Introduction to Bioidentical Hormone Replacement Therapy
Bioidentical hormone replacement therapy (BHRT) involves the use of hormones that are molecularly identical to those produced naturally in the body to supplement declining hormone levels. As we age, hormone production declines causing various symptoms and health issues. Replacing these hormones can provide relief and prevent disease.
Some key points about bioidentical hormone therapy:
- Bioidentical means the hormones have the exact same chemical structure as those found endogenously. They are not synthetic.
- Treatment is customized and based on lab testing of individual hormone levels.
- Hormones are derived from plant sources and are sometimes compounded for personalized dosing.
- BHRT replenishes estrogen, progesterone, testosterone, DHEA, thyroid and other hormones to optimal levels.
- Can be given through creams, injections, pellets, oral, vaginal, or rectal methods.
- Claims to provide more natural hormone rhythms than synthetic hormone replacement.
- Aims to alleviate symptoms of menopause, andropause and hormone imbalances.
- Purported to have fewer side effects than non-bioidentical hormones.
- Used to slow aging, boost energy, reduce disease risks, improve sleep, mood and mental health.
Research shows properly implemented bioidentical hormone therapy can successfully treat hormone deficiency symptoms, prevent bone loss, improve heart health, and enhance overall wellbeing and vitality.
Why Hormone Levels Decline
There are several reasons our hormones decline over time:
- Aging - the endocrine glands produce less hormones.
- Menopause and perimenopause - women's estrogen and progesterone production drops.
- Andropause - testosterone decreases in men.
- Endocrine disruptors - chemicals that interfere with natural hormones.
- Trauma and chronic stress - can impair hormone function.
- Poor diet and lifestyle - not providing the building blocks for hormones.
- Diseases like diabetes, thyroid disorders and adrenal fatigue.
By the time we reach our 40s-50s, hormone levels are often suboptimal. Replenishing these hormones can restore balance and vitality.
Signs and Symptoms of Hormone Imbalance
Some common signs of hormone decline include:
Women:
Men:
Non-Gender specific:
If you are experiencing any of these symptoms, hormone testing may be warranted to check for any deficiencies.
Benefits of Bioidentical Hormone Replacement
Relieving symptoms is an obvious benefit of BHRT. Additional advantages supported by research include:
- Alleviates menopause/andropause symptoms - hot flashes, night sweats, vaginal dryness, erectile dysfunction, etc.
- Enhances mood - reduces anxiety, irritability and depression.
- Supports heart health - improves cholesterol levels and lowers cardiovascular disease risk.
- Strengthens bones - reduces bone loss and risk of osteoporosis.
- Boosts energy and vitality - increases physical and mental stamina.
- Improves sleep - enhances sleep quality and duration.
- Sharpens cognition - memory, focus and concentration.
- Increases libido and sexual function - improves intimacy and satisfaction.
- Stimulates hair and skin health - thicker hair, softer skin and texture.
- Accelerates metabolism and weight loss - reduces belly fat and BMI.
- Slows aging - enhances cellular health and longevity.
- Better physical performance - builds muscle, strength and endurance.
- Supports emotional wellbeing - reduces stress, anxiety and depression.
The benefits span multiple aspects of health and quality of life. BHRT can help you look and feel your best.
How Hormone Replacement Therapy Works
There are a few key steps to bioidentical hormone replacement:
- Initial consultation and evaluation - medical history, exam and discussion of symptoms.
- Lab testing - blood, saliva and sometimes urine testing to check hormone levels.
- Prescribing bioidentical hormones - to restore optimal levels based on lab work.
- Follow-up testing and monitoring - assess progress and adjust dosing accordingly.
- Ongoing care - regular appointments to ensure continual balance and relief of symptoms.
Hormones are prescribed on an individualized basis in the ideal modes and dosages required as determined by the practitioner.
Follow-up lab work and clinical evaluation ensures proper hormone levels are achieved and maintained. The dosage can be adjusted over time as needed.
Customized Treatment Protocols
There are various bioidentical hormones that may be prescribed:
Estrogen
Declining estrogen is associated with hot flashes, vaginal atrophy, uterine prolapse, osteoporosis, heart disease and accelerated aging.
Benefits - relieves menopausal symptoms, supports heart health, increases collagen, enhances mood and cognition, regulates menstrual cycle.
Forms - estriol, estradiol, estrone creams, gels, patches, implants, rings, pills.
Progesterone
Progesterone works synergistically with estrogen to balance its effects in women. Low levels are linked to PCOS, infertility, PMS, fibroids, anxiety and insulin resistance.
