those that have the right receptors. Further, the activity of hormones in the body may be regulated by other hormones. This usually happens in the form of the presence of one hormone either signaling the production or inhibition of another.

What are Neurotransmitters? How do they relate to Sex Hormones Depression?

Neurotransmitters are special biochemical compounds that trigger activity between nerve cells. Seen as messengers, neurotransmitters function by linking activity between two nerve cells: the one that is producing it and a different nerve or brain cell.

Hormones have been known to act in a manner similar to that of neurotransmitters, thus affecting the mood of individuals. Although there are many different types of hormones, those ones that are related to sex have received a lot of attention in the role that they play in influencing moods, particularly when acting as neurotransmitters. There are different types of sex hormones which include the following: testosterone, estrogen, dopamine and progesterone. Of all these, testosterone and estrogen are the ones that have received a lot of attention with regard to the role that, when acting as neurotransmitters, they play in causing anxiety and depression in individuals. So when Sex Hormones Depression occurs by restoring sex hormones imbalances we may alleviate the symptoms of depression.

How sex hormones depression and anxiety occur?

There are several ways in which different types of sex hormones can be used to help patients with anxiety and depression. We shall look at the most important ones briefly.

Testosterone

First, when the level of testosterone in an individual falls, symptoms such as low energy, lack of vitality and low libido appear. Interestingly, the reverse of this process is also true. When a patient receives a testosterone therapy, there is a sudden increase in energy, vitality and libido. Importantly, depression and anxiety are characterized by low libido and lack of energy. Although these observations are influenced by so many other factors, it can be concluded that testosterone has a role to play in helping male patients who are showing signs of depression and anxiety.

Second, studies indicate that there is an association between low level of testosterone and depression. What this means is that some men who have abnormally low levels of testosterone are prone to depression. These observation leads to the conclusion that testosterone can be used to help male patients suffering from depression.

When used to treat depression in men who have low levels of sex hormones, testosterone has produced mixed results. However, the most important thing to note is that in some cases, the hormone has proven effective in treating depression. This means that it can actually be used to treat depression in men, when applied as a single therapy.

Estrogen

The possible use of estrogen in helping women overcome depression and anxiety can best be understood when one considers the normal cycles in women that characterize its production. Basically, changes in estrogen levels take place in three major phases: before menstruation, during the postpartum period and after the menopause period. In all these phases, hormonal changes in the body of a woman cause erratic changes in the mood. It is common for many women to experience depressive symptoms during all these stages. The severity, and extent of the occurrence, however varies a great deal. Since the mood changes that occur during these periods are usually as a result of hormonal changes, with estrogen being the biggest contributor, it then follows that estrogen and other sex hormones are directly linked to depression. Therefore, they can be used to ease depression symptoms in women.

For women who are past their menopause and are experiencing depression, estrogen has been successfully used to overcome the symptoms of depression. Although there are many other factors that may influence the process, the consensus is that hormone therapy has proven to be an effective method of treating depression in different kinds of patients.

Sex Hormones Depression

Sex Hormones Depression

Here at AWAREmed Health and Wellness Resource Center, we keep abreast of all recent developments in the use of hormone therapy to treat depression and anxiety in men and women. Our approach remains highly professional and tailored to your individual needs. Regardless of your specific health need, feel free to contact Dr. Dalal Akoury for a consultation session. You may as well visit us in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina to experience our range of healthcare services.

Sex hormones Depression, neurotransmitters, depression and anxiety

 

 

 

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Estrogen and Male Libido

September 5, 2014

Estrogen and Male Libido explains the Effects of Estrogen on the Penis

estrogenHormones play an important role in a person. These are the body’s chemical messengers that enable the body to accomplish certain functions. There are hormones that are mostly functional in the females, likewise there are hormones that are for males. These hormones are responsible for features in both men and women. The hormones that give women their feminine characteristics are estrogen and progesterone they are produced in the ovaries of these ladies up to a certain time that they reach menopause a period at which the production of these hormones at the ovary stops. These are responsible for breast enlargement, decreases the muscle mass and heightens the voice of women. It is the hormone that also keeps women sexually active without this hormone women suffer many sexually related problems such as lack of sex drive, inability to get aroused for sex and possibly it may affect their climax during sex- there might be absence of orgasm. To help women who have reached menopause but still wish to enjoy sex there is a hormone therapy through which their bodies can be supplemented with this hormone to enable them resume their sexual vigor. On the other hand the male hormones known as androgens also give men their sexual characteristics. They are what differentiates men from women, the most active male hormone is the testosterone and it does such functions as deepening the voice, increasing the muscle mass, enables growth of hair in pubic area as well as the facial hair, enhances sex drive, stimulates the growth of the penis and testicles in children.

