Created by Danielle Handschuh, Natalie Raihall, Deena Shapiro, Cameron Taglieri, and Natalie Willett
https://www.flaticon.com/free-icons/hormones
Definitions and Physiology
According to Healthline, hormones are produced by the body to help relay messages and affect bodily functions (Healthline, 2018). In females, there are two main types of sex hormones, estrogen and progesterone. Estrogen has many roles in the female body, including, controlling the menstrual cycle and bringing about the physical changes during puberty. Estrogen is also responsible for other things throughout the body, such as, keeping cholesterol in control, and protecting bone health (Hormone Health Network, 2018). The ovaries and adrenal glands produce estrogen and release it into the blood to work throughout the whole body. Although testosterone is mainly found in men, women’s ovaries also produce it in small amounts. Sexually, testosterone is responsibly for men’s sex drive and sperm production. But, it can also affect other things, like, bone and muscle mass, how fat is stored, mood, and red blood cell production (Healthline).
An imbalance in any of these hormones can affect several things, but a main side affect is low sex drive in both females and males. The most common cause for low estrogen levels in menopause or surgical removal of the ovaries in women. This can result in the stop of menstrual periods, hot flashes, trouble sleeping, and low sex desire (Hormone Health Network, 2018). Excess estrogen can also cause problems in the female body, which can be caused by taking birth control or estrogen replacement therapy. Excessive estrogen in the blood can result in weight gain, menstrual problems, and lowered sex drive (Hormone Health Network, 2018). In men, testosterone levels naturally begin to lower with age, but other factors can cause it to decrease as well. Low testosterone levels can have symptoms of weight gain, less energy, feelings of depression, and decreased sex drive (Healthline).
https://www.healthline.com/health/female-sex-hormones#types
https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/best-treadmill-brands#how-to-choose
https://www.hormone.org/your-health-and-hormones/glands-and-hormones-a-to-z/hormones/estrogen
https://open.maricopa.edu/psy240mm/chapter/chapter-8-emerging-adulthood/
Image displaying the sex hormone regulation system within the body
Impact of Hormone Imbalances on Sexuality
Hormone imbalances can have profound effects on an individual’s sexuality. Fluctuations in hormone levels can affect a person’s energy, responsiveness, desire, and sensitivity (Randolph, 2020). Estrogen is one hormone that can cause changes within the body and changes with sexual desire. With aging for women comes lower estrogen levels (“Aging Changes”, 2020). When women grow older and experience menopause, their estrogen and progesterone levels significantly decrease. Lower levels of estrogen can lead to vaginal dryness and thinning of the vaginal wall (Adimoolam et al., 2017). Sexual intercourse can become very painful for women experiencing these symptoms, so lubricant may be necessary in order for intercourse to be more enjoyable. Without lubrication, uncomfortable intercourse can make it harder for women to have an orgasm. These symptoms of lower estrogen levels can also have an effect on an individual’s sex drive. Women can face unstable moods and sleep issues lowering their libido (Mccoy, 2015). High estrogen levels can also lead to issues like swollen breasts, fatigue, mood changes, weight gain, heavy bleeding, and more (CentreSpringMD, 2020). This imbalance can also effect sex drive and gratification with sexual intercourse. A woman’s body may physically be altered causing less energy and satisfaction when it comes to sex. High estrogen levels can also cause mood changes including anxiety and irritability. This may hinder an individual’s responsiveness to engaging in sexual activities with a partner.
https://drrandolphswellnessstore.com/blogs/news/3-ways-hormone-imbalance-can-affect-your-sex-life
https://www.hormone.org/diseases-and-conditions/female-sexual-dysfunction
https://medlineplus.gov/ency/article/004000.htm
https://centrespringmd.com/10-signs-estrogen-dominance/
Lower testosterone levels can also hinder sexual desire and responsiveness in both men and women. For men, lower testosterone levels decrease sex drive and at times contribute to erectile dysfunction (Robinson, 2019). Often, there is a correlation between high testosterone levels and high libido. Some men with lower testosterone levels may worry about having a reduced desire for sex or having trouble getting erections. Infertility can also be a concern as testosterone aids in many bodily functions for men including sperm production (Robinson, 2019). Although testosterone is an important hormone for men, it also is important for women to make and maintain in the body as well. Lower levels of testosterone for women can also lead to a decrease in sexual desire and energy (Mccoy, 2015). Women may have issues becoming aroused, decreasing their sexual satisfaction and desire.
