Hormones have a profound effect on how well our bodies function. Our sex hormones are made from cholesterol. Many people over medicated for “high” cholesterol notice decreased libido, weakness, body aches and fatigues. We need a certain amount of cholesterol to produce the estrogen, testosterone and progesterone that keep us feeling good. As we age, hormone levels decline, testosterone may convert to estrogen and vice versa. This can lead to some serious health issues. Taking hormones without guiding the hormone to the right pathway can lead to endocrine-based cancers. Aside from sex hormones we have cortisol. Cortisol is the stress hormone. Too much can cause weight gain around the abdomen. Having the wrong amount of cortisol at the wrong time of the day can lead to depression and insomnia. Thyroid hormone levels are often over looked as conventional doctors only test one aspect of thyroid function.  The overall levels of sex hormone binding globulin and protein in the blood effects how hormones are absorbed. Hormone therapy needs comprehensive bloodwork. Treatment options vary from sublingual to creams to capsules to injectables. Many patients choose the options of pellet implantation – a simple in office procedure where appropriately dosed time-release hormones are implanted in the gluteal area. It is crucial to find the correct level of hormones needed before this procedure is done. The benefit of hormone pellets – aside from not worrying about daily dosing – is that it does not affect the liver and in many instances will trigger the body to start producing the hormones on its own.