Bioidentical hormones are identical in molecular structure to the hormones naturally produced in the human body. As we age, hormone levels can become imbalanced, leading to undesirable symptoms. Bioidentical hormone replacement therapy (BHRT) can help restore optimal hormone levels, thereby alleviating unpleasant symptoms of hormonal imbalance.
At Wellness Hormone Clinic in Laurel, our skilled bioidentical hormone specialist uses cutting-edge testing to design customized BHRT regimens to meet each patient's unique needs. We offer comprehensive care focused on restoring wellness from the inside out. Read on to learn more about bioidentical hormones and our services.
Bioidentical hormones have a molecular structure matching natural human hormones like estrogen, progesterone, testosterone, etc. They are derived from plant sources and are biochemically identical to endogenous hormones.
When prescribed by a trained hormone specialist, bioidentical hormones can safely supplement declining levels, helping patients feel like themselves again.
Bioidentical hormone replacement offers several advantages over traditional hormone therapy:
Bioidentical hormones can alleviate issues like fatigue, sleep disruption, weight gain, low libido, hot flashes, and more. Patients report improved zest for life with stabilized hormone levels.
Bioidentical hormone replacement works by restoring hormones to optimal levels as they decline with age. After a patient's hormone blood tests are evaluated, our bioidentical hormones doctor designs a personalized plan.
Doses start low and are slowly increased based on follow-up testing and symptom monitoring. The goal is to find the minimum doses providing therapeutic benefits without side effects. Patients often start feeling better within weeks as hormones normalize.
The first step is diagnosing any hormone deficiencies or excesses causing symptoms.
Patients generally seek bioidentical hormone replacement for bothersome symptoms interfering with wellbeing and quality of life.
Common signs suggesting hormone imbalance include:
These reflect declining estrogen/progesterone in perimenopause/menopause and testosterone deficiency at any adult age. Thyroid disorders also cause similar complaints.
Correctly assessing a patient's hormone status is crucial for effective treatment. We rigorously test the following key hormones and levels:
For women: - Estradiol - Estrone - Estriol - Progesterone - Testosterone - DHEA - T3/T4 thyroid hormones
For men: - Testosterone - Estrogen - DHEA - T3/T4 thyroid hormones
Testing is done at specific times during hormonal fluctuations. Blood, saliva, or urine samples may be used. Follow-up testing guides dosage adjustments.
Customized bioidentical hormone replacement therapy (BHRT) protocols balance hormones based on testing.
Our expert bioidentical hormone specialist starts patients on small hormone doses, increased incrementally over 2-3 months based on follow-up testing/symptoms. This allows the lowest effective doses to relieve troublesome symptoms without over-supplementation.
We often begin with estrogens and progesterone for peri/menopausal women combined with testosterone, DHEA, or thyroid hormones as needed. For men, we commonly start testosterone, DHEA, or thyroid supplementation.
Close symptom/testing monitoring ensures optimal outcomes. Blood or saliva hormone levels along with symptom check-ins are assessed at 1, 3, 6, and 12-month intervals once initial doses are stabilized. This allows timely dosage adjustments if needed.
The goal is for patients to feel like their best selves again with hormones re-balanced naturally through supplementation aligned with the body’s innate physiology.
Seeking timely diagnosis and treatment for hormone imbalances improves outcomes and prevents decline into more debilitating deficiencies.
Perimenopause is the 2-10 year transition phase leading up to menopause when periods become irregular as ovarian estrogen/progesterone production declines. Menopause is the point 12 months after a woman's last menstrual cycle marking the end of fertility.
Up to 80% of women experience hot flashes, night sweats, sleep disruption, mood swings, vaginal dryness, libido changes, and other problems impairing quality of life in perimenopause/menopause. These result directly from estrogen/progesterone withdrawal.
However, many women suffer needlessly without realizing hormonal causes or having access to natural BHRT solutions from a knowledgeable clinician. Starting treatment promptly is key to easing the menopausal transition.
While less widely discussed than menopause, andropause is the age-related decline in testosterone and DHEA affecting 30% of men over age 50. Low testosterone causes symptoms like fatigue, mental fogginess, reduced muscle mass, weight gain, low libido/erectile dysfunction, irritability, and depression.
Unfortunately, symptoms are often chalked up to “normal aging,” leaving many men suffering unnecessarily without treatment. Like with menopause, early BHRT intervention helps men feel energized and healthy.
"Bioidentical hormones are chemically identical to those made naturally in the body. Though viewed by some as safer alternatives, large-scale studies on their long-term risks and benefits compared to synthetic versions are still lacking according to the North American Menopause Society."
Along with bioidentical hormone replacement, we offer lifestyle guidance optimizing therapy response.
Our recommendations focus on: - Nutrient-dense whole foods diet - Regular exercise - Stress management - Quality sleep - Social/community connections - Mental health support as needed
Adjunctive counseling on nutrition, movement, mindfulness, etc facilitates resilience. Holistically balancing hormones, nutrition, fitness, stress levels, mental health, and relationships promotes sustained wellbeing. Our team helps patients implement multi-faceted self-care plans.
Laurel offers wonderful resources supporting therapeutic lifestyle change like:
We hope this overview has enhanced understanding of bioidentical hormone replacement therapy's benefits for restoring wellness as we age. Our Laurel clinic offers:
To learn more or schedule an initial consultation with our bioidentical hormone specialist, visit our website or call our office . We support patients in reclaiming vibrant health through naturopathic hormone balancing aligned with each body's distinctive needs.
