Patient Education

HORMONE BALANCE

Rebalance and restore your hormones so that you may live a fulfilling, productive life and be the best version of you.

Estrogen

Estrogen – Deficiency leads to hot flashes, night sweats, vaginal dryness, bone loss, painful intercourse, mood swings, and skin changes.

Progesterone

Progesterone – Lack of progesterone can cause acne, breast tenderness, bloating, and difficulty falling or staying asleep.

Testosterone

Testosterone – Deficiency causes decreased libido, brain fog, increased weight and abdominal fat, decreased muscle mass, fatigue, and moodiness.

Thyroid

Thyroid – Symptoms of thyroid deficiency include cold intolerance, dry skin, fatigue, weight gain, menstrual irregularities and mood changes.

Cortisol

Cortisol – Elevated levels of cortisol lead to increased deposition of abdominal fat, exhaustion with insomnia, and susceptibility to illness.

DIMENSIONS OF WELLNESS

Spiritual

Social

Intellectual

Sleep

Decreased sleep is associated with obesity and weight gain. It is associated with increased cortisol, lower leptin (satiety hormone), and increased insulin resistance. Night sweats often interrupt sleep during the menopause. Women also have trouble difficulty falling or staying asleep due to progesterone deficiency.

Exercise

Menopause is associated with increased abdominal and visceral fat and a decrease in lean body mass. This places women at risk for cardiovascular disease, diabetes, hypertension, uterine and breast cancer. Strength training is critical to improve lean body mass, burn fat and build muscle.

Sexual Health

The genitourinary syndrome of menopause (GSM) is associated with vaginal dryness, burning and irritation, painful intercourse, and urinary symptoms including increased urination, sudden urge to get to the bathroom, and frequent urinary tract infections.

Nutrition

The majority of women gain weight during menopause and fat deposition shifts from their legs and buttocks to their abdomen. It is critical that women during this transition maintain a consistent exercise program, eat whole foods and moderate amounts of protein, limit carbohydrates, and increase dietary fiber and healthy fats. Avoidance of alcohol and sugar is also important. Women who are overweight are at risk for breast cancer, uterine and colon cancer.

Spiritual

Mindfulness, prayer, meditation, and journaling decrease cortisol levels, removing us from a state of hyperarousal. These practices improve sleep and immunity while decreasing abdominal fat and blood pressure.

Social

As we age, it is increasingly important that we engage with others. Oxytocin is released when we touch, hug, kiss or have sex, lowering cortisol. Estrogen in women enhances the bonding effects of oxytocin.

Intellectual

Women must continue to pursue their knowledge and skills. As their children get older and leave home, they have more time to develop professionally, volunteer in their communities, and discover new hobbies.

Additional Resources

Menopause.org

Official site of the North American Menopause Society

Learn More

Prosayla.com

Your trusted source for women’s sexual health information ~ supported by The International Society for the Study of Women’s Sexual Health

Learn More

MeetRosy.com

Platform for Sexual Wellness Solutions, including coaching and online community

Learn More

Balanced Life = Fulfilled Life

HORMONE REPLACEMENT THERAPY

Hormone replacement therapy (HRT) offers hope to millions of women affected by distressing menopausal problems. If you suffer from hot flashes, night sweats, difficulty sleeping, mood changes, vaginal dryness or other issues caused by menopause, contact board-certified gynecologist Kristen Matsik, MD, at Women’s Wellness and Sexual Health in Charleston, South Carolina. Dr. Matsik has been certified by the North American Menopause Society as a Certified Menopause Specialist. To request an in-person or telehealth consultation at Women’s Wellness and Sexual Health, use the online booking feature today.

Hormone Balancing Helps