Tag: hormone imbalance

COVID-19 and the shift to remote working has catalysed the demand for mental health benefits – it is now a “must have” for employers in 2021. In fact, in a recent survey, 91% of respondents stated that a company’s culture should support mental health. It is no coincidence that mental well-being is included in how reproductive health is defined by the World Health Organisation, stating that “Reproductive health is a state of complete physical, mental and social well-being and not merely the absence of disease or infirmity, in all matters relating to the reproductive system and to its functions and processes”. These two elements of well-being are interconnected. As a result, it is impossible to provide comprehensive mental health benefits without considering the impact that reproductive health conditions can have and figuring out how employees dealing with those can be supported. How do reproductive health conditions affect mental health? InfertilityTake infertility, which affects 1 in 6 couples in the UK. Despite its prevalence, it is often met with confusion and denial.. This can seriously impact mental well-being – feelings of anxiety, depression and loss are all common. Besides, treatment can be time-consuming, stressful and a significant financial burden for individuals. Leading employers in the benefits space are recognising the impact that infertility may have on mental health and offering “fertility leave” as well as compassionate leave after miscarriage. EndometriosisReproductive health conditions such as endometriosis are associated with difficulty conceiving and chronic pain, both of which impact quality of life. Alongside having increased sick leave and loss of productivity, women with endometriosis feel their career goals were impacted negatively. Premenstrual syndrome (PMS)PMS describes the array of physical and emotional changes that occur as part of the monthly cycle. Approximately 90% of people who menstruate experience PMS. In some cases, this can be debilitating, a condition known as premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD). PMDD can be so severe that suicidal thoughts are common in these women. Undiagnosed health issuesUnfortunately, it is not just the physical manifestations of the conditions alone that may impact employees’ mental health. Stigma and shame on reproductive health conditions from society and inadequate support from healthcare with symptom dismissal and months or years required to get to a diagnosis can be a significant cause of anxiety or depression for people suffering from a reproductive health condition. Many things in this journey even after getting the answers are outside of employees’ control. There are no guarantees that fertility treatments will succeed; failed attempts can seriously affect mental health, especially in those cases where little can be done to change the outcome. How can you support your employees on their reproductive health journey?There are several things that you can do to help alleviate the burden reproductive health conditions can place on mental health. Destigmatise reproductive health conditions by encouraging education and learning. This is a great way to challenge the current attitude to reproductive health conditions in the workplace and facilitates supportive conversations. Joining schemes provided by charitable bodies such as the Endometriosis Friendly Employer scheme can help you to make those first steps. Create a supportive workplace environment through flexible working hours for those who need to attend multiple appointments, inclusive leave policies and offering free menstrual products in bathrooms. Provide comprehensive reproductive health benefits by partnering with companies like Hertility to connect your employees to expert care and help them make informed decisions with regards to their reproductive health. These can include things such as proactive testing opportunities with actionable insights, fertility counselling, referrals to trusted clinics and specialist care with experts in the field. About Hertility HealthHertility Health is shaping the future of Reproductive Health by giving women the ability to understand and manage their fertility and hormone health from menstruation to menopause. 1 in 3 women suffer from a reproductive health issue, yet conversations around fertility, menopause and menstrual symptoms are still stigmatised in the workplace. As employees suffer in silence – up to £4k is lost per year per employee due to reduced productivity, absenteeism and presenteeism. Hertility reduces the need for unnecessary appointments and delay in diagnosis time through an online health assessment and at home test. To learn more about our Reproductive Health Education and Benefits for Employers, reach out to benefits@hertilityhealth.com or visit our website.