https://www.webmd.com/men/how-low-testosterone-can-affect-your-sex-drive#1
https://fitoru.com/signs-of-hormonal-imbalances-and-treatment/
Interventions & Parent/Family Teaching
Hormonal imbalances can cause a multitude of side effects for those who experience them and can often be hard to identify right away. These side effects can affect a person’s physical health, sexual desires, and emotional health so it is incredibly important for patients and their families to learn more about the imbalances and related effects. While some imbalances can cause very minor effects, such as constipation or hot flashes, it is very important that people who experience new symptoms seek medical treatment before matters worsen (“The Dangers”, 2019). If hormone imbalances go untreated, they can cause long term medical issues and lower a person’s quality of life overall. It is essential that individuals who experience any symptoms seek medical help and not ignore important signs. https://www.bridgeshealingcenters.com/dangers-of-untreated-hormonal-imbalance/
In women, hormonal imbalances could be an indication of early menopause, certain ovary issues, and even forms of cancer (“The Dangers”, 2019). Women should talk to a medical professional about new or worsening symptoms in order to receive the appropriate care, including medicine or testing, to address, and hopefully resolve, any concerns. In men, hormonal imbalances can often go unnoticed or unidentified because the symptoms may resemble signs of aging, such as a loss of hair or muscle mass and reduced sex drive (Huizen, 2020). It is vital that men who experience any new symptoms that may be unusual seek medical attention and receive the care necessary. Hormone testing is available through medical providers for individuals with symptoms or concerns and could help to identify any possible problems with hormone levels (“What’s Causing”, 2019). Medical professionals can then take the results and suggest medicines, lifestyle changes, or further testing. It is also vital for all individuals with hormonal imbalances to remember that there are resources and services available to help and that the effects are not their fault. https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/321486
https://chapelhillgynecology.com/whats-causing-my-hormone-imbalance/
Family members can offer support by learning more about hormonal imbalances and the effects they can have on physical appearance and emotional health. This education could help family members better identify any potential issues that may be seen externally, whether that is based on appearance or moods, and be able to offer support or advice in the most appropriate ways. Encouragement and validation from family members can help push patients to seek needed medical help and improve their lives overall. All in all, the most important thing for patients and family members alike is to read more about the causes and effects of hormonal imbalances so that the signs don’t go unrecognized and problems can be solved early on.
An educational video on how to manage estrogen imbalances in the body
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rCUOiTph8KU
An educational video about testosterone and the impacts of its imbalance
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6Q4z2RPUwZ0
Support and Therapy Options
Because hormone imbalances are fairly common, there are many options that can be explored to treat the root of the problem. Patients can find support for their medical concerns by consulting an Endocrinologist and may also seek the guidance of a sexual therapist to provide insight and support for the sexual dysfunction they may be experiencing because of their hormone imbalance. A few examples of types of hormone therapy an Endocrinologist may suggest for women experiencing hormone imbalances are Estrogen, Progesterone, DHEA, and Testosterone, depending on the hormone needs. Testosterone is typically thought of as a male sex hormone, but low levels are critical for women’s health. These are examples of bioidentical hormones, which means they are chemically created to be identical to human hormones and then made to be the desired dosage for the patient (WIBI, 2020). This type of hormone therapy is tolerated well by most women’s bodies and can be taken in small doses. Salivary tests can be done to personalize and tailor the dosage (Mayo Clinic, 2011). Using these forms of hormone therapy can increase libido as well as improving mood, muscle and bone mass, improving sleep, lower blood pressure, etc. Many women experience severe symptoms of menopause and therefore hormone therapy is a necessary treatment. However, some women do not experience noticeable symptoms during menopause. The decision to start hormone therapy is one that should be made with the consultation of a doctor.
For men with hypogonadism (low testosterone) seeking help from an endocrinologist is essential in managing symptoms. There are many options, but treatment just be decided by your endocrinologist. Testosterone therapy includes gel patches that you put on your skin, injections, tablets that stick to the gums, pellets inserted under the skin, and pills. It is important to remember over the counter testosterone “boosters”do not actually contain any testosterone and are not strongly supported. Even though testosterone replacement therapy is the only way to reliably boost hormones, there are several lifestyle changes that can naturally help the male body (Davidge-Pitts, 2020).Even though all exercise may increase levels of testosterone weight lifting and high intensity interval training are the most effective. The next suggestions are eating a diet based on whole foods, minimizing stress levels, making sure you are getting enough vitamin D, and getting plenty of sleep that is high quality. Additionally, the herb ashwagandha is one of the only natural testosterone supported by scientific evidence (Mawer, 2016).
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3127562/
https://www.hormone.org/diseases-and-conditions/low-testosterone
https://womeninbalance.org/choices-in-therapy/hormone-treatment-options/
Within the Harrisonburg area there are endocrinologists available. Here are a couple of local resources:
Jeffrey S Taylor, M.D.
1661 South Main Street
540-689-4300
Nabeel Babar, M.D.
1461 Brookhaven Dr
540-908-2100
https://www.shecares.com/hormones/treatments
A guide to a handful of treatments for hormonal imbalance (not the only options available!)