Hormone Balance & Optimization
What is Hormone Replacement Therapy?
Hormone replacement therapy (HRT) involves the use of hormones to restore and maintain hormonal balance within the body. Hormonal imbalances can arise for various reasons, with aging being one of the most common causes. Lifestyle also has a lot to do with depletion of our hormones as we are constantly assaulted with chemicals in our food and environment that disrupt and deplete our hormone levels. HRT effectively treats symptoms such as hot flashes, night sweats, irritability, brain fog, lack of focus, anxiety, weight gain, muscle loss, joint pain, fatigue, low energy and poor sleep, among others.
Our approach to hormone replacement therapy combines bioidentical hormones with functional medicine practices. This integration helps patients alleviate the negative effects of hormonal imbalances and promotes overall well-being and improved health as they age. Each treatment plan is meticulously tailored to meet the unique needs of the patient, taking into account their medical history, current health status, and lifestyle preference.
By focusing on personalized care, we aim to provide effective solutions that enhance quality of life and support healthy aging. It is important to note that our goal is to optimize each person’s hormone levels. We are guided by symptoms and lab values. Our approach to lab values, however, is often different from the approach found in what is often referred to as “mainstream medicine.” Laboratories will usually have a “reference range” of values that are often considered “normal.” The reference range generally is derived from the pool of people who have been tested and includes many who are not well, in addition to those who are super healthy. We look at the reference range as a bell curve with the lower numbers often representing “poor” and higher numbers “optimal.” Translated to a letter grade, do you want your levels to be in the “D” range? Or would you prefer an “A” or “B” grade?
Types of Hormone Replacement Therapy
Hormone replacement therapy (HRT), especially with optimization, can be a life-changing solution for patients experiencing symptoms of hormone imbalance. Conditions such as menopause, andropause (low testosterone in men), erectile dysfunction, vaginal dryness, pain during sex, difficulty sleeping, trouble losing weight, muscle aches, and mood swings can significantly impact the quality of life. Natural hormone replacement therapy, particularly bioidentical hormone therapy, offers relief and helps restore balance.
Benefits of Bioidentical Hormone Therapy.
Bioidentical hormone therapy (BHT) uses hormones that are chemically identical to those the body naturally produces. This form of therapy is tailored to meet the specific needs of each individual, ensuring the most effective treatment. BHT is available in various delivery methods, allowing for a customized approach to hormone balance.
Delivery Methods of Bioidentical Hormone Therapy
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Pills:
Oral bioidentical hormones are convenient and easy to take, providing a straightforward method for hormone balance. However, these must often go through the digestive system and liver, which introduces other variable and sometimes side effects.
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Troches and ODTs (orally disintegrating tablets):
These are absorbed through the mucous membranes in your mouth, either under your tongue or on your cheek. They are often a safe and effective way to take bioidentical hormones.
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Patches:
Hormone patches may deliver a consistent dose of hormones through the skin, offering a steady release and avoiding some of the fluctuations associated with oral medications. However, everyone’s skin is different and absorption is not always reliable or consistent.
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Creams and Gels
Topical applications allow for localized treatment and can be applied directly to the skin, and the same disadvantages apply as described with patches. With creams and gels, there is also a risk of transferring to hormone to other people you touch.
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Injections:
Injectable hormones provide a direct method of delivery, often resulting in faster and more noticeable effects.
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Pellets:
Hormone pellets are implanted under the skin and release hormones gradually over time, offering a long-term solution without the need for daily administration. We consider pellets far superior to other methods because the pellets we use mimic the delivery of hormones that would be delivered naturally. All other methods will have daily or weekly peaks and valleys in the delivery of the hormone that sometimes results in erratic results.
Customized Treatment Plans
Every patient's journey with hormone replacement therapy is unique. By assessing personal medical history, current health status, and lifestyle preferences, healthcare providers can design a personalized HRT plan that maximizes benefits and minimizes risks. This individualized approach ensures that each patient receives the most appropriate and effective care.
Improve Your Quality of Life
Natural hormone replacement therapy, including bioidentical hormone therapy, can significantly improve symptoms of hormone imbalance. Whether you're dealing with menopause, andropause, or other hormone-related issues, customized HRT can help you regain your vitality and enhance your overall well-being.
If you're struggling with symptoms of hormone imbalance, contact us today to learn more about the types of hormone replacement therapy available and how they can help you achieve a healthier, more balanced life. Embrace the benefits of bioidentical hormone therapy and start your journey toward optimal health and well-being.