News

TILES VIEW

No more posts
blog-header-2.jpg
08/Nov/2023

Just Because You Are Going Through Menopause Does Not Mean That Your Sex Life is Over!

Menopause and sex CAN go together with ease, despite what you might have heard. After all, it’s no wonder that women can lose their sex drive when hormones start to decline! Mental and physical changes can be unpleasant, and those can cause you to lose your desire for sex.

It’s easy to fall into the trap of feeling hopeless about your sex life, which may cause you to lose the vitality that you once had. Sex isn’t just about physical pleasure. It’s also a special way to experience emotional and physical intimacy with your partner. When you are having intimate sex, the feel-good hormones are released into your system such as dopamine and oxytocin.

These are good for your health and well-being. Sex also benefits your cardiovascular system. We understand that it’s not all about sex. It’s also the way you FEEL as you’re going through this time of your life. Many women, just like yourself, may feel like the “old” you are gone, but that’s not the case! Mid-life can be a beautiful time and give you more wisdom and confidence than you’ve ever had before. Not only that, but you can also feel more comfortable with your sex life than ever!
asian middle aged couple

The “Change”

As you enter mid-life, hormone levels begin to fluctuate and decline. This can affect the quality of your sex life along with other aspects of your health and well-being. Fortunately, times have changed considerably! You have a lot more options including bioidentical hormone replacement therapy.

Depending on your age, you may remember your mother or grandmother talking about “the change” and how old it made them feel. This is not the case anymore!

You might be wondering how you know that you are in menopause. It is more of a process than a one-time event. For example, “menopause” is defined as the cessation of menses. You are technically menopausal one year after you had your last menstrual cycle.

However, this process of hormonal changes can take some time. The time frame leading up to menopause is referred to as perimenopause and it’s a natural form of aging.

Perimenopause can happen over a period of just a few years for some, or it can take several years, each person is different. In general, the hormones that will decline are estrogen, progesterone, and testosterone.

Other Factors Can Hasten Onset of Symptoms

While the process of perimenopause to menopause is generally gradual, there are some factors that can bring on symptoms more suddenly including:

  • Smoking
  • Obesity
  • Diabetes and other chronic health conditions
  • Insulin Resistance
  • Family history of earlier menopause
  • Cancer – some cancer drugs cause the ovaries to stop producing hormones.
  • Hysterectomy – A hysterectomy will cause you to experience full-on menopausal symptoms just weeks after your surgery (especially if you have had your ovaries removed).

How Hormones Affect Your Sex Life

Hormones affect your overall health and mental state. You may feel like you no longer desire your partner or even dislike them. Please know that it is the decline in hormones that is causing you to feel that way. We want to reassure you that you are not crazy, even though you may feel that way at times!

There is hope and relief available for you at our clinic in Austin. Our providers are all expertly trained in bioidentical hormone therapy. They can look at your hormone levels and symptoms and help you get your vitality back…including your sex life!

What Causes Hormones to Decline?

  • Age
  • Lifestyle
  • Diet
  • Illness
  • Stress levels

Hormone Balancing

Women only need a small amount of testosterone supplementation compared to men. Most report feeling like their old selves again after just a few weeks with increased mood and motivation. Other hormonal shifts occur in the perimenopause and menopausal stages of life such as decreased progesterone and estrogen. All hormone levels should be tested for optimal health and well-being.

Symptoms of Perimenopause/Menopause Can Include:

  • Loss of the desire to have sex (libido)
  • Painful sex
  • Less frequent or weaker orgasms
  • Loss of muscle mass
  • Irregular or heavier periods
  • Brain fog
  • Irritability
  • Hot flashes and night sweats
  • Anxiety and/or depression
  • Weight gain
  • Loss of muscle mass
  • Decreased ability to handle stress
  • Insomnia
  • Excessive hair growth in unwanted places
  • Loss of energy
  • Hair loss
  • Heart palpitations
  • Changes in skin texture

Estrogen

While estrogen is the “primary” female hormone, progesterone and testosterone are equally important. All the cells in the vagina have both estrogen and progesterone receptors.  Estrogen is the hormone that keeps the vagina elastic, moisturized, and well-supplied with blood flow.

Estrogen levels start to fluctuate and decline during perimenopause. These fluctuations can happen in an irregular manner. This is why you may start to experience irregular or heavier periods during perimenopause.

Lower estrogen levels can cause the internal environment in the vagina to change. You are likely to experience symptoms such as vaginal dryness, atrophy, itchiness, burning, and painful sex. Sex may not be as pleasurable since dryness and atrophy can cause it to be painful.

