Hormones are crucial chemical messengers that regulate many of the body's functions. As we age or due to medical conditions, our hormonal balance can shift, leading to unpleasant symptoms like fatigue, weight gain, low libido, anxiety, and more.
Bioidentical hormone replacement therapy (BHRT) can help restore optimal hormonal levels, thereby relieving deficiency signs and improving quality of life. BHRT utilizes lab-made hormones that are molecularly identical to the ones our bodies produce naturally. This allows precise customization of treatment plans to suit each patient's unique needs.
When administered correctly under medical supervision, BHRT is a safe and effective way to correct hormonal imbalances. The risks are low, especially compared to synthetic hormone replacement options. Patients often report feeling much better on bioidentical hormones - with some even calling it life-changing!
There are several key hormones that commonly decline with age or due to medical problems. These include:
Blood tests can measure current hormone concentrations while symptom checklists help elucidate deficiencies. This informs precise, customized treatment protocols using bioidentical hormones to restore balance.
Compared to declining natural hormone production or synthetic/non-bioidentical replacement, properly administered bioidentical hormone replacement therapy offers considerable benefits:
Patients often feel like themselves again - energetic, mentally sharp, balanced, and healthy. Interest in life returns along with improved sleep, weight management, and sex drive. For those with severe deficiencies, BHRT can provide immense relief.
Declining ovarian function means lower estrogen and progesterone levels for women as they age. This commonly results in hot flashes, sweats, vaginal atrophy, urinary symptoms, sleep disruption, bone loss, heart issues, and cognitive changes. BHRT can reverse this.
Estrogen is available as pills, transdermal gels/creams, vaginal inserts like creams or tablets, skin patches, pellets inserted under the skin, and injections. This allows customization to each woman’s preferences and needs.
Estriol and estradiol are two common bioidentical estrogen formulations. Dosages can modulate cyclical versus continuous symptoms relief. An average dose suffices for most while those with severe issues may benefit from slightly higher amounts. We titrate doses over months guided by patient feedback and blood tests.
Adding micronized progesterone helps counter estrogen’s proliferative effects in the uterus. This eliminates nearly all risk of endometrial hyperplasia and cancer from estrogen-only therapy. We provide both synthetic progestins and bioidentical progesterone options.
Every woman follows a unique path into perimenopause and menopause. Accordingly, we first order lab tests to evaluate ovarian decline and map current estrogen, progesterone and testosterone levels.
Symptom questionnaires also help clarify which deficiencies underlie bothersome issues interfering with quality of life. Only with this thorough understanding of each woman’s hormonal status can we design truly personalized and effective care plans.
Follow-up blood tests and evaluations track progress, allowing for further customization. We also check for potential issues like thickening uterine lining on pelvic ultrasounds when appropriate.
Open communication empowers patients to participate as partners in their treatment journey. We fine-tune BHRT regimens until women feel balanced and youthful again.
In both sexes, testosterone starts declining significantly by age 40. The gradual drop causes insidious symptoms that detract from zest for life along multiple dimensions. TRT can help!
Symptoms like low libido, erectile dysfunction, mental fog, fatigue, irritability, and loss of muscle mass provide clues to investigate further. But blood testing proves paramount since testosterone deficiency symptoms can have other causes too.
Along with checking total and free testosterone levels, we run related hormonal labs & review health histories to contextualize results. For those with confirmed low testosterone, we then discuss treatment options including TRT.
Testosterone therapy modalities include gels/creams, injections, pellets placed under the skin for slow-release, and occasionally testosterone patches. Pellet implants every few months offer an extremely convenient approach.
We prescribe bioidentical testosterone customized to optimal levels based on symptoms and lab values. Follow up blood work and evaluations help calibrate dosing. Most feel benefits within weeks that compound over months of balancing their testosterone.
Testosterone acts synergistically with other hormones for overall vitality. So we evaluate thyroid, estrogen, progesterone and related labs too. Lifestyle modifications like better sleep, exercise, nutrition and stress reduction further amplify benefits.
Since thyroid hormones regulate metabolism, gastrointestinal function, menstrual cycles, heart rate, mood, and cognition, imbalances greatly impact quality of life. We effectively diagnose and treat them.
The most common problem is hypothyroidism from Hashimoto’s thyroiditis wherein the immune system attacks the thyroid gland. This typically causes symptoms like fatigue, weight gain, cold intolerance, constipation, muscle aches, dry skin, hair loss, and depression.
Once recognized through lab testing and clinical evaluation, supplemental thyroid hormone reliably relieves issues. We provide both synthetic T4-only levothyroxine and natural preparations containing both T4 and T3. Finding each patient’s ideal dose restores energy, metabolism and wellbeing.
On the flip side, Graves disease sees the immune system overstimulate the thyroid. The excess thyroid hormone causes anxiety, insomnia, rapid heart rate, tremors, weight loss etc. Anti-thyroid medications, radioactive iodine treatment, or surgery can treat it.
We monitor thyroid labs andsymptoms to calibrate treatments for optimal health without frustrating thyroid-related impairment. Well regulated thyroid function profoundly impacts overall vitality given its ubiquitous effects.
Bioidentical hormones are not necessarily safer or more effective than synthetic hormones for menopausal symptoms. Well-designed studies comparing bioidenticals to FDA-approved hormones are still needed to determine if there are any differences in their risks or benefits.
While bioidentical hormone restoration provides enormous benefit, certain lifestyle factors help potentiate results:
Optimal intake of vitamins, minerals, antioxidants and nutrients like quality fats fuels the body’s hormone manufacturing pathways and cellular functioning. We offer customized nutritional guidance based on symptoms and lab test results.
Beyond maintaining fitness, regular activity balances hormone levels and metabolism for energy. The Maplewood area offers lovely parks, walking trails, gyms, yoga studios and recreational options to stay active.
Chronic stress dysregulates the HPA axis, thyroid, sex hormones and metabolism. We teach breathing techniques, mindfulness, guided relaxation, and lifestyle adjustment to better manage stress.
Hormonal pathways regulate sleep cycles while sleep modulates hormones. Prioritizing 7-9 hours nightly helps normalize hormone levels, metabolism and wellness. We provide sleep hygiene guidance as needed.
Ongoing fine-tuning of bioidentical hormones, nutrition, and lifestyle begets lasting results. We partner with patients to find their optimal balance and vitality.
The Harmony Hormone Center provides cutting edge bioidentical hormone therapies to help patients restore energy, balance and enjoyment of life.
Our experienced practitioners offer fully customized treatment plans based on lab testing, clinical evaluations and open communication of symptoms and goals. We coordinate care with patients’ other providers and tailor therapy adjustments to each individual’s needs
Convenient Maplewood location near parks with walking trails, restaurants, medical testing labs, groceries and shopping. Various BHRT modalities allow dosing flexibility for travel or schedule preferences.
Let us help you reclaim your vibrancy through expert hormone balancing care in the welcoming Maplewood neighborhood! Call to learn more or schedule a consultation about finding your optimal hormonal health and wellness.
