Bioidentical Hormones Indianapolis – Locate Experienced Doctors Who Offer This Treatment

Are you looking for a dependable Indianapolis based doctor who can offer you a range of wellness programs using hormones? You will definitely need to find a doctor who has great experience offering these treatments because they are powerful and should always be used correctly. These hormones are different from conventional ones because they are synthesized from plant extracts such as soybeans and wild yams. This makes them easily absorbed by the body. Also, they do not cause any negative side effects unlike regular hormone treatments.

When it comes to bioidentical hormones Indianapolis has quite a few medical practices and wellness clinics that offer this treatment. Complementary Family MedicalCare of Indiana is one of the best places to get treatment with bioidentical hormones. This clinic is run by Dr. Linda J. Spencer who has been able to help lots of women (and men) with hormone related problems that reduce the quality of their life.

Dr. Riley Perry Lloyd also offers excellent treatments using a variety of bioidentical hormones in Indianapolis. In fact, Dr. Lloyd has built up a very successful practice in the area thanks to the customized service that he offers patients. People who have age related hormonal problems will find this a very reliable and affordable clinic. Other doctors offering treatments using bioidentical hormones in Indianapolis are Dr. Swathi Rao of Health & Wellness Of Carmel and also Dr. Roger Spahr who has made the change from practicing family medicine to focusing on anti-aging and regenerative medicine.

It is very important to find the clinic offering the best treatments using bioidentical hormones in Indianapolis because you will be coming here often for long term treatment. You will be able to lead a healthier and happier life, keeping old age at bay, once you can bring your hormones under control.

Menstrual cramps

How common are menstrual cramps?

Unfortunately, menstrual cramps are quite common. Also known as dysmenorrhea, they often present as throbbing dull pain in the lower part of the abdomen. Most women tend to experience menstrual cramps just a few days before and during the menstrual cycle. In some women, these cramps are a mild annoyance but in others, they can severely affect lifestyle for a few days evert month. The exact number of women who have menstrual cramps is not known because many do not see a healthcare provider-however; the number is believed to be very high.

What other symptoms are associated with menstrual cramps?

Besides the dull crampy lower abdominal pain, menstrual cramps can also be associated with other symptoms. Some women may also complain of lower back pain that may radiate to the back of the thighs and groin. Others may experience nausea, vomiting and loose stools. Sweating is also a common symptom when the cramps are severe. When menstrual cramps are associated with heavy blood loss, women may also complain of dizziness and excessive fatigue. The majority of women have mild to moderate symptoms but some unlucky female does develop the entire range of symptoms.

What causes menstrual cramps?

It is believed that the cramps are due to the uterine contractions. During this time of the cycle, several hormones are released that may also induce pain and trigger muscles contractions of the uterus. Experts believe that the the intense contractions of the uterus narrows the vessels and cut off the blood supply to the uterus- this is often associated with pain-which is very similar to the pain caused during angina.

Are there any disorders that are associated with menstrual cramps?

Yes, several disorders are associated with menstrual cramps. This includes:

Uterine fibroids which are non-cancerous growths in the wall of the uterus. Women who have fibroids often tend to have menstrual cramps

Endometriosis is a painful disorder where the lining of the uterus is implanted outside the uterus. This disorder is associated with severe menstrual cramps

Pelvic inflammatory disease is associated with several sexually transmitted organisms and is also associated with mild to moderate menstrual cramps.

A very rare cause of menstrual cramps is narrowing of the cervix. It may be congenital, induced by trauma or an infection. The condition does require treatment.

Are there any risk factors for menstrual cramps?

Why some women are prone to menstrual cramps is not well understood, however, there are certain risk factors that make it likely that the women may develop menstrual cramps. These factors include:

- young age (less than 20 years)
- Early onset of puberty (usually prior to age 11)
- Having heavy menstrual periods
- Having irregular menstrual cycles
- Having never conceived a baby
- Having a family history of menstrual cramps
- Use of tobacco

What will the doctor want to know if I have menstrual cramps?

When you see your gynecologist, you can expect the doctor to ask you the following questions:

- Description of your symptoms
- Any pain associated with sexual intercourse
- Prior history of any sexually transmitted disease
- Date of your last menstrual period
- What types of medical problems you have
- Any family history of medical problems
- Use of any herbal or prescription medications
- Prior history of child birth, abortions etc

What type of tests are performed when investigating menstrual cramps?

