Whether it is PMS in their 20s and 30s, menopausal problems in their 50s, or osteoporosis in their 70s and 80s, women don’t have to accept these health problems as a normal part of the aging process.

What are the best ways of achieving hormonal balance?

Some issues are easily resolved with small modification in diet whereas others may need assistance from a natural hormone replacement therapy.

All women of all ages are hormonally affected by these elements: Diet, Exercise, Herbal Supplements, Environmental factors, Commercial products that contain estrogen or Testosterone, and stress. (see section “Info resources” for a list of commercial products that carry estrogen and progesterone)

Bio-Identical Hormones are useful if necessary. Not everyone needs hormone replacement since some some women don’t get menopausal symptoms.

Recognize the signs of hormonal imbalances:

• Irregular or heavy periods

• Sleep disruption throughout the night

• Mood swings before my period

• Cravings for certain foods before my period

• Changes in skin moisture

• Changes in hair coarseness or dryness

• Hot flashes and/or night sweats

• Vaginal dryness

• Extra weight in certain areas of my body

• Anxiety attacks or high anxiety

What type of tests are used for Hormone testing?

Saliva testing is used for measuring hormones like cortisol, estrogen and testosterone, and its non-invasive collection asks patients to spit into a plastic tube.

Blood testing can some times be required to check your thyroid, estrogen, testosterone, and cortisol levels.