The Need and Management of hormone Imbalances in Women

Hormones in human body have mythical qualities to some people. Most of us, as we age would say- If I just had my hormones back the way they were, it would all work out better’! Hormonal imbalances are more common in women around puberty, menstruation, pregnancy, menopause, and even years after Menopause (Post-menopause) aging. Some women experience continual, irregular hormonal imbalances leading to a variety of health issues, including mental health disturbances like depression or Anxiety. The symptoms of hormonal imbalance in women are heavy or irregular periods, hair loss, night sweats, headaches, and psychosocial disturbances to the individual & family. Most individuals think that Oestrogen and Testosterone are exclusively female and male hormones respectively. The reality is both are present and required in both sexes. The main reproductive hormones testosterone, oestrogen, and progesterone are instrumental for sexuality and fertility. They are responsible for puberty, menstruation, pregnancy, menopause, sex drive, ovum production and more. Preserving individual’s hormone levels within normal ranges helps every single woman to retain youthful feelings. While managing hormonal imbalance with natural remedies, like- regular physical exercises, maintaining age-appropriate weight, reducing getting stressed or anxious, avoiding sugars, and having adequate sleep is better, it may not be possible for all and always. For individuals who can’t balance hormones naturally consulting a doctor for a hormone therapy (HT) would be the best option. The hormones usually used are oestrogen and progesterone, to replace those that the body has stopped making or doesn't make enough or to negate the effect if what is produced is higher than required. It is current day need and urgency for the primary care /Family physicians to ensure that patients with hormonal imbalance are heard, their symptoms recognized and ascribed to the appropriate problems and referred and followed-up or managed. This article is meant to provide the evidence of when and when not to prescribe Oestrogen. Materials and Methods: The author has used cases from his personal practice over 5 decades and close specialist friends who guided hormone therapy. A thorough literature research both national a d global practices are to put together to the evidence of when and when not to prescribe hormones for women.