Hormone levels naturally decline with age, leading to deficiency symptoms. Replacing hormones can provide widespread benefits when done properly under medical supervision. Bioidentical hormones precisely match natural hormones in the body, overcoming concerns with synthetic versions. This article will explore the key topics around bioidentical hormone replacement therapy (BHRT) and why it may be right for you.
Bioidentical hormones have a molecular structure identical to hormones produced in the human body. This allows them to bind perfectly to receptors and mimic the activity of natural hormones. Common bioidentical hormones include estrogen, progesterone, testosterone, DHEA, thyroid hormone (T3/T4), and more.
BHRT uses bioidentical versions of these hormones to restore optimal levels, thereby relieving deficiency symptoms. This personalized approach, overseen by a trained medical provider, makes BHRT superior to one-size-fits-all synthetic hormone replacement.
Declining hormone levels can produce wide-ranging signs and symptoms:
Catching and correcting hormone imbalances early provides the best opportunity to prevent long-term issues. Diagnostic blood tests can accurately measure hormone levels. Based on test results and symptom evaluation, customized BHRT restores hormones to optimal ranges.
Diagnosing hormone deficiencies begins with blood tests measuring levels of key hormones like estradiol, progesterone, testosterone, and thyroid hormones T3 and T4. Testing also evaluates levels of hormones that regulate these pathways.
For example, low testosterone can result from high SHBG (binds/traps testosterone) or low LH/FSH (signals testosterone production). Therefore, a thorough male panel examines total and free testosterone, SHBG, LH, FSH, and more.
Saliva testing offers another angle by showing real-time free hormone levels. This complements blood testing nicely. Evaluating symptoms alongside hormone test results allows proper diagnosis of deficiencies.
Unlike conventional hormone therapy, bioidentical hormones are customized to match a woman's natural hormone profile. Some studies show they may provide comparable relief of menopause symptoms with a lower risk of side effects like blood clots, though more research is still needed to confirm long-term safety and efficacy.
The goal of bioidentical hormone replacement is restoring optimal levels to resolve deficiency symptoms. This generally involves estrogen, progesterone, testosterone, thyroid hormone (T3/T4), DHEA, and/or other hormones as needed.
BHRT formulations include pills, creams/gels, pellets, patches, and injections. Pellet therapy, for example, inserts rice-sized pellets under the skin that release consistent hormone doses over months. This avoids frequent application of creams.
The route of administration depends on patient factors like hormone levels and convenience preferences for self-administration. We develop fully personalized plans to rebalance hormones based on symptoms and testing.
Relieving signs and symptoms via BHRT provides immediate benefits in areas like:
Menopause - Reduces hot flashes, night sweats, sleep disruption, mood swings, vaginal symptoms
Metabolism - Supports healthy body composition and weight/fat distribution
Cognition - Improves memory, focus, and cognitive performance
Sexual health - Restores libido, sexual function and enjoyment for women and men
Fitness - Enhances energy, endurance and strength gains from exercise
Healthy aging - Slows bone loss; reduces heart disease and diabetes risk
Wellbeing - Lessens anxiety, irritability and other mood issues; improves general sense of wellbeing
The downstream positive impacts of balanced hormones are far-reaching. BHRT works via precisely calibrated solutions tailored to one’s unique needs.
The Balance - Hormone Medical Clinic provides fully personalized programs combining expert medical care with optimal hormone balancing. Our board-certified practitioners have extensive training in age management, regenerative medicine, and BHRT protocols. State-of-the-art diagnostic testing guides customized treatment plans.
We carry only pharmacy-grade bioidentical hormones in various strengths and preparations. This allows optimally tailored combinations specific to each patient's needs and preferences. Follow-up testing ensures hormone levels normalize in therapeutic ranges to resolve deficiency symptoms.
The Balance - Hormone Medical Clinic offers a welcoming environment focused on patient education, shared decision making and lifestyle support. We empower patients to take charge of hormone health for better aging. Contact us today to discuss your symptoms and see if bioidentical HRT is right for you!