Once your history is reviewed, a pelvic exam is usually done. During the pelvic exam, the doctor may look for any abnormalities of your sexual organs and assess for presence of any infection. Cultures may be obtained. In some cases, the doctor may order the following tests:

Ultrasound uses sound waves to detect any abnormalities. It can visualize problems in the cervix, uterus, ovaries, and fallopian tubes. Ultrasound may be done by placing a probe on the abdomen or inside the vagina.

If the US is not revealing other tests may include a CT scan or an MRI.

In some cases, the doctor may use a lighted camera (hysteroscope) through the vagina to look at the fallopian tubes.

The last test which may be done is to inserted a camera into the abdomen and assess for presence of fibroids, endometriosis, ovarian cysts, or adhesions. It is done under general anesthesia.

How are menstrual cramps treated?

Menstrual cramps are treatable and most women can find effective relief.

The most common drugs are the non-steroidal anti-inflammatory agents. These medications are available over the counter and can help relieve pain.

In women who have irregular cycles, use of oral contraceptive can help reduce the severity of menstrual cramps. There are many types of hormones available, some of which can be injected, others can be applied as a patch on the skin, and in some cases the drugs are delivered via a flexible ring placed in the vagina.

Surgery is the last treatment of choice it may be used in women with fibroids or endometriosis. During surgery, the adhesions are lysed and endometrial implants are removed.

Are there any home remedies for menstrual cramps?

Some women may find pain relief by soaking in a hot tub several times a day. This can be difficult unless one is at home. Others may find relief by applying a heating pad on the lower abdomen or lower back. Rest and avoiding caffeine containing beverages have also been useful in relieving pain in some women.

Are there any alternative medical treatments for menstrual cramps?

Because conventional medicine does not always provide satisfactory pain relief in some women, many have been turning towards alternative medicine.

Exercise of any types is often recommended by alternative practitioners and has been found o provide pain relief. Even walking for 30-40 minutes twice a day has been found to be helpful.

Acupuncture is widely used in the orient to treat a variety of pain disorders. However, multiple sessions are required. Acupuncture is also relatively expensive if one was to undertake the therapy every month.

Transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation is said to raise the threshold of pain nerves. Some studies suggest that TENS may be effective for menstrual cramps, but this is not a universal finding.

A number of health supplements are recommended for treatment of menstrual cramps. Alternative practitioners recommend omega 3 fatty acids, vitamin B and magnesium supplements. However, there are no clinical trials to validate these claims.

Low sex drive and hormones

Is having a low sex drive considered to be a medical disorder?

Despite what one reads and sees on the internet, not all women have high libido. A woman’s sex drive and desires fluctuate considerably throughout life and get even more unpredictable in middle age. The sex drive in a woman may be related to a personal relationship, marriage, children job, menopause, illness or there may be no obvious cause. One common cause of decreased sex drive in women is the use of certain drugs like the anti-depressants. In most of these cases, the sex drive reverses when the condition is treated or the drug is discontinued. , some women may have a persistent low sex drive or have a complete lack of interest in sex. If this low sex drive does not bother the female or causes no distress then it is not a medical disorder. The low sex drive is only considered to be a medical disorder if it causes you stress and you agonize over it.

In any cases, in many cases of low sex drive, there are simple changes in life style that can help boor libido. In rare cases, some women may need medications.

How much sex is considered to be less than normal?

There is no number that classifies low or high sex drive. If you are your partner are happy and have have a loving relationship and you have sex once a month (or more frequently), then that is ok . if the number of times you have sex does not bother you or your partner then you are normal. Many people are in a great relationship and do not have sex more than once a week and that is perfectly okay. There is such a range of sex drive that there is no such thing as normal. With the advent of the internet, it appears that having sex all the time is the norm- this is a delusion and myth propagated by people who want to sell porno. As long as you are happy and in a loving relationship, the number of times you have sex is irrelevant.

What are common causes of low sex drive in women?

There is no simple answer to this complex problem. Sex drive in women is intricately related to many factors including good health, intimacy, emotional well-being, experiences, interpersonal relationships and beliefs. Some of the causes of low sex drive include:

Medical disorders like arthritis, diabetes, cancer, having high blood pressure, stroke, muscular disorder and other bone development problems.

