It’s Not You. It’s Your Hormones!

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It is astounding how many women across America live with symptoms of hormone deficiency and have accepted it as a way of life. They go through each day struggling to make it through with minimal energy and fatigue. Their limited energy is further consumed with random unexpected waves of “hot flashes” as if their head was suddenly placed in a hot oven. Trying to fit into an old pair of jeans is a daily battle because of an unexpected weight gain that does not improve regardless of diet or exercise. To make matters worse there is constant irritability and a labile mood that puts further stress on their relationships with their loved ones. Not to mention the fact that sex is the last thing on their mind, and when it is time to finally get some sleep…they can’t! They have insomnia that is further compounded with night sweats and hot flashes, and unfortunately before they know it is time to start the next day.

How can we blame them when they are told by their very own trusted doctors, those who they seek professional medical care from, to accept what is happening because it is a natural process of life? Or worse, they are then prescribed antidepressants, sleeping aids, anti-anxiety pills, and a long list of other medications in attempt to mask the problem.

It is likely that many of you reading this know someone or unfortunately experience this yourselves. You have been given the run-around by your health care providers and are left feeling hopeless. You ask yourself “Is this how my life should be?”

Hormone Balance is Essential:

My answer to you is an emphatic “NO!” No one deserves to live like this and there is nothing wrong with aging gracefully. We have the right to ask for more from life, to continue to have the energy to be successful in the workforce or spend time with loved ones, to enjoy sex, to sleep peacefully through the night, to ultimately be happy.

When other healthcare providers argue that these symptoms are a natural process of life, I cannot seem to wrap my head around that logic. Many symptoms and diseases in medicine are “a natural process” such as osteoporosis, arthritis, or even cancer, but we provide supplements, surgery, radiation, and even toxic medications to fight these diseases. So why is menopause any different?

Hormone balance is essential to both our mental and physical well being. Over the years Bioidentical Hormone Replacement Therapy (BHRT) has come to light. BHRT is the natural solution to menopause that has been shown to effectively resolve the symptoms giving patients quality of life. Once a patient’s hormones are balanced and equilibrium is restored, suddenly symptoms of hormone deficiency such as hot flashes, fatigue, mood swings, dry skin, and loss of sex drive are resolved! It is like a magical experience for these patients who are surprised that life could be so good. The phrase I most often hear from my patients is, “I feel like myself again!”

Even more exciting is that unlike synthetic hormones that are conventionally prescribed, there is evidence to show that BHRT can reduce the risk of cardio and cerebral vascular disease as well as cancer. Not only do many experts believe that BHRT is far more effective than synthetic hormones, but much safer with many long term benefits.

We are now in the Era of Information. A revolutionary time when information has never been more abundant, vast, and accessible. Therefore, I believe it is the duty of physicians and health care providers to search for the answers. Rather than to take the easy route and turn away patients that are suffering, we need to find the answers, because they are out there. Even if it means stepping outside the boundaries of conventional medicine.

I challenge those who may be experiencing the myriad of menopausal symptoms to take back your health. Challenge your providers if they say there is nothing else they can do for you, or find someone who will. Whether you are in your 40s, 50s, 60s, or 70s you have a lot of life left to live, and you deserve to live it with joy!
Health, Wellness, and Beauty,
Stephen Phan, MD

Reference: 1.) Schwartz E, Hotorf K. Hormones in Wellness and Disease Prevention: Common Practices, Current State of the Evidence, and Questions for the Future. Primary Care: Clinics in Office Practice . 2008 Dec; 35 (4): 669-705.

About the Author:

Dr. Stephen Phan is a board certified physician and leading expert in Aesthetic medicine, member of the International Association for Physicians in Aesthetic Medicine, with aesthetic training in both nationally and internationally recognized organizations such as NLI and IAPAM.

Dr. Phan graduated cum laude and received his Bachelor of Science degree in Biology from the University of California, Irvine . He then pursued his medical training at the University of Vermont College of Medicine , and went on to further his training at the University of Nevada School of Medicine, where he was elected Co-Chair of the EM residency Wellness Committee.

With his continued interest in education and commitment to patient care, he has trained with naturopathic doctors and maintains  these relationships in search for the best therapies for his patients.  He has transcended the boundaries of traditional medical care with his unconventional educational pursuits and integration of natural therapies to his practice.

Dr. Phan has redefined Aesthetic Medicine with his unique philosophy :  the “complete” approach to Beauty.  By cultivating each individual’s Trinity of Health, Wellness, and Beauty, his patients are able reach their full potential, keeping them young, healthy, and beautiful.