Estrogen Replacement Therapy

Estrogen Replacement Therapy

Female-Hormone-Assessment-Test

One of the most common types of treatment that is offered to our patients is estrogen replacement therapy. It is used to treat deficiencies of estrogen – the most powerful of the female hormones.

sleepless-at-nightWhat is Estrogen?

It is often assumed that estrogen is a single hormone, but the term actually encompasses 22 different estrogen compounds. These compounds are mainly produced in the ovaries and the adrenal glands. If a woman has undergone a hysterectomy, then the adrenal glands become the primary source of estrogen.

Estrogen Deficiency

When the adrenal glands are solely responsible for estrogen production they are placed under increasing stress and as a result they may not make enough estrogen. This can then trigger a number of symptoms including low libido, fatigue, mood swings and sleep disorders. Often women are misdiagnosed as having depression or insomnia and will be prescribed anti-depressants or sleeping pills which will do little to address the symptoms.

However, estrogen replacement therapy can help to re-balance the hormone levels in the body and alleviate, if not eliminate, the symptoms. Natural, bio-identical hormones combined with exercise, a modified diet and some wise lifestyle choices can be very successful in treating hormone deficiency without turning to pharmaceuticals.

Diagnosing Estrogen Deficiency

As noted, estrogen efficiency in women is often misdiagnosed as depression or insomnia because some of the most common symptoms are difficulty sleeping and mood swings. In order to diagnose a hormone deficiency it is necessary to have some blood and tissue tests carried out which will chart the exact levels of hormones in the body. Once this has been carried out it is a matter of determining the right combination of estrogen replacement therapy and lifestyle changes to help regulate hormone levels and alleviate the unpleasant symptoms.

If you would like to discuss hormone testing or estrogen replacement therapy then get in touch with us today to arrange your consultation. Just call 303 460 0867 or email us on to make your appointment.