Understanding Hormone Imbalance
- Tighten It Spa
- Aug 27, 2025
- 4 min read
Hormone changes are a natural part of life, but that doesn’t mean it’s easy to navigate. Fatigue, mood swings, brain fog, poor sleep, or weight gain can sneak in gradually, until one day you realize you just don’t feel like yourself anymore.
If you're experiencing persistent symptoms that don't seem to improve no matter what you do, it may be time to consider hormone imbalance as a root cause.
What is Hormone Replacement Therapy?
Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT) is a treatment that restores hormones that are naturally lost with age or disrupted due to other health changes.
It’s used to relieve symptoms caused by hormonal imbalance, especially during perimenopause, menopause, and postmenopause.
The therapy uses bioidentical hormones, which are derived from plants and designed to be molecularly identical to those your body produces. That means they’re recognized by your body as its own, offering a more natural way to restore balance.
Get to Know the Hormones Involved
Estrogen Estrogen plays a major role in regulating the menstrual cycle, skin health, bone density, and even brain function. When estrogen levels decline, you might notice hot flashes, vaginal dryness, night sweats, irritability, or memory issues.
Progesterone Progesterone helps regulate sleep, supports a sense of calm, and plays a role in cognitive clarity. When progesterone is low, it can lead to sleep disturbances, anxiety, and mood shifts.
Testosterone
Though commonly thought of as a male hormone, women produce and need testosterone, too. It helps with energy, muscle mass, libido, and overall vitality. Low testosterone can result in fatigue, low motivation, and diminished sexual drive in both men and women.
Who Might Benefit From HRT?
Hormonal changes don’t have a set schedule, and symptoms often begin long before menopause. You might benefit from HRT if you’re experiencing:
Fatigue or loss of energy
Brain fog or forgetfulness
Mood swings or anxiety
Insomnia or poor-quality sleep
Hot flashes or night sweats
Low libido or sexual discomfort
Unexplained weight gain or difficulty losing weight
These symptoms can be subtle at first but tend to compound over time. If you’ve noticed these shifts—especially if traditional approaches like diet, sleep, or exercise aren’t helping—it may be time to get your hormone levels checked.
Understanding Perimenopause, Menopause, and Postmenopause
Perimenopause This is the transitional phase leading up to menopause. It can begin as early as your late 30s or early 40s and lasts until your body stops releasing eggs. Symptoms can fluctuate dramatically during this time as hormone levels rise and fall.
You might still get periods, but they may become irregular. Other signs include mood swings, sleep issues, and subtle changes in energy, memory, or weight.
Menopause Menopause is defined as the point when you’ve gone 12 months without a period. The ovaries significantly reduce hormone production, especially estrogen and progesterone. Symptoms often intensify around this time and may include hot flashes, joint pain, and sexual discomfort.
Postmenopause
This is the stage after menopause. Hormone levels typically stabilize at a lower baseline, but symptoms can persist. HRT is often used during this stage to support bone health, reduce long-term risks of heart disease, and improve quality of life.
Types of HRT: What Are Your Options
There’s no universal “best” method, only what works best for your body and lifestyle and when you come in we will address what option is right for you. Some common delivery methods include:
Pellets Tiny implants placed just under the skin. They release a steady dose of hormones over time and are replaced every few months. Low maintenance, with very consistent delivery.
Patches Worn on the skin and changed on a regular schedule. Easy to use, with a steady dose of hormones absorbed transdermally.
Pills Taken orally. A common choice for many, though absorption can vary, and some hormones may increase the risk of side effects depending on the individual.
Injections Often used for testosterone therapy and typically administered weekly or biweekly.
We will help you decide which option aligns best with your lifestyle, hormone needs, and comfort level.
What to Expect When Starting HRT
HRT isn’t a quick fix, it’s a process that starts with understanding what’s happening inside your body.
Lab Work Blood tests give a baseline of where your hormone levels are and help identify any imbalances.
Consultation Our patients come in for a one-on-one appointment with Dr. Tanner to review your symptoms, discuss your lifestyle and goals, and walk through your lab results in detail.
Treatment Plan Based on both your numbers and how you’re feeling, Dr. Tanner will customize a plan—including the type of hormone, dosage, and delivery method.
Ongoing Adjustments
Hormones aren’t static and your plan will likely evolve. Regular check-ins and follow-up labs help ensure your treatment continues to meet your needs.
Why Work With a Specialized Provider?
Many people struggling with hormone symptoms are told by their primary care doctor that everything looks “normal.” But normal may not be optimal for you.
Most general practitioners focus on disease management, not hormone optimization. Dr. Tanner is trained specifically in HRT and will look at your symptoms as well as your labs, and understand how to tailor your treatment to help you feel your best.
Bioidentical hormone therapy is nuanced, and working with someone who specializes in it can mean the difference between a slight improvement and life-changing relief.
Ready to Treat Yourself?
Hormones influence every aspect of how we feel; physically, mentally, and emotionally. When they’re off, it can feel like you’re operating at half capacity.
The first step is simply paying attention to your symptoms, asking questions, and finding the right support along the way. If you think your hormones are impacting how you feel, give us a call or text 916.792.0772 to book an appointment.
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