How To Optimize Your Hormones: Supplements vs Medications
You may have realized that your hormones are declining but aren’t sure the best treatment option.
You go to a naturopath and they say to take supplements, work on your diet, and detox.
You go to a gyn and they put you on an estrogen patch or birth control.
You call the hormone clinic and they recommend a pellet or cream.
So what’s the best thing to do?
First, it’s important to understand the 2,3, or 5 reasons your hormones may be declined.
-Poor sleep
-Lack of exercise or in some cases TOO MUCH exercise
-Poor diet
-Poor gut health
-Low cholesterol (YES, there is such thing as TOO low of cholesterol)
-Toxins in the body
-And yes, natural age related decline!
- Previously taking Birth control (oral contraceptive, IUD, etc)
-Surgery, Procedures, or Childbirth.
Your ovaries also have limited reserve so when you have a child or a procedure like a tubal ligation, hysterectomy, the ovarian function is impacted and progesterone, estrogen, and / or testosterone often become low.
If your post menopausal or peri-menopausal then addressing the wellness component or other root contributing factors can be some helpful, but at the end of the day, we can’t wake up ovaries that are no longer functioning!
If your still menstruating and have one or more hormone levels that are low (progesterone, estradiol, testosterone, DHEA, etc) then it’s imperative for you to look at what else could be going on.
If you just work on the root causes with supplements and lifestyle, it can sometimes take months or years to improve the levels enough for you to feel like your self again!
The best and fastest way to optimize your hormones is to do both- replace what's deficient AND do the lifestyle measures and take supplements that help improve any potential root cause!
Ready to optimize your hormones and feel your best?
Become a patient at RestoreU Functional Medicine and receive personalized guidance on the right balance of supplements, medications, and lifestyle changes.
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