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There are 3 different types of estrogen in the human body. Estradiol is the main estrogen and is produced in the ovaries. After menopause, the ovaries do not produce estradiol any longer so the body becomes deficient in this very important hormone. Estradiol plays a role in energy and mood, mental clarity and concentration, optimal blood pressure, bones, good quality sleep, sex drive, and even metabolism. When the estradiol level falls after menopause, levels of serotonin, the mood stabilizer, fall as well. This can contribute to symptoms of depression, agitation, anxiety, and sleep problems. Estradiol also plays a major role in body composition and a deficiency can promote fat to accumulate in the mid-section. With decreased estradiol levels, metabolism slows down and fat becomes deposited around the abdomen, which increases the risk for diabetes, heart disease, and breast cancer. Benefits to using hormone supplementation to restore estradiol include: a boost in energy, better metabolic function, improved mood, no more hot flashes, and improved sleep. Estrogen replacement can also decrease your risk of diabetes and heart disease, as well as offering protective benefits to the bones. Testosterone is also a hormone that declines with menopause. Low testosterone levels are associated with fatigue, decreased libido, and the loss of muscles. When prescribed in small doses, testosterone can be a very helpful component to HRT. Bio-identical hormones are derived from natural plant sources to mimic human hormones and are physiologically identical to that of the hormones the body produces naturally. Bio-identical HRT is increasingly becoming the go to method of hormone replacement for menopausal women. When discussing the possibility of starting hormones with your physician, it is important to make sure that the benefits out-weight any risks associated with the treatment. Remember, the goal is to optimize your quality of life and overall well-being. Blood tests can be monitored routinely during the treatment to ensure that your hormone levels are in the best possible range while using the lowest possible doses of bio-identical hormones. If you have tried traditional HRT with synthetic hormones and were displeased, bio-identical HRT may be worth a try.
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HRT, bioidentical hormones, estradiol, menopause,
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