Hormones are chemicals in your body that control functions from weight management and metabolism to reproduction and body temperature. Hormones have a delicate balance, and changes can cause a number of unpleasant side effects. Andrea Bretal, MD, at Weston Medical Health & Wellness in Weston, Florida is an expert in diagnosing and treating hormonal imbalance in men and women. When your hormones are balanced, losing weight can be easier. Find out if hormone therapy is right for you by requesting an appointment online or on the phone.

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What is a hormonal imbalance?

Hormones are an important chemical element in the body and they control many different functions. They tell your organs and tissues what to do and when to do it. If you have too much or too little of a certain hormone, you might experience serious negative symptoms.

The type of hormonal imbalance you have will affect the symptoms you experience, but many common symptoms include:

  • Weight gain
  • Fatigue
  • Muscle weakness
  • Increased thirst
  • Increased hunger
  • Frequent urination
  • Thinning hair
  • Decreased sex drive

Common hormonal imbalances that Dr. Bretal sees at Weston Medical Health & Wellness include hypothyroidism, low estrogen with perimenopause and menopause in women, and low testosterone in men.

What causes hormonal imbalance?

Hormones are complicated, and different health conditions impact hormone levels in different ways. You might be at risk for hormonal imbalance if you:

  • Have diabetes
  • Have a family history of hormone imbalance
  • Take certain medications
  • Are perimenopausal or menopausal
  • Are pregnant
  • Have PCOS
  • Have a lot of stress

Hormone imbalance and weight are closely linked. Hormonal imbalance can make you gain weight and losing weight long-term can be difficult if a hormonal imbalance is left untreated.

How does hormone therapy work?

Dr. Bretal understands the important role hormones play when it comes to weight loss. She can diagnose hormone imbalance through a variety of tests.

Depending on your condition, she may do a blood test and perform a physical exam. Sometimes, additional testing like MRI, X-ray, or biopsy can help diagnose a hormone imbalance.

If she identifies a hormonal imbalance, Dr. Bretal works with you to find a dosage of certain hormones to help your body achieve balance.

Hormone replacement therapy effectively replaces the hormone that your body needs so it can continue to function normally and help you lose weight more naturally.

Hormone therapy can be customized to fit your lifestyle. Hormone replacement can be taken through oral medication, skin patch, injection, and other methods depending on your preference.

Set yourself up for successful weight loss by ensuring your hormones are properly balanced. Book a consultation for hormone therapy at Weston Medical Health & Wellness online or by phone.