PCOS specialist, Dr. Audra Foster, offers bioidentical hormone therapy to fight Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome–bringing peace and comfort to the women of Pleasanton, California.

Pleasanton, California bioidentical hormone specialist Audra Foster, N.D. of Epic Living Medical Center helps women suffering from Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS) using bioidentical hormone replacement therapy (BHRT) combined with customized natural holistic medcine treatments that are designed to help restore balance and promote optimal health. Dr. Foster understands the devastating effects that PCOS can have on a woman’s overall health and well-being and is committed to helping East Bay Area women overcome their symptoms and regain control of their lives. Using natural bioidentical hormones and an advanced natural holistic medcine approach, PCOS specialist, Dr. Audra Foster, offers expert care to thousands of East Bay Area women so they can achieve optimal balance, health, and wellness. With proper diagnostic testing, BHRT and customized natural holistic medcine treatments, East Bay Area women have been able to successfully balance hormones and gain relief from symptoms associated with PCOS. Pleasanton, California PCOS specialist, Dr. Audra Foster, offers a variety of comprehensive and compassionate natural holistic medcine programs to help East Bay Area women restore their hormonal balance.

Pleasanton, California PCOS specialist, Dr. Audra Foster, offers a comprehensive natural holistic medcine approach to treating East Bay Area women suffering from PCOS to give them the optimal hormone health they deserve. Call (925) 694-0248 today!

Symptoms of Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome

PCOS can be difficult to diagnose, often requiring a physical, blood tests, and ultrasounds. A diagnosis is made if other causes have been ruled out and you present with at least two of the following three criteria: irregular or infrequent periods, scans proving the presence of polycystic ovaries, or blood tests indicating high levels of ‘male hormones.’

Androgens are a hormone produced in females by their ovaries and adrenal glands, the effects of which are reduced by the presence of estrogen. Unbalanced androgen levels can cause a variety of symptoms including the growth of darker, coarser, longer hair in unwanted areas.

Most ovarian cysts are small and naturally occurring fluid-filled sacs that occasionally grow and diminish within a woman’s ovaries. However, an imbalance of hormones can cause those cysts to grow large or rupture–which can be painful and dangerous. They may also grow in such a way as to complicate conception.

Excess androgen levels can wreak havoc on your regularly scheduled cycle, in fact, it can disrupt it completely–leaving you with shorter or missed periods. This can be detrimental to any woman hoping to become pregnant.

Studies have indicated that women with PCOS are 40% more likely to experience hypertension or elevated blood pressure. High blood pressure can lead to several dangerous outcomes if left unchecked.

As androgen levels rise, a common side effect is hair growth in unwanted areas, hair thinning, or hair loss.

PCOS can cause your body to become resistant to your naturally occurring insulin stores. Insulin is what helps convert sugars and starches from food to energy. When this process isn’t functioning correctly, the excess buildup of insulin triggers extra androgen levels–which triggers the female body’s response of storing fat in the abdomen.

An excess of androgens causes: weight gain, insulin resistance, and general stress to the body. Additionally, it causes the production of extra oils in the skin. All of this leads up to acne–which can be an embarrassing and frustrating side effect of PCOS–however, balancing out your estrogen to androgen levels can restore the look and feel of smooth, vibrant skin.

Health professionals have discovered that there is a relationship between having PCOS and depression–though there is no specific reason. However, between unwanted hair, acne, weight gain, menstrual irregularities, and a variety of other symptoms that increase the risks of continued health detriments, it is absolutely no wonder that depression falls into it. Getting hormones balanced can lessen the symptoms that lead to depression.

Having long-term, untreated PCOS can create sleeping complications. Depression can lead to insomnia, or difficulty falling and staying asleep, or preventing you from feeling rested in the morning. Weight gain due to PCOS can also lead to sleep apnea, which is a disorder that causes interrupted breathing during sleep and is correlated with high blood pressure, stroke, heart disease, diabetes, and early death.

Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome Explained

Influencing Factors

Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome is an ailment that causes numerous fluid-filled sacs, or cysts, to surround the ovaries, which causes numerous issues for women. This syndrome occurs when a woman’s hormones become imbalanced in any number of ways, which include:

The Production of too many Androgens (Male Hormones)

Androgens such as DHEA and testosterone are healthy in the correct amounts: they help maintain libido, muscle mass, and energy levels. However, an excessive amount of testosterone production can lead to PCOS and its various unwanted symptoms.

The Imbalance of Hormones: LH and FSH

Luteinizing Hormone (LH) and Follicle Stimulating Hormone (FSH) are hormones that play a role in ovulation and the menstrual period. When the ratio between LH and FSH becomes skewed–PCOS can occur.

High-Stress Levels

High-stress levels produce high amounts of cortisol, which is healthy in moderation, however too much can disrupt the functioning of prolactin–which is a hormone that naturally helps other hormones to stay in balance.

Benefits of Rebalancing Hormones

The benefits of rebalancing your hormones to combat the symptoms of Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome are vast. Many women have been able to overcome their symptoms and regain overall health and wellness by balancing hormones. Women have experienced:

Thicker Scalp Hair

One of the more difficult symptoms of PCOS for women to deal with is the loss of their scalp hair–this may be due to elevated levels of testosterone. While some testosterone in the female body is healthy, irregular amounts of testosterone can change existing testosterone into another form called dihydrotestosterone. This form of testosterone leads to the death of hair follicles and creates hair loss.

