Inflammation: What It Is, What Causes It, and How to Manage It 

Inflammation is the body’s natural response to injury, stress, or infection. In the short term, it’s helpful; it’s how your body heals and protects itself. But when inflammation becomes ongoing, it can quietly affect how you feel day to day and contribute to long-term health issues. 

Understanding inflammation is an important step toward feeling better and regaining balance in your body. 

What Is Inflammation? 

Inflammation is part of your immune system’s defense process. When something isn’t right, your body releases chemicals that help fight threats and begin healing. 

Acute inflammation is temporary and necessary. Chronic inflammation, however, can linger for months or years and may occur even when there’s no clear injury or infection. Over time, this can strain the body and contribute to ongoing symptoms. 

Common Causes of Chronic Inflammation 

Inflammation often develops from a combination of everyday factors, including: 

• Diets high in processed foods and sugar
• Ongoing stress
• Hormonal changes, especially during perimenopause and menopause
• Poor sleep or irregular sleep patterns
• Lack of regular physical activity
• Certain underlying health conditions

For many people, inflammation isn’t caused by just one thing—it’s the result of several factors working together. 

Signs and Symptoms to Watch For 

Chronic inflammation doesn’t always cause obvious pain or swelling. Some common signs include: 

• Constant fatigue or low energy
• Joint or muscle aches
• Brain fog or trouble concentrating
• Digestive issues such as bloating
• Difficulty losing weight
• Sleep problems
• Mood changes, including irritability or low mood

If these symptoms feel familiar, inflammation may be playing a role. 

How to Manage Inflammation 

Reducing inflammation usually means supporting the body in multiple ways—not just treating one symptom. 

Eat to Support Your Body 

Focusing on whole foods like vegetables, fruits, lean proteins, healthy fats, and fiber can help support the body’s natural balance. Limiting highly processed foods and excess sugar may also make a difference. 

Manage Stress 

Chronic stress can keep the body in an inflamed state. Simple practices like breathing exercises, mindfulness, or gentle movement can help calm the nervous system. 

Move Regularly 

Regular, moderate activity supports circulation and overall health. The goal isn’t intense exercise, but consistent movement that feels sustainable. 

Prioritize Sleep 

Quality sleep gives your body time to repair and reset. Improving sleep habits can have a powerful impact on inflammation. 

Address Hormonal Changes When Needed 

Hormonal shifts—especially during perimenopause and menopause—can increase inflammation and contribute to symptoms like joint pain, sleep disruption, weight changes, and low energy. 

For some patients, bioidentical hormone replacement therapy (BHRT) may be an option when guided by a healthcare provider. BHRT uses hormones that are structurally identical to those the body naturally produces and is tailored to individual needs. 

How BioTE® Fits In 

BioTE® offers a personalized approach to bioidentical hormone optimization, with treatment plans based on symptoms, lab testing, and ongoing monitoring. For patients whose inflammation-related symptoms are linked to hormone imbalance, BioTE may help support overall balance and quality of life under medical supervision. 

Hormone therapy is not right for everyone, and it’s always important to explore options with a qualified provider who understands your health history and goals. 

A Thoughtful, Personalized Approach 

If you’re experiencing ongoing fatigue, joint discomfort, brain fog, weight changes, or other symptoms that may be linked to chronic inflammation or hormonal imbalance, you don’t have to navigate it alone. 

At Elite Women’s Healthcare and Elite Rejuvenation MedSpa, we take a thoughtful, personalized approach to women’s health. Our team works with you to understand what’s happening in your body and explore options that support balance, wellness, and long-term health. 

If you’re curious whether hormone imbalance could be contributing to your symptoms, we invite you to start with a simple first step. 

Take our BioTE® Hormone Quiz for Women to learn more about your symptoms and see if hormone optimization may be worth exploring:
👉QUIZ

From there, our medical team can help guide next steps through personalized testing, education, and care. 

📍 Visit us at 8455 9th Ave Suite A, Port Arthur, TX
📞 Call 409-729-5433 to schedule a consultation 

Your health is personal — and your care should be too.