Benefits - regulates periods, improves sleep and mood, increases libido, stimulates bone growth, aids thyroid function.
Forms - oral capsules, sublingual drops, topical creams, vaginal suppositories or gels.
Testosterone
Testosterone boosts libido, energy, muscle mass, motivation and cognition. Declines in men over 50 and women over 40.
Benefits - enhances libido, energy, mood and cognition; increases muscle mass and strength; reduces fat; supports heart health.
Forms - injections, gels, creams, pellets, oral capsules.
Thyroid (T3, T4)
Regulates metabolism, weight, energy, cholesterol, mood, heart rate. Low thyroid is common in women over 35.
Benefits - increases metabolism and energy, promotes weight loss, regulates cholesterol, improves mood.
Forms - synthetic T4 (Levothyroxine), natural dessicated thyroid, T3/T4 combo.
DHEA
DHEA is a precursor to estrogen and testosterone. Low levels associated with adrenal fatigue, bone loss, lowered immunity, cardiovascular disease.
Benefits - increases libido, energy and wellbeing; boosts immunity; builds bone density; regulates cholesterol.
Forms - capsules, sublingual, topical.
Lifestyle Recommendations for Optimal Results
To get the most out of bioidentical hormones, we recommend:
- Balanced nutrition - eat a low glycemic diet high in produce, lean proteins and healthy fats.
- Stress management - employ relaxation techniques, get massages, meditate.
- Take time for self care to reduce stress.
- Exercise - aim for 30-60 minutes daily. Mix cardio, strength training and stretching.
- Quality sleep - prioritize 7-9 hours nightly for hormone health.
- Community - connect with friends for support and nurturing relationships.
- Time outdoors - get sunlight and fresh air daily for vitamin D and mood.
A holistic approach helps hormones work optimally. Nutrition, exercise, sleep, stress relief and social connection provide the foundation.
The Importance of Timely Diagnosis and Treatment
Prolonged hormone imbalances can significantly impact quality of life and lead to serious diseases down the road. The risks of low hormone levels include:
- Osteoporosis - bone fractures, dowager's hump, loss of height.
- Heart disease - atherosclerosis, stroke, heart attack.
- Diabetes - insulin resistance, blood sugar disorders.
- Neurodegeneration - dementia, cognitive impairment, Alzheimer's disease.
- Autoimmune disease - increased inflammation and immune dysfunction.
- Mood disorders - higher risk of anxiety, depression and emotional instability.
- Metabolic dysfunction - obesity, cholesterol issues, fatty liver disease.
Therefore, promptly diagnosing and addressing hormone deficits through replacement therapy is crucial to avoid adverse effects and maintain wellness as you age. At our Renew Medical Clinic in Alpine, California, we recommend:
- Testing your hormone levels around age 35-40 to establish baselines.
- Getting annual or semi-annual follow-up testing in your 40s-50s.
- Starting bioidentical therapy based on symptoms and lab work showing deficiencies.
- Closely monitoring your hormone levels and being proactive with treatment.
The sooner imbalances are corrected, the more protection it provides against age-related diseases - both physically and mentally. We strive to detect issues early and tailor individualized therapy for optimal hormone health.
Why Choose Renew Medical Clinic of Alpine for Your Hormone Care
We founded Renew Medical Clinic in Alpine to provide cutting-edge bioidentical hormone replacement therapy to help our patients live youthfully and vibrantly as they age.
At Renew Medical Clinic, you get:
- Specialized expertise - our practitioners are highly trained leaders in bioidentical hormone therapy. We stay current on the latest research and approaches.
- Individualized care - your treatment plan is tailored to your unique needs and biochemical individuality based on testing.
- Holistic focus - we take time to understand your health history while considering nutrition, lifestyle and total wellness in our recommendations.
- State-of-the-art therapies - we offer advanced delivery methods and optimal dosing protocols based on the scientific evidence.
- Meticulous follow-up - you'll get continual follow-up and monitoring to ensure your treatment plan remains optimized over time.
- Highest quality compounds - we use only the purest, bioidentical pharmaceutical-grade hormones in therapeutic doses.
- Convenient California location - our beautifully designed Alpine clinic provides comprehensive hormone care for residents of Minneapolis, St. Paul and surrounding areas.
We are passionate about helping our patients regain their vitality, confidence and quality of life through expert hormone replacement therapy. Contact us today to schedule a consultation and lab testing at our Welness Clinic in Alpine, California.
