Bioidentical hormones are substances that have a chemical structure identical to the hormones naturally produced by the human body. This allows the body to recognize and properly metabolize them.
The main bioidentical hormones used in hormone replacement therapy (HRT) are estrogen and progesterone.
Estrogen and progesterone help regulate many biological processes in both men and women. When hormone levels decline with age or due to medical conditions, replacing them through bioidentical HRT can provide relief from deficiency symptoms.
Bioidentical estrogen and progesterone can be administered in various ways, such as oral pills, transdermal creams, injections, implants, and suppositories. This allows the treatment to be tailored to each patient's needs and preferences.
Extensive research has shown that bioidentical HRT, when properly dosed, is both safe and effective. The risks are lower compared to conventional synthetic HRT.
Proper hormone testing also ensures patients receive the optimal hormone levels for them instead of a "one-size-fits-all" approach. This is why specialized compounding pharmacies like Balance & Renew Clinic produce customized bioidentical hormones based on each patient's needs.
Bioidentical HRT can provide relief from deficiency symptoms and help people feel and function at their best in many different circumstances.
Most commonly, bioidentical estrogen and progesterone replacement is used to treat symptoms of perimenopause and menopause in women such as hot flashes, night sweats, vaginal atrophy, insomnia, weight gain, mood changes, and low libido. Balancing hormones during this transition time improves women's quality of life tremendously.
The age-related decline in hormones that men experience is called andropause. Testosterone levels gradually fall over time, causing symptoms like fatigue, low libido, erectile dysfunction, loss of strength and muscle mass, increased body fat, mood changes, and cognitive issues.
Testosterone replacement therapy (TRT) using bioidentical testosterone helps men overcome andropause and regain peak performance. This allows them to feel energized and mentally sharp while building strong muscle mass and burning fat.
Imbalances between estrogen, progesterone and testosterone can occur at any age due to various medical conditions including hypothyroidism, pituitary disorders, medications, injuries, chronic illness, and hormonal birth control use.
Bioidentical HRT helps restore optimal hormone balance for both women and men struggling with these issues. They report improvements in many areas including energy, mood, sexual function, mental clarity, sleep quality, body composition, and overall wellbeing.
When hormones are balanced properly through bioidentical HRT, people can experience a wide range of positive effects:
- Increased energy and vitality - Reduced fatigue - Better cognition, memory, and focus - Deeper, more restful sleep - Strong muscle mass and bone density - Healthy cholesterol profile and heart function - Smoother, more youthful skin - Relief from hot flashes and night sweats
- Improved mood and sense of wellbeing - Reduced feelings of anxiety or depression - Heightened motivation - Increased self-confidence and self-esteem - Better ability to cope with stress - Renewed feelings of vitality and enjoying life
- Heightened libido and sexual pleasure - Improved erectile and/or sexual function - More connectedness with partner
Balanced hormones enhance people's overall quality of life tremendously in multiple areas. That's why properly treating hormonal deficiencies is so important.
Getting the proper hormone tests is crucial before starting any bioidentical HRT since each patient has a unique "optimal zone" and different pre-existing conditions.
At Balance & Renew Clinic, our specialty-trained healthcare providers carefully evaluate hormone test results as well as each patient’s symptoms, health history, risk factors, preferences, and goals.
This allows us to develop fully customized treatment plans using the optimal type, dosage, and delivery method of bioidentical hormones for each individual patient.
We typically start with testing levels of key hormones like:
Estrogen - Estradiol - Estrone
Progesterone
Testosterone - Total testosterone - Free testosterone - DHEA
Plus we evaluate: - TSH to check thyroid function - FSH and LH to analyze pituitary signaling - and other key health markers as needed
Follow-up testing is ordered periodically to ensure the treatment plan remains optimized over time as patients go through life changes.
Levels that are too high or too low can negatively impact the benefits and safety of bioidentical HRT for an individual patient.
In addition, with age the ratio of different hormones changes so treatment must be updated accordingly. For example, low progesterone combined with estrogen replacement potentially elevates health risks for menopausal women.
By properly testing and adjusting as needed, optimal balance is maintained safely.
Many people don't realize that bioidentical hormones are not necessarily safer or more effective than synthetic hormones for menopausal symptoms. Both carry risks and benefits that should be carefully considered with a healthcare provider when deciding which option is best for an individual patient's needs.
With the growing understanding about the importance of hormone balance for wellbeing and performance, demand has drastically increased for properly prescribed bioidentical HRT. However, many healthcare providers still lack the specialized training required to provide such treatment effectively.
At Balance & Renew Clinic, bioidentical hormones have been our sole focus for over 15 years. Our clinic director Dr. Jane Smith, a board-certified OBGYN with an esteemed career in women’s health and hormonal balance, leads our team of specialty-trained nurse practitioners, physicians, pharmacists, nutritionists, and health coaches.
Together we have successfully treated thousands of patients with customized bioidentical HRT tailored to their unique physiology, life circumstances, preferences, and health goals.
We provide comprehensive specialty care including: - Initial evaluation of hormone-related symptoms, health history, diagnostic testing, treatment goals - Customized treatment plans combining bioidentical hormones with nutrition, fitness, and lifestyle recommendations for optimal results - Ongoing monitoring and adjustments to ensure treatment effectiveness and safety as life changes occur
In addition to our expertise, key aspects that set Balance & Renew Clinic apart include:
We understand the intricacies of changing hormone needs throughout life’s phases from puberty, adulthood, perimenopause, menopause, andropause to senior years.
Our goal is to help every patient reach a thriving state of balance, empowering them to look and feel their best while enhancing health, quality of life, and longevity.
We consider it a privilege to accompany our patients on their path to sustained energy, vitality and lasting wellbeing.
If you’re struggling with hormone-related symptoms or simply want to optimize wellness and performance through properly balanced bioidentical HRT, we encourage you to explore whether Balance & Renew Clinic is the right fit for your needs.
The first step is scheduling a consultation, where we will listen closely to understand your symptoms, health history, lifestyle and goals.
Based on a review of your hormone testing results and priorities, we will discuss options for treatment including if and what type of bioidentical hormones may be indicated.
Visit our website or call today to schedule your consultation.
While balancing hormones primarily occurs internally, lifestyle plays an equally important role during treatment. Below we've highlighted some of our favorite local wellness spots to support you in mind, body and spirit during your journey back to optimal health:
Reconnect to yourself while appreciating Union City's lush parks including:
Maintain strong muscles, bones and heart health through activities like:
Make caring for yourself a priority by visiting serene wellness spots in the community including:
Balance & Renew Clinic partners with many wonderful wellness establishments in Union City. Our providers can make personalized recommendations to complement your bioidentical hormone treatment plan.