Progesterone

Estrogen and progesterone complement each other. Starting in perimenopause, progesterone levels can wane before estrogen. When you don’t have enough progesterone, estrogen dominates. A lot of women do not realize that estrogen dominance is the cause of symptoms such as:

  • Low sex drive
  • Vaginal dryness
  • Depression/mood swings
  • Heavy bleeding
  • Irregular periods
  • Insomnia

As progesterone levels fall in perimenopause, estrogen can start to spike. This can cause additional issues such as thickening of the uterine lining, creating fibroids, or even causing endometriosis. Estrogen dominance can also cause periods to become much heavier with clotting.

Testosterone

Testosterone is a hormone that is directly related to libido. It’s a myth that only men have testosterone; women produce it too, just at much lower levels. Unlike progesterone and estrogen which fluctuate and decrease during perimenopause, testosterone is a more gradual decline.

For both men and women, testosterone usually peaks in the late twenties to early thirties and then gradually starts to wane. On average, women’s testosterone levels at age 50 will be about half of what they were in their twenties.

If a woman has had a hysterectomy, that can contribute to low testosterone (especially if the ovaries are removed). If you’ve had a hysterectomy, chances are that you have been thrown into full-blown menopause within a very short time and your symptoms are going to be much more severe.

Current research shows that testosterone supplementation can drastically affect how women feel overall. Most women noted an increased sex drive/libido.

They also see better results when exercising because muscle mass will increase, and body fat will decrease when testosterone is in balance. Studies also report that women see an overall change in mood and are more motivated and energized.

The Symphony of Hormones

menopause and sex

Hormones act in a synergistic manner with each other. If one is out of balance, others are likely to be as well. These signals “tell your body what to do and when to do it.” Proper hormone levels are essential for your health.

There are some providers out there who advertise that they can help you feel better with hormone replacement therapy. But, beware! Not all hormone replacement therapy is the same.

At Hormones by Design by Forum Health in Austin, we only use bioidentical hormones. These hormones are the same chemical structure as the hormones your body makes.  You won’t find Hormones by Design using formulas like Premarin (made from pregnant horse urine) that the female body cannot utilize properly.

Our philosophy

We understand that lab results don’t always give us the full picture. Your diagnostic testing may show that you are in the “normal” range, but you are still not feeling good. We always listen to you and what symptoms you are experiencing before we start treatment. We offer our services in a warm, compassionate, and safe environment…and we want to help YOU.

Our office in Austin, Texas is now accepting new patients. We want to help you cruise through perimenopause and menopause without the misery your mother and grandmother felt. Call us today!

 


Untitled-design-38-1200x771.jpg
01/Nov/2023

In the realm of men’s health, the delicate balance of hormones plays a pivotal role in overall well-being. As medical knowledge advances, we’re gaining a deeper understanding of the impact that hormone imbalances can have on various aspects of life.

When addressing age-related changes, male hormone replacement therapy/testosterone replacement therapy emerges as a powerful tool for optimizing health and vitality. In this blog, we delve into the balancing act of male hormone replacement and explore its myriad benefits for overall health.

The Role of Hormones in Men’s Health

Hormones serve as messengers in the body, coordinating various physiological processes that influence physical, mental, and emotional well-being. In men, testosterone is a key hormone that does so much more than maintain sexual function. It plays a central role in maintaining muscle mass, bone density, energy levels, and even mood. However, factors such as aging, stress, and certain medical conditions can lead to a decline in hormone levels, resulting in a range of health challenges.

Male Hormone Replacement: A Personalized Approach

Male hormone replacement therapy involves restoring hormone levels to their optimal range, aiming to replicate the balance that was present in youth. This therapy is not a one-size-fits-all solution; it’s a precise approach that personalizes treatment to an individual’s specific needs. The therapy typically includes testosterone replacement in various forms, including injections, gels, or patches.

Balancing Act: What are the Benefits for Overall Health?

Enhanced Physical Vitality: Testosterone is closely linked to muscle mass and bone density. Male hormone replacement therapy can help maintain or regain muscle strength, enhance physical performance, and promote healthy bone density.

Improved Mood and Mental Well-Being: Hormone imbalances can contribute to mood swings, irritability, and even depression. Male hormone replacement therapy can support better mental health by promoting a more stable mood, increased focus, and overall cognitive well-being.

Boosted Energy Levels: Fatigue is the most common complaint among men experiencing hormone imbalances. Male hormone replacement therapy can contribute to increased energy levels, helping individuals feel more energized and engaged in their daily lives.

Heart Health: Hormone imbalances can impact heart health, increasing the risk of cardiovascular issues. Male hormone replacement therapy has been associated with improvements in cardiovascular health markers, potentially reducing the risk of heart-related complications.

Weight Management: Hormones play a role in metabolism and body composition. Male hormone replacement therapy can help regulate metabolism, making it easier to maintain a healthy weight and reduce the risk of obesity-related health concerns.

Enhanced Libido and Sexual Function: Testosterone is a key factor in sexual health. Hormone replacement therapy for men can lead to improvements in libido (sex drive), erectile function, and overall sexual satisfaction.