Some women may have a developmental abnormality that may make sex painful or make it difficult to achieve an orgasm.

There are several medications that can lower libido. These include anti-depressants and other mood altering drugs.

While a little alcohol may stimulate your libido, too much may cause you to feel sleepy and lower your sex drive. This also applies to many illicit drugs.

One temporary cause of low sex drive is surgery. Surgery especially in the pelvic area or groin usually does not help one get in the mood for sex. This applies to any surgery . the incisions can be painful and there is a chance that the wound can fall apart during sex. So common sense indicates that sex and surgery do not go well together.

Another cause of low sex drive is both physical and emotional stress. Women who are tired after a hard day’s work may not be in the mood to have sex. Looking after children all day can also be tiresome.

Is it normal to have a low sex drive during menopause?

During menopause, the levels of the female sex hormone, estrogen starts to decline. This is associated with a decrease in sex drive. The vagina and vulva also become dry and sex during this time period is uncomfortable. It is also known that during menopause the low levels of testosterone decline and this is also associated with a decrease in libido. Although sex during and after menopause is common, most women do notice a drop in libido. Many women resort to use of lubricants and topical hormones to have satisfying sex.

What type of emotional problems can lead to low sex drive?

There is a common belief that only depression causes a low sex drive. While this is true that are many other mental health issues that can lead to a low sex drive. This includes the following:

- having financial stress
- Work related problems
- Generalized anxiety
- Unrealistic expectation
- Poor body image
- Lack of self confidence
- Low self-esteem
- History of sexual abuse
- Problems in interpersonal relationships
- Unresolved conflicts with the partner
- No or little communication with the partner’
- Partner who is cheating
- In ability to connect with the partner

How is the diagnosis of low sex drive made in women?

Having low sex drive is often due to lack of interests or desire and may often be associated with stress. In many cases, the diagnosis can be made just based on the history you provide. However, in some cases, your doctor may perform a pelvic exam especially if you have pain during sexual intercourse. In other cases the pelvic exam may reveal vaginal dryness and tender spots. In middle aged and menopausal women, other routine tests may include looking at levels of blood sugars and function of the liver and kidney. Since treatment of low sex drive is not within the realm of general physicians, it is most likely you will be referred to to a therapist.

Are there any medications that can be used to treat low sex drive?

In most cases, the treatment of low sex drive is non-medical. This may include seeing a therapist for sex education and improving self-confidence. If you are already on an anti-depressant medication, your doctor may alter the dosage or change the medication. Unfortunately, every single anti-depressant available today is known to affect libido. The one antidepressant that only mildly affects libido is wellbutrin. Unfortunately, after a few months use, this medication is also known to lower libido. Some doctors do prescribe Viagra as an off label use in women with a low sex drive. You have to discuss this with your doctor.

Are there any hormonal treatments for low sex drive?

Yes they are. There are various formulation of low dose estrogen available. The low dose estrogen not only lubricates the vaginal but also improves mood and has a positive overall effect. However, there is a lot of conflicting data about estrogen and most physicians are reluctant to prescribe these hormones for long periods. There is concern that estrogen alone when taken for a long time may increase the risk of breast and uterine cancer. For the short term, the hormone is safe.

The low dose estrogen is available as a gel paste or suppository that can be placed directly inside the vagina. Over a few days, the estrogen increases blood flow and moisturizes the vagina, thus making sex pleasant. In most cases, doctors also prescribe a low dose progesterone to counter the effects of estrogen.

The role of the male sex hormone testosterone is also conflicting. Low doses are known to increase libido in the female. However, a prescription of testosterone is very controversial. At present testosterone in any form is not approved by the FDA for the treatment of low sex drive in women. Moreover testosterone also has very undesirable side effects like excess body hair, acne and changes in mood.

Are there any home remedies to boost libido?

Well one has to be realistic. There is no magic bullet but there are something you can do at home. Exercise regularly and lose excess weight, Not only will you feel more confident you will also look sexier. Moreover, a trim weight will help boost your self-esteem. Try to communicate with your partner about your desires, needs, and wants. Sex is also a lot to do with what is in between the ears and less what is in the groin. Spice up your sex life and use different positions and different locations for sex. Experiment, use sex toys, and do something spontaneous and exciting.