Balancing hormone levels with bioidentical hormone replacement therapy may help women prevent further hair loss and grow thicker, more lustrous hair.

Healthier Moods

Hormone imbalances can adversely affect moods. Women with imbalanced sex hormones–such as progesterone, estrogen, and testosterone–may have increased depression, anger, or anxiety. Higher levels of testosterone may lead to increased anger or depression. Meanwhile, lower levels of estrogen or progesterone can lead to: anxiety, nervousness, irritability, or depression. But providing equilibrium may relieve the pressures of these emotional ailments.

Clear Skin

Heightened amounts of male hormones can lead to more oil production in the sebaceous glands. Women with imbalanced hormones from PCOS may suffer from acne. While testosterone may promote oil production, estrogen helps women to have clearer and more lustrous skin so balancing these hormones can help women to have clearer skin and reduce acne.

Weight Loss

Despite all efforts to eat right and exercise, many women with PCOS suffer from obesity because of latent hormonal imbalances. PCOS is indicative of high levels of testosterone–which is an anabolic steroidal hormone. Women with higher amounts may tend to keep weight on. But balancing out testosterone to estrogen and progesterone levels can help shed the excess weight–leaving you feeling fitter and more confident.

Improved Fertility

The reproductive system is regulated by hormones, and in order for women to be fertile, the female sex hormones must all be in alignment. In women with PCOS, periods and ovulation are often irregular due to imbalances. Balancing hormones to promote regular menstrual and ovulation cycles will create equilibrium and provide a safe and stable environment for fertilization purposes–which can increase the chances of natural conception and healthy pregnancy.

Find Answers To Frequently Asked Questions About BHRT

Beginning a Bioidentical Hormone Replacement Therapy (BHRT) protocol typically comes with several questions. We’ve gathered some of the most common questions related to starting BHRT and answered them here below. If you have any further questions or need any clarification, please contact Dr. Foster at (925) 694-0248.

How Is BHRT Different From Regular HRT?

The main difference between bioidentical HRT and other forms of HRT is the kind of hormones that are used. In regular HRT, the synthetic hormones used contain additional chemical components that allow the drug manufacturers to patent their chemicals. At best, these added components do nothing for you. At worst, your body may recognize them as foreign chemicals and they may cause unpleasant side effects.

In BHRT, the hormones used are bioidentical, which means that they are the exact chemical structure as the hormones naturally produced in your body. This means there is no risk of your body not accepting them. Plus, they are derived from natural plant sources such as yams and soy.

Can I Buy Bioidentical Hormones Online?

While you may find websites claiming to sell bioidentical hormones, there are many risks involved in purchasing hormones online. First, it is often difficult to trace the origin of these products, meaning they may not be regulated for accuracy. This leads into the second problem, which is that it is very hard to be sure of the ingredients of these products. You may not be getting hormones at all!

Even if you find legitimate bioidentical hormones online, without seeing a doctor you can’t know for certain which hormones you need, what dose you need them in and what form of BHRT will work best for you. Here at Dr. Foster, you will receive proper care and treatment while experiencing minimal side effects.

What Form Does BHRT Come In?

Bioidentical hormones are prepared by a compounding pharmacy where they are produced into several forms including: pills, patches, creams, injections and more. Everyone responds to these various forms differently, and your BHRT doctor can help find the form that will most benefit you and your body.

What Is The Cost Of BHRT?

The cost of BHRT varies by the hormones needed, the doses needed, the form of BHRT, and the length of time that you receive treatment. For a more accurate quote, please call Dr. Foster at (925) 694-0248 to schedule a consultation.

Is BHRT Covered By My Insurance?

Because insurance plans and providers vary considerably, there is no way for us to provide a blanket statement. Your plan may cover BHRT under certain circumstances. The best course of action is to call Dr. Foster at (925) 694-0248 to discuss whether we accept your current insurance plan and provider. After you call us, we recommend contacting your insurance provider as a follow-up to ensure that your treatment is covered or to discuss how your treatment may be covered.

Are Bioidentical Hormones Safe?

When prescribed and supervised by a BHRT doctor, BHRT is generally safe. Any risks or side effects associated with your particular treatment will be reviewed thoroughly before you begin BHRT.

What Conditions Are Treated With BHRT?

Bioidentical Hormone Replacement Therapy is used to treat a number of conditions caused by hormone imbalance or that result in hormone imbalance. In some cases, BHRT is used to treat the underlying condition while in others it is used to treat the symptoms. You can find some common conditions that BHRT may be used to treat listed above.

What If My Question Is Not Listed Here?

Patients often have a great many questions before beginning BHRT. We will be happy to answer any questions that you may have before, during and after treatment. Contact Dr. Foster today with any further questions or to schedule your initial consultation.

Start Feeling Better With A Customized BHRT Plan Today!

Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome Treatment East Bay Area Audra Foster

You don’t have to live with PCOS. If you’re ready to fight it–Dr. Foster is ready to help!

Audra Foster, N.D. of Epic Living Medical Center offers safe, non-invasive therapies to help you manage your PCOS symptoms. Call (925) 694-0248 to begin your journey towards long-term relief and optimal wellness.