Ever wondered how your body knows what to do and when to do it? From our sleep-wake cycles to puberty, reproduction, and more, our bodies are constantly running on an invisible clock, but what keeps that clock running on time?
“From our metabolism to our mood, hormones are responsible for maintaining balance in our bodies, essentially turning various body functions on and off as needed,” says Michelle Gray, owner of Gray’s Compounding Pharmacy in Kimberley
Hormonal imbalances lead to a variety of disorders and diseases, including diabetes, thyroid disease, polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) and infertility problems. Even minor fluctuations can cause drastic changes in our bodies. One example of this is puberty, and for women, in particular, the natural process of menopause. Menopause is now known to cause inflammation…aka Inflammageing.
“Menopause generally occurs between the ages of 40 and 50, marking the end of a women’s reproductive cycle, and our bodies achieve this through hormonal changes. While menopause itself is unavoidable, the uncomfortable and at times debilitating symptoms are preventable,” Gray says.
A 2022 position statement from The North American Menopause Society (NAMS) confirms that ‘Hormone therapy remains the most effective treatment for vasomotor symptoms (VMS) (hot flashes and night sweats) and the genitourinary syndrome of menopause and has been shown to prevent bone loss and fracture. For women within 10 years of menopause onset, that have no contraindications, the benefits of hormone therapy to treat VMS and prevent bone loss outweigh the risks.’
Menopause is one example of how hormones can create havoc within our bodies; other symptoms of hormonal imbalances can include:
- Unexplained weight gain or weight loss
- Hair changes
- Acne
- Irregular menstrual cycles
- Unexplained fatigue
- Insomnia
- Dry skin
- Mood swings and/or depression and anxiety
- Fertility concerns
- Excessive thirst
- Allergies
Gray recently completed her recertification as a hormonal specialist through the Professional Compounding Centers of America (PCCA), a process that is required every two years. Gray’s Compounding Pharmacy offers hormonal testing that can provide a more in-depth understanding of an individual’s health and, at times, insight into otherwise unexplained symptoms and illnesses.
“Hormone testing involves the use of an at-home test kit. It’s important to note that while it can be beneficial in gaining more insight into your overall health, it’s not currently covered under MSP but may be covered through private insurance,” Gray says. “Along with providing testing and referrals, we also look at other aspects of health that are interconnected with hormones, such as microbiome and methylation health. As with all aspects of your health, if someone is wondering if hormone testing may benefit them, it’s best to start with a visit to your doctor.”
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Visit Gray’s Compounding Pharmacy at 417B 304th St. on Highway 95 in Kimberley, open Monday to Friday, 9:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. Get in touch at 250-427-0038 or at facebook.com/grayspharmacy.
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