Bioidentical hormone replacement therapy (BHRT) has become an extremely popular option for both men and women looking to correct hormone imbalances related to aging and other medical conditions. BHRT helps relieve uncomfortable symptoms and promote better health by restoring hormones to optimal levels. This article will provide an overview of bioidentical hormones, common reasons for treatment, what to expect, and the many potential benefits of undergoing customized BHRT at Wellness Hormone Clinic in Gilbert.
Bioidentical hormones are man-made hormones that are molecularly identical to those naturally produced by the human body. This allows them to properly bind with receptors and carry out hormonal functions. Bioidentical hormones used in replacement therapies can be derived from plant sources and made into the exact same structure as human hormones like estrogen, progesterone and testosterone.
Key benefits:
BHRT utilizes these perfectly matched bioidentical hormones to restore optimal levels, relieve deficiency symptoms, and promote better health.
There are several common reasons both men and women seek customized bioidentical hormone replacement from an experienced hormone specialist:
Perimenopause and menopause cause estrogen and progesterone levels to decline rapidly, leading to symptoms like hot flashes, night sweats, vaginal dryness, irregular periods, weight gain, decreased libido, insomnia, irritability, and mood changes. Bioidentical estrogen and progesterone replacement can provide immense relief by stabilizing hormone levels.
Similar to female menopause, testosterone levels drop significantly in men over 50. Known as andropause or male menopause, symptoms include fatigue, depression, anxiety, low libido, erectile dysfunction, loss of strength and muscle mass, weight gain, and cognitive issues. Testosterone replacement therapy (TRT) with bioidentical testosterone effectively alleviates these symptoms.
Thyroid disorders often cause debilitating symptoms that can be resolved by taking customized bioidentical thyroid hormone replacements like T3/T4.
Stress, illness, injury or hormonal imbalance can overwork the adrenal glands, causing suboptimal function and nonspecific symptoms like exhaustion, sleep issues, irritability, anxiety, cravings, body aches, and reduced immunity. Adrenal fatigue supplements, lifestyle changes, and balancing key hormones with BHRT can help reboot adrenal function.
Infertility issues in both sexes can sometimes be improved by precisely calibrated hormone optimization with a qualified endocrinologist specializing in hormones.
Some chronic health conditions are correlated with, if not caused by, hormone imbalance. Proper hormone balancing may help manage symptoms of fibromyalgia, chronic fatigue syndrome, obesity, and some autoimmune disorders. Tracking health markers over time provides insight.
In both sexes, customized bioidentical hormone replacement tailored to the individual by an experienced practitioner provides immense relief from deficiency symptoms and reduced quality of life.
The first step is having relevant hormone tests done to accurately assess current levels of key hormones like estrogen, testosterone, progesterone, DHEA, cortisol and thyroid hormones. Next comes a thorough evaluation of medical history, family history, health goals, symptoms and lifestyle factors.
With test results and evaluation in hand, the practitioner formulates a customized bioidentical hormone treatment plan including:
Follow-up appointments evaluate progress through symptom reporting and additional relevant blood tests that gauge hormone levels. Dosages are recalibrated over months until optimal balance and symptom relief are achieved.
At Wellness Hormone Clinic, initial consultations take 1-2 hours for exhaustive evaluation. Follow-ups are scheduled at intervals like 4, 8 and 12 weeks out, then extended to every 4-6 months for maintenance. Patients report rapid improvement of deficiency symptoms, mood stabilization, mental clarity, increased energy levels, improved sleep quality, boosted libido, and better overall wellness starting soon after beginning properly calibrated BHRT.
Lifestyle factors like nutrition, exercise, and stress management strongly influence hormonal balance and therapy outcomes. Wellness Hormone Clinic’ practitioners provide personalized guidance to help patients achieve sustainable results.
Bioidentical estrogen is often the cornerstone of treatment for peri/menopausal women. Custom-compounded biest (estriol/estradiol) creams restore estrogen to optimal levels to effectively relieve symptoms like hot flashes, night sweats, vaginal dryness, urinary urgency, sleep disturbances, and emotional instability.
