Female hormone imbalance: a cause of many conditions

If you suffer from any of the following symptoms, then it's possible you might have an estrogen deficiency:

• hot flashes
• fatigue
• poor memory or decreased concentration
• depressed mood
• decreased libido
• osteoporosis
• stress incontinence

On the other hand, you may be experiencing estrogen dominance if you have any of these symptoms:

• heavy bleeding
• PMS
• acne, oily skin
• fibroids
• fibrocystic breast
• hair loss
• infertility
• hypoglycemia
• water retention

An estrogen deficiency is basically self explanatory, as women approach menopause, their estrogen levels decrease and some women need to take hormone replacement therapy or bio-identical hormones.  Estrogen dominance means that there is excess estrogen hormone in relation to progesterone.  It's very important for these levels to be in balance otherwise the previously mentioned symptoms arise.

What should you do if you have any of these symptoms?  It's best to do some laboratory testing to see if your levels are imbalanced.  Saliva hormone testing is best as it is most effective in monitoring monthly changes.

If the results come back abnormal, then naturopathic medicine can be used to correct any hormone imbalance through nutraceuticals, herbal medicines or bio-identical hormones.