Testosterone is an important androgen hormone in people of all sexes. In this article, we’ll cover exactly what it does in the body, what the symptoms and causes of high or low testosterone are and how you can ensure your levels are balanced and healthy.  Quick facts: What is testosterone? Testosterone is an important hormone for regulating sex drive (libido), bone and muscle mass and fat distribution. It’s part of a group of hormones called androgens.  There are a lot of misconceptions about testosterone being just a “male” hormone. Whilst testosterone plays an important role in the development of the male sex organs and male secondary sex characteristics, people of all sexes have testosterone.  Everyone produces and requires a certain amount of androgen hormones for reproductive development. The difference is just how much testosterone we have based on our sex-at-birth. How is testosterone made? In women and people assigned female-at-birth, testosterone is produced by the ovaries and adrenal glands. It’s then converted to hormone–oestrogen. Testosterone production is age-dependent and it gradually declines with age. Most of the testosterone in the body is inactive. It remains bound to a protein called, sex hormone-binding globulin (SHBG). The small amount of testosterone that’s unbound and therefore active, is called freely circulating testosterone (free T).  Free T can enter cells to bring about its effects. Our free T levels are affected by the levels of SHBG. Low levels of SHBG result in higher free testosterone, whereas high levels of SHBG result in lower free testosterone. What does testosterone do in the body? Some of the functions of testosterone are: What are the symptoms of high testosterone? Excess levels of testosterone in the body is called hyperandrogenism. This can bring about symptoms like:  Some studies suggest that high testosterone levels may increase the risk of developing high cholesterol, heart disease and type 2 diabetes. What causes high testosterone levels? The most common causes of high testosterone levels are underlying health conditions. It can also be caused by certain medications and lifestyle factors. Let’s look at the main ones… PMOS (formerly PCOS) Polyendocrine Metabolic Ovary Syndrome (PMOS, formerly known as PCOS) is a hormonal and metabolic condition affecting 1 in 10. The exact cause is still being researched, however, the proposed causes include an excess of androgens and insulin, genetic and environmental factors. If you suspect you might have PMOS, our at-home tests can give you a better insight into your hormones.  Congenital andreal hyperplasia Congenital adrenal hyperplasia (CAH) is an inherited condition that affects the adrenal glands. These are small glands located on top of the kidney. They produce hormones like cortisol (stress hormone), dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) and testosterone. People with CAH are unable to produce an enzyme necessary to regulate the production of these hormones, which can result in an overproduction of testosterone. It’s been found to be more common in some ethnic groups such as people of Hispanic, Mediterranean, Yugoslavian and Ashkenazi Jewish descent. Cushing’s syndrome is another hormonal condition impacting the adrenal glands. It results in excessive cortisol and androgen production. Medications Testosterone levels can rise due to certain medications, such as: Alcohol Excessive alcohol consumption may increase levels of testosterone in premenopausal women, however, research is conflicting.  How to lower my testosterone levels? Treatment for high testosterone depends on the cause, but generally, it is a combination of lifestyle changes and medications. Achieving a healthy weight by including a healthy balanced diet and exercise routine may help with the symptoms of a hormonal balance.  Medications used to treat high testosterone, and associated symptoms include: What are the symptoms of low testosterone? If you’re experiencing low testosterone, you may experience some of the following symptoms:  Low testosterone over a long period may also contribute to long-term health conditions such as heart disease, memory issues and loss of bone density. Often, the symptoms of low testosterone in women are undiagnosed or misdiagnosed. Some of the conditions that low testosterone may be mistaken for include stress, depression and the side effects of menopausal changes in women. What could cause low testosterone levels? The most common causes of low testosterone levels are often age, underlying conditions and problems with certain glands. Age Testosterone levels naturally decrease as we age. As it’s produced in the ovaries, the natural decrease in ovarian function with age means that some may experience low testosterone levels as they transition from the perimenopausal phase into menopause.  Underlying health conditions Premature ovarian insufficiency (POI) can increase your risk of low testosterone. Additionally, surgery, such as the removal of the ovaries, can cause lowered testosterone levels.  Problems with the hypothalamus or pituitary gland Underlying health conditions impacting the pituitary, hypothalamus, or adrenal glands can also cause lowered testosterone levels. This is because these parts of the brain are responsible for the secretion of hormones which control the proper functioning of the ovaries.  A disruption in the pituitary gland can also impact the adrenal gland. Addison’s disease or adrenal insufficiency is a hormonal condition that occurs due to underactive adrenal glands and can cause a low level of its hormones. What can I do to increase my testosterone levels? Low testosterone levels effects and treatments in women are still being researched and treatment is usually recommended only if symptoms are significantly impacting health and quality of life.  Testosterone replacement therapy is a form of hormone replacement therapy (HRT) based on the replacement of testosterone. It may be prescribed orally, as injections, gels or skin patches. DHEA is a precursor to testosterone, and it is believed that taking DHEA supplements could increase the amount of testosterone. It is always recommended to speak with a doctor before starting any medication or supplements. How to test testosterone levels? If you’re experiencing any of the symptoms mentioned above, our Advanced At-Home Hormone and Fertility Test can determine your testosterone levels. Hormone testing is the only way to know what your testosterone levels are for definite.  Our Doctors can recommend a care plan for you, based on your symptoms, hormone […]