Blood tests help determine the estrogen cocktail that provides ideal relief of symptoms. For example, some women do very well on estriol alone which carries little to no breast cancer risk. Others need a mix like 80% estriol with 20% estradiol for sufficient relief of hot flashes and urogenital atrophy.
Estrogen receptor modulation with more molecules like estriol is key for reducing breast cancer risk. Wellness Hormone Clinic practitioners excel at finding the most appropriate mix, potency and delivery methods to suit the individual woman.
Progesterone works synergistically with estrogen during a women’s reproductive years. After menopause, estrogen dominates and insufficient progesterone allows estrogen to bind more actively with receptors. This estrogen-dominance causes many menopausal symptoms and elevates long-term health risks.
Thus, progesterone cream is also prescribed to protect the uterine lining and breasts from unopposed estrogen. Micronized, bioidentical progesterone mirrors the body’s own molecular structure for optimal safety and utilization.
Bioidentical hormones are not necessarily safer or more effective than synthetic hormones for menopausal symptoms. Plant-derived bioidentical estrogens and progesterone have a chemical structure identical to the hormones naturally made by the ovaries, but their safety and efficacy profiles are still being researched.
After age 30, testosterone decreases approximately 1-2% per year. But symptomatic, low testosterone or “low T” has become quite common in men over 50 due to lifestyle factors like poor sleep, chronic stress, obesity and chemical exposures. Low T negatively impacts quality of life and long term health.
For men struggling with hormonal deficiency symptoms, testosterone replacement therapy (TRT) aims to restore levels to an optimal range. Done properly, most men achieve incredible benefits from TRT:
TRT regimens require close medical supervision for efficacy and safety. Approach, dosage, duration and delivery methods must be tailored to the individual. Experienced practitioners also monitor for side effects and make dosage adjustments as needed.
Wellness Hormone Clinic utilizes cutting edge hormone testing to formulate fully customized plans. Follow-up blood analysis helps calibrate dosing for ideal symptom relief. Our compassionate, competent clinicians adjust protocols until patients report life changing benefits with no side effects.
Wellness Hormone Clinic offers several proven options including AndroGel, testosterone injections, testosterone pellets and cream to suit individual needs, preferences and insurance coverage. Pellet therapy provides very steady testosterone levels but must be administered in-office. Creams allow flexible self-administration and dosage titration.
Partnering with an experienced hormone specialist for TRT maximizes benefits while reducing risks. Treatment plans evolve over months until full relief of symptoms is reported without adverse reactions. Dosage adjustments or protocol changes happen immediately if side effects manifest. Ongoing blood testing verifies optimization.
The thyroid gland produces key hormones thyroxine (T4) and triiodothyronine (T3) that regulate metabolism. Even subtle low thyroid function can cause weight gain, fatigue, depression, muscle pain, dry skin and hair loss. Conversely, elevated thyroid activity causes anxiety, insomnia, tremors, rapid heart rate and unintended weight loss.
Synthetic thyroid medication levothyroxine (Synthroid, Levoxyl) containing T4 only helps many people. However, emerging research shows combining T4 with some T3 better mirrors natural thyroid function. Dessicated porcine thyroid extracts (Armour, Nature-Throid) contain trace amounts of both. But for precision dosing, many patients need custom compounded T3/T4 therapy.
Finding one’s optimal ratio, potency and delivery method requires an experienced clinician actively reviewing labs and symptoms over months. Wellness Hormone Clinic practitioners excel at thyroid regulation to resolve persistent symptoms.
For thyroid hormone replacement to work best, key nutrients like iodine, selenium, zinc, iron, vitamin D and vitamin B12 must be replete. Thyroid function interplays closely with sex hormones, adrenals and blood sugar regulation. Thus, whole body balance is the goal for optimal health and metabolism.
Wellness Hormone Clinic functional medicine approach includes thyroid testing but also comprehensive evaluation of the interconnected endocrine system. Our custom protocols address the whole patient for transformative results.
Choosing Wellness Hormone Clinic’ experienced clinicians for customized bioidentical hormone therapy ensures many advantages:
Patients describe renewed vibrancy, better sleep, enhanced libido, improved body composition, balanced moods and sharper thinking starting shortly after beginning properly calibrated BHRT. Wellness Hormone Clinic’ cutting edge therapies and compassionate support provide sustained optimization allowing people to feel their best long term.
