What women’s health issues are related to hormone imbalances?
Women experience a number of unique health challenges related to hormones, and certain conditions affect women differently or more frequently than men, such as osteoporosis, hirsutism, and thyroid disease.
Women also experience a number of reproductive health issues that are often hormone-related, like menstrual irregularities, polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), and menopause.
At Abington Endocrinology, you have access to services that address your female health needs and help you maintain good health throughout the various stages of life. When you come in with menstrual or reproductive problems, Dr. Weiss and his team can help determine your options for safe and effective treatment, and refer you to the proper subspecialist to direct your care.
How is the practice uniquely qualified to handle women’s health issues?
Dr. Weiss has advanced training or certifications in a number of specialty areas including diabetes, obesity, osteoporosis, thyroid disease, and lipid issues. The practice also offers advanced diagnostics and treatment for other conditions that may affect women, such as hirsutism, parathyroid disease, and adrenal disease.
Dr. Weiss is sensitive to the special health needs of women and offers a personalized approach to patient care when you come in to discuss any of these conditions.
How do hormonal health problems affect women?
Your body relies on hormones to maintain your reproductive health and carry out functions like menstruation, pregnancy, and menopause. As a board-certified endocrinologist, Dr. Weiss has extensive experience treating a number of hormone-related conditions that affect women, such as osteoporosis, hirsutism, and thyroid disease.
Osteoporosis
Osteoporosis is a condition that causes your bones to weaken, increasing your risk of bone fractures. After menopause, women lose bone mass at much higher rates than men.
Over time, osteoporosis can cause back pain, poor posture, and loss of height. Treatment typically involves medication or hormone therapy to increase your bone density.
Hirsutism
Hirsutism is a condition that causes women to develop excessive hair growth in areas where hair is usually fair and light, like the face, chest, lower abdomen, and back.
In most cases, hirsutism is caused by abnormal levels of male sex hormones (androgens). A common treatment for hirsutism is hormonal birth control that contains female sex hormones, but Dr. Weiss personalizes your treatment specifically to your needs.
Thyroid disease
Women are 5-8 times more likely to develop thyroid disease than men. Hypothyroidism occurs when your body produces too little thyroid hormone. Symptoms include fatigue, unintentional weight gain, and depression.
Hyperthyroidism results in excessive amounts of thyroid hormone production. Symptoms include rapid heart beat, anxiety and unintentional weight loss.
Treatment for thyroid disease may include medications to normalize your hormones or surgery to remove parts of the thyroid gland.
Abington Endocrinology partners with you to maintain your health for the long term. To learn more about women’s health, make an appointment by phone or book your visit online today.
