Hormone Optimization

Other areas of Hormone Optimization include:

THYROID:

We will completely evaluate your thyroid by measuring levels of TSH, T3, Free T4, Free T3, Reverse T3, Thyroid Antibodies.  We also measure and treat supporting nutrients (Selenium, Iodine, Zinc, etc.). <<learn more about your Thyroid>>

ESTROGENS:

Estrone (E1), Estradiol (E2), Estriol (E3), 16 OH Estrone, 4 OH Estrone, 2 OH Estrone Estrogen is responsible for keeping the female body healthy in too many ways to mention here.  However, most notably, it maintains bones and muscle mass, keeps the skin and vaginal mucosa healthy and minimizes breast droopiness. Therefore, if a woman or man has a family or personal history of breast cancer, evaluation & treatment of their estrogen metabolism is of great significance . <<learn more about Estrogens>>

TESTOSTERONE:

Testosterone is responsible for keeping both the male and female body healthy.  This hormone’s composition is cholesterol.  It has an important function in both males and females.  Particularly important to many, Testosterone enhances sex drive, builds muscles and bones, helps maintain self-confidence, enhances a feeling of well being, minimizes anxiety/depression, enhances exercise performance, supports the immune system, etc.   Unfortunately, many cholesterol-lowering medications such as Statins can decrease your production of cholesterol and thus can lower your testosterone production/level.<<learn more about Testosterone>>

PROGESTERONE:

Because progesterone deficiency will cause insomnia and poor superficial sleep, this correspondingly results in chronic sleepiness and fatigue.  A deficiency can also result in anxiety and mood swings.  This is why post-menopausal women frequently have poor superficial sleep and anxiety disorders.  Frequently traditional medicine doctors prescribe Estrogen without Progesterone in women who have hysterectomies since almost every cell in the human body has progesterone receptors, the entire body responds to this estrogen dominant arrangement resulting in an increase in belly fat, weight gain, irritability, insomnia, non-restful sleep, etc.  Whenever possible, progesterone should be given whenever estrogen is given.  <<learn more about Progesterone>>

GROWTH HORMONE (GH OR HGH)

Many consider growth hormones to be one of the most important hormones of the human body.  In fact, of us are familiar with the effects of growth hormone in children, it makes them grow.  If a deficiency is left untreated, it can result in short stature adults.   Many times, those same adults have growth hormone deficiencies that are life long.  AAFM treats these individuals once they become adults as well as Adult-Onset Growth Hormone Deficiency. <<learn more about Growth Hormones>>

DHEA:

DHEA is indeed the most abundant hormone in your body.  Production of DHEA peaks at around the age of 20.  And overall, from that point on, as we age, the level of DHEA decreases.  DHEA can be considered a parent hormone of all other sex hormones (Testosterone, Estrogen, Progesterone, etc.).  So if DHEA is low, so can the hormones that result from its production.  Many cholesterol medications, can result in this deficiency.

DHEA replacement therapy can in some cases:

Not only decrease the risk of heart disease, but also defend against some Cancers, plus decrease the risk of diabetes. Lastly this therapy may also prevent and sometimes reverse Osteoporosis.

CORTISOL:

Certainly overlooking Cortisol levels occurs all too often.

Low cortisol levels will cause you to suffer from:

• Adrenal Fatigue
• Chronic Fatigue
• Exhaustion
• Insomnia
• Sleepiness
• Hair Loss
• Mood Swings
• And more…..

Adrenal Fatigue is a situation where Cortisol levels are chronically low.  When your adrenal glands aren’t able to keep up with chronic demands, the result is that they get fatigued and can’t produce enough Cortisol. << Learn more about Cortisol>>

Adrenal Fatigue

Because symptoms for Adrenal Fatigue are so common, many people believe that their everyday life is to blame. Hence their belief, that they do not actually have a health problem. 

Cortisol levels that are too high will certainly cause:

• Weight Gain (around abdomen area)
• Insomnia
• Mood Swings
• Sugar & Salt Cravings
• Low Libido
• Erectile Dysfunction
• and many others…. 

Overall, overworking adrenal glands initially result in higher Cortisol levels. However, long term fatigue on Adrenal glands or Adrenal Fatigue, cause in additional symptoms. <<learn more about Adrenal Fatigue>>

Symptoms of Adrenal Fatigue Generally Include:

• Fatigue
• Mood Swings
• Decreased Libido/Erectile Dysfunction (ED)
• Depression/Sadness
• Body Aches
• Digestive Problems
• Anxiety/Nervousness
• Sugar and Salt Cravings
• Low Blood Pressure
• Light-Headedness
• Loss of Body Hair
• Sleep Disturbances
• Exercise Intolerance

Hormone optimization Raleigh, Durham, and Chapel Hill

Hormone optimization, a process that focuses on achieving optimal hormonal balance within the body, is not a fleeting solution to one’s health concerns. It requires dedication and patience as the effects are not instantaneous. However, for individuals seeking to take full control of their bodies and maximize overall performance, hormone optimization serves as an exceptional starting point. This journey towards improved well-being necessitates the guidance of an anti-aging physician who possesses a comprehensive understanding of your unique results. Their expertise lies in recognizing how these outcomes can shape your present experiences and long-term development. Entrusting yourself to such a doctor guarantees that you will experience noticeable improvements in both physical and emotional states, enabling you to truly feel your best self emerge through this transformative process known as hormone optimization.