Improved Quality of Life: Perhaps the most significant benefit of male hormone replacement therapy is its impact on overall quality of life. By addressing hormone imbalances, individuals can experience a renewed sense of vitality, improved mood, and increased enjoyment of life’s activities.

Hormones by Design by Forum Health in Austin, Texas: Your Path to Vitality

Achieving overall health isn’t just about treating symptoms; it’s about restoring balance. Male hormone replacement therapy offers a path to achieving this equilibrium, addressing hormone imbalances that impact physical, mental, and emotional well-being.

If you are looking to optimize your health, male hormone replacement therapy stands as an innovative solution that can help transform your life. At Hormones by Design, our team collaborates closely with patients to develop customized treatment plans that address specific health concerns. Our new clinic in Austin is now open at 2200 Park Bend Drive and is ready to help men restore the balance in their life. Call today for an appointment!


testosterone.jpg
21/Apr/2022

Testosterone plays a part in many functions in both the male and female bodies. As men and women age, their bodies produce less and less testosterone.

But how do you know if you need to boost your testosterone level?

In this blog post, we will take a look at the symptoms of low testosterone and different therapies to increase or replace testosterone.

How does a woman know if she has low testosterone?

The most common symptom of low testosterone in women is a loss of libido. You may also experience fatigue, depression, anxiety, or brain fog.

There are other potential symptoms as well, such as hot flashes or night sweats, osteoporosis, hair loss, and vaginal dryness.

If you are experiencing any of these symptoms, it’s important to talk to your doctor. They can run some tests to see if your testosterone levels are indeed low.

How does a man know if he has low testosterone?

older man testosterone loss

The most common symptom of low testosterone in men is a loss of libido. You may also experience erectile dysfunction, fatigue, depression, anxiety, or brain fog.

There are other potential symptoms as well, such as hot flashes or night sweats, osteoporosis, hair loss, and testicular shrinkage.

If you are experiencing any of these symptoms, it’s important to talk to your doctor. They can run some tests to see if your testosterone levels are indeed low.

What are the different therapies to increase or replace testosterone?

There are a few different therapies that can be used to increase or replace testosterone. The most common is testosterone replacement therapy, which can be done via injection, patch, gel, or dissolvable tablet.

There are also testosterone boosters, which are supplements that can help increase your testosterone levels. 

Why are there no pharmaceutical testosterone pills?

The answer to this is two-fold. First, testosterone is a hormone, and hormones are not typically taken in pill form because they are not easily absorbed by the body.

Second, testosterone pills can have serious side effects, such as liver damage.

There are rapid dissolving tablets (also called orally disintegrating tablets) or Troches that can be compounded with specific testosterone dosing in them.

These dissolve under your tongue or between your cheek and gum to safely give you the dose of testosterone required daily.

What is medical testosterone made from?

Most testosterone therapy is made from synthetic testosterone. This means that it is not identical to the testosterone that your body naturally produces.

We recommend bio-identical testosterone. This is testosterone that is identical to what your body produces. It is made in a laboratory from plant sources.

What classification is testosterone?

Testosterone is classified as a controlled substance. This means that it can only be prescribed by a licensed medical provider and dispensed by a pharmacy.

This also means that if you are prescribed testosterone to take daily, you will most likely need to show your ID at the pharmacy to pick up your medication.

What medications or supplements can I take to help with my low testosterone?

Most people need testosterone replacement therapy, however, there are also testosterone boosters, which are supplements that can help increase your testosterone levels. One of those supplements is DHEA.

DHEA is a hormone that the body uses to make testosterone. However, it’s important to talk to your doctor before taking any supplements, as they can interact with other medications you may be taking.

What lifestyle changes can I make to help with my low testosterone?

There are a few different lifestyle changes that can help with low testosterone in men or women. First, you can try to lose weight if you are overweight. Second, you can exercise regularly. Third, you can try to reduce stress in your life.

Lastly, you can make sure to get enough sleep each night. All of these things will help improve your overall health and well-being, which can in turn help increase your testosterone levels.

Which therapy is right for me?

The best way to figure out which therapy is right for you is to talk to your doctor. They can help you figure out if your testosterone levels are indeed low and then recommend the best course of treatment.

If you are prescribed testosterone replacement therapy, they will also be able to help you decide which delivery method is right for you. 

Here at Hormones by Design, we help both women and men with low testosterone. Call our newest location in New Braunfels, TX to make an appointment 830-627-7979. We are happy to help you!

 


There are hundreds of clinics attempting to treat hormone imbalance. What makes us different? We listen, then we take action. We can start your treatment on day one. Faster treatment = feel better faster!
Hormone Replacement Therapy in Austin, San Antonio, Waco, New Braunfels, and Boerne

Copyright by Hormones By Design 2023. All rights reserved.