Question 1

Menopause

Accepted Answer

This refers to when a woman stops having her periods and her ovaries cease to produce hormones. The average age of menopause is 50 but anywhere between 45 and 55 is normal. Premature menopause is when periods stop and ovaries cease to produce hormones before the age of 40. Menopausal symptoms are caused by a significant decline in hormone production, primarily oestrogen, although other hormones may also need to be replaced such as progesterone, testosterone, DHEA, pregnenolone and melatonin.  Symptoms may include:  PSYCHOLOGICAL-Such as anxiety, depression, irritability, disturbed sleep, poor memory and concentration. PHYSICAL-Such as migraines, fatigue and lethargy, night sweats, hot flushes, bloating, weight gain, low libido, pain on intercourse, vaginal dryness, bladder problems, muscle loss, joint pains, thinning skin and hair.  Traditional Approach:  Conventional HRT prescribed by your GP. The hormones are synthetic and often prescribed orally which increases the risk of blood clots. GP’s can prescribe bioidentical hormones such as oestradiol in patches or gels and oral progesterone called Utrogestan, although often standard doses are too high. Testosterone, DHEA pregnenolone and melatonin are rarely prescribed by GP’s. Cognitive Behavioural Therapy. Antidepressants.  Our Approach:  We will prescribe Bioidentical Hormone Replacement Therapy tailored to the individual to balance hormones and relieve symptoms. Supplements. Address diet and exercise which can also help to control symptoms. Cognitive Behavioural Therapy if indicated. Antidepressants if indicated.  If your quality of life has been affected by symptoms of the menopause, we really can help.  BOOK AN APPOINTMENT

Question 2

Perimenopause

Accepted Answer

This refers to the years leading to the menopause. Some women do not experience any symptoms and their periods stop suddenly. Others really suffer emotionally and physically. It is caused by drastically fluctuating hormone levels which can go on for months or even years.  Symptoms may include:  PSYCHOLOGICAL-Such as low mood, anxiety, irritability, disrupted sleep, poor memory and concentration. PHYSICAL-Such as hot flushes, night sweats, bloating.  Traditional Approach:  Conventional HRT which may actually lead to worsening of symptoms. The hormones are synthetic and often prescribed orally which increases the risk of blood clots. GP’s can prescribe bioidentical hormones such as oestradiol in patches or gels and oral progesterone called Utrogestan, although often standard doses are too high. Testosterone, DHEA , pregnenolone and melatonin are rarely prescribed by GP’s.  Our Approach:  We will prescribe Bioidentical Hormone Replacement Therapy tailored to the individual to balance hormones and relieve symptoms. Supplements. Address diet and exercise which can also help to control symptoms.  If your quality of life has been affected by perimenopause symptoms, we really can help.  BOOK AN APPOINTMENT

Question 3

Premenstrual Syndrome (PMS)

Accepted Answer

This refers to the name given to symptoms experienced before a period. It can affect women at women at any age. Symptoms may vary but some women find the symptoms debilitating. The cause of PMS is an imbalance between oestrogen and progesterone during the luteal (second half) of the menstrual cycle.  Symptoms may include:  PSYCHOLOGICAL -Such as tearfulness, anxiety, irritability, low mood, poor sleep, fatigue. PHYSICAL-Such as bloating, weight gain, sugar cravings, breast tenderness, headaches/migraines, joint pains, night sweats, palpitations, bowel symptoms.  Traditional Approach:  Oral contraceptive pill (combined or progesterone only). Cognitive Behavioural Therapy. Antidepressants.  Our Approach:  Bioidentical progesterone in varying doses according to response. Supplements. Address lifestyle, diet and exercise.  If your quality of life has been affected by symptoms of PMS, we really can help.  BOOK AN APPOINTMENT

Question 4

Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder (PMDD)

Accepted Answer

This is a severe form of Premenstrual Syndrome and refers to symptoms experienced in the second half of the menstrual cycle. It often has severe mental health implications. It can affect women at any age. The cause of PMDD is an imbalance between oestrogen and progesterone during the luteal (second half) of the menstrual cycle.  Symptoms may include:  PSYCHOLOGICAL -Such as low mood, anxiety, irritability, poor sleep, altered appetite and weight, poor concentration, low energy, thoughts of suicide. PHYSICAL-Such as bloating, weight gain, sugar cravings, breast tenderness, headaches/migraines, joint pains, night sweats, palpitations, bowel symptoms.  Traditional Approach:  Oral contraceptive pill (combined or progesterone only). Cognitive Behavioural Therapy. Antidepressants.  Our Approach:  Bioidentical progesterone in varying doses according to response. Supplements. Address lifestyle, diet and exercise. Cognitive Behavioural Therapy. Antidepressants- if necessary.  If your quality of life has been affected by symptoms of PMDD, we really can help.  BOOK AN APPOINTMENT

Question 5

Depressive Disorder (DD)

Accepted Answer

This is a mental disorder which maybe mild, moderate or severe in severity. It is characterised by depressed mood, loss of interest and enjoyment, reduced energy and diminished activity lasting longer than 2 weeks. It can affect women at any age and the symptoms are often debilitating. Hormonal imbalance can be a major factor and therefore balancing hormones can be used to treat DD.  Symptoms may include:  Depressed mood, loss of interest and enjoyment, reduced energy, diminished activity, reduced concentration and attention, ideas of guilt and unworthiness, bleak and pessimistic views of the future, ideas or acts of self- harm or suicide, disturbed sleep and diminished appetite.  Traditional Approach:  Cognitive Behavioural therapy. Antidepressants  Our Approach:  Bioidentical hormones in varying doses according to response. Supplements. Address lifestyle, diet and exercise. Cognitive Behavioural Therapy. Antidepressants- if necessary.  If your quality of life has been affected by symptoms of DD, we really can help.  BOOK AN APPOINTMENT

Question 6

Postnatal Depression (PND)

Accepted Answer

This is a mental disorder associated with the puerperium (giving birth). It commences within 6 weeks of the delivery. It occurs in 10% of women. After giving birth there are extreme fluctuations in hormone levels which are thought to play a major role. Other factors associated may include previous mental health problems, previous PND, poor relationship with partner, lack of support from family or friends and social isolation.  Symptoms may include:  PSYCHOLOGICAL-Such as low mood, anxiety, irritability, low self- esteem and self- confidence, reduced energy, poor sleep, isolating self, difficulty bonding with the baby, thoughts of suicide, thoughts of harming the baby.  Traditional Approach:  Cognitive Behavioural Therapy. Antidepressants  Our Approach:  Bioidentical Hormone Replacement Therapy tailored to the individual to balance hormones and relieve symptoms. Cognitive Behavioural Therapy if indicated. Antidepressants if indicated.  If your quality of life has been affected by symptoms of PND, we really can help.  BOOK AN APPOINTMENT

Question 7

Hormonal Acne

Accepted Answer

Is characterised by clogged pores and inflammation of the skin. Is especially common on the face. Is aggravated by hormonal changes such as those that occur during the menstrual cycle. May benefit from hormonal treatment which blocks the stimulating effect of androgens on the oil glands.  Our Approach:  Measure hormone levels in the blood. We will prescribe Bioidentical Hormone Replacement Therapy tailored to the individual to balance hormones and improve symptoms. Address diet which can also help to relieve symptoms. Supplements.  If your quality of life has been affected by Hormonal Acne, we really can help.  BOOK AN APPOINTMENT.

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