Generally, men have more testosterone hormones than women and women also have more estrogen than men. It is however good to note that even men have estrogen in low levels and they help accomplish such functions as regulating certain functions of the reproductive system important to the maturation of sperm,  However estrogen dominance in men can cause myriad problems ranging from erectile dysfunction to prostate cancer, Estrogen and Male Libido is of great significance. When estrogen dominates in men the men will have female features such as enlarged breasts, heightened voice, reduction in trunk and body hair, presence of vellus hair (this is the type of hair that grows in women) and loss of masculinity. Generally if a man happens to have more of estrogen hormones than necessary he will exhibit feminine characteristics; of course Estrogen and Male Libido cannot be underestimated. There is a major problem when the estrogen increases while the testosterone decreases that is quite a bad combination for men as it will not only affect their appearance but also affects their moods and sexual functions. Remember that estrogen and male libido is a problem that should be early diagnosed and treated.

Estrogen and Male libido often explains the effects of Estrogen on the Penis and Testicles

Contrary to what many people think, estrogen dominance in men do not cause any change in the size of the penis it only makes it flaccid. The penis will seem to be small since with the presence of the estrogen hormone the lower abdominal fats will be increased which makes the penis seem smaller; Hence Estrogen and Male could be of great magnitude. When there is too much estrogen in the body of a man it becomes less likely for him to get a spontaneous erection. These hormones will also lead to reduction in the size of the testacles.

Estrogen and Male libido often explains Why obese men are at risk

Estrogen and male libido

Estrogen and male libido

Obesity is synonymous to high levels of estrogen. When a man is overweight is a good ground for estrogen dominance as fats increases estrogen production. It is therefore wise to maintain an ideal weight lest you expose yourself to sexual problems as well as other types of cancers that are induced by high levels of estrogen. This is a simple but dangerous cycle; obesity stimulates estrogen production, and high estrogen production stimulates weight gain. This cycle can be broken by weight loss which in turn will lead to decreased levels of the estrogen hormone in the body.

The levels of estrogen normally increase in men as they age. And it is quite unfortunate that as the levels of estrogen increases it attracts the opposite reaction in testosterone hormones and they will decrease leading estrogen dominance. This however is natural and happens to all men but in case of obesity the increase in estrogen can happen to even those who are still young (are below 60 years of age) meaning their sexual activity will be maimed at that early age as a result of obesity induced increment in estrogen levels. Even if the aged are obese it becomes a double tragedy, they will experience estrogen increment as a result of old age as well as increase estrogen levels through obesity.

Xenoestrogens; the Synthetic Estrogen and male Libido.

Xenoestrogens are manmade or other artificial hormones. When they get in our bodies they mimic the activities of the estrogen hormones in our bodies. They are also referred to as estrogen mimics. We get this hormone in commercial dairy products that are from animals injected with growth hormones and it acts as estrogen in our bodies. It is also available in pesticides used to spray crops and unfortunately they end up in our bodies. When introduced in the body they inhabit fatty tissues like the breast tissues and hence favor growth of cancerous cells in the breast. This hormone is more poisonous than natural ‘estrogen dominance’ and it also poisons the DNA, unfortunately xenoestrogen cannot be easily removed from the body. When Estrogen and Male Libido affect you personally Dr. Dalal Akoury offers you many tips to reduce your estrogen levels, among other ways, you can avoid Xenoestrogens by using chlorine free products as well as eating organic foods that are free from pesticides, herbicides and fungicides that hosts Xenoestrogens.

Dr. Dalal Akoury (MD) is an experienced doctor mindful of the effect of Estrogen and male libido helped many men to attain  healthy libido, including cancer patients  in their fight against the disease. She has also helped many people regain their sex appetite and add more fun into their sex life. She founded AWAREmed Health and Wellness Resource Center which is home to many people seeking health breakthrough. Call on her now and learn more on how to enhance your sexual health.

Estrogen and Male Libido explains the Effects of Estrogen on the Penis

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