Key Takeaway: Wellness Hormone Clinic' experienced practitioners provide fully customized bioidentical hormone replacement plans tailored to each patient's needs, lifestyle and risks. This allows transformative relief of deficiency symptoms along with guidance on nutrition, exercise and stress management for optimal adherence and life changing results.
Hormones like estrogen, testosterone, thyroid and cortisol intricately coordinate metabolism, fertility, cognition and much more. When even slightly imbalanced, debilitating symptoms emerge that reduce quality of life. Research confirms hormone optimization may help prevent chronic diseases like diabetes, obesity, autoimmunity, heart disease and cancer.
Thus, restoring one’s hormone equilibrium through lifestyle modification, targeted supplementation and/or bioidentical replacement under medical supervision provides immense and lasting benefits starting at the cellular level.
Key Notes on Hormone Balance:
Detecting and addressing hormone imbalance promptly is crucial for sustaining health and vitality across the lifespan.
Wellness Hormone Clinic clinic director Dr. Cynthia Bell and nurse practitioner Margie Kohl have over 30 years combined experience helping patients regulate hormones for transformative revitalization.
Our practitioners stay abreast of the latest advancements in precision hormone testing, novel bioidentical options, nutraceutical supplements and lifestyle modifications for sustainable balance.
Ongoing professional development ensures Wellness Hormone Clinic offers the most effective testing protocols and customized treatment plans for exceptional patient outcomes. We provide cutting edge therapies without sacrificing compassionate, attentive care.
Key Expertise - Bioidentical HRT for menopause, andropause & transgender patients - Thyroid & adrenal regulation, testing & treatment - Analysis & correction of nutrient deficiencies - Testing & reducing chemical toxicities - Fertility optimization & sexual health - Nutritional therapies for better hormone metabolism - Lifestyle coaching - stress, sleep, fitness, mindset
Our practitioners love resolving nagging issues that other providers struggled to address. We dig deeper to find root causes like hormone imbalance often missed. Then we walk with patients through transformative yet gentle protocols until their optimal vibrance and health metrics are restored.
Wellness Hormone Clinic leverages expansive expertise with the latest advancements in precision testing and custom treatments for exceptional relief of deficiency symptoms and restoration of whole body wellness.
Bioidentical hormone replacement therapy (BHRT) works best as part of a multi-pronged approach including nutritional support, lifestyle modifications and additional key supplements as needed. Wellness Hormone Clinic’ practitioners offer comprehensive guidance to help patients achieve full benefits from their customized therapy protocols.
Here are some key areas we provide coaching around for optimal adherence and lasting results:
Quality sleep allows the body to properly metabolize and utilize replaced hormones. We offer tips like limiting electronics before bed, blackout curtains and sleep supplements like magnesium glycinate. Triggering melatonin production earlier through dim light exposure boosts deep sleep.
Chronic stress elevates cortisol which can negatively impact hormone therapy. We teach breathing exercises, mindfulness practices and smart goal setting for lowering daily anxiety. Patients enjoy our relaxing treatment atmosphere with scented candles and essential oils. Wellness Hormone Clinic also offers massage therapy and acupuncture onsite.
Regular exercise helps balance hormones for better results from BHRT. Our neighborhood fitness guide includes trainer-led circuits at Wellness Hormone Clinic Gym along with scenic parks, hiking trails and recreational areas that make moving outdoors more appealing.
Specific bioactive nutrients help metabolize and regulate estrogen, testosterone, thyroid and other hormones. We suggest supplements like DIM for excess estrogen and saw palmetto for testosterone. Iodine, selenium and zinc also benefit thyroid function.
Reducing environmental chemical exposures can free up hormones receptors and reduce symptoms. We offer testing and interventions to gently facilitate toxin elimination through pathways like the gut, liver and kidneys. Sauna therapy works wonders!
With comprehensive support spanning all key lifestyle areas, patients report much greater benefits from their customized bioidentical hormone therapy. Contact Wellness Hormone Clinic today to further discuss our integrative therapies or set up a consultation with Dr Bell or NP Kohl to start your transformative revitalization journey!
