Bioidentical hormones are identical in molecular structure to the hormones naturally produced in the human body. As we age, hormone levels often decline, leading to unpleasant symptoms. Bioidentical hormone replacement therapy (BHRT) can help restore optimal hormone levels, alleviate deficiency symptoms and promote better health.
There are several reasons why hormone levels decline with age, including:
The endocrine system which produces hormones slowly becomes less efficient. Hormone receptors become less sensitive and hormone production declines.
Chronic stress causes elevated cortisol which inhibits hormone production and disrupts endocrine function.
Lack of exercise, obesity, poor diet, and toxins interfere with natural hormone balance.
Certain illnesses and medical treatments can impair endocrine function and reduce hormone levels.
Declining hormone levels cause wide-ranging symptoms including:
Thyroid, adrenal and sex hormone imbalance often causes persistent tiredness.
Hormone issues lead to increased appetite, fat accumulation and bloating.
Insomnia, poor sleep quality and frequent waking are common with hormonal disorders.
Testosterone and estrogen deficiency causes decreased sex drive in both men and women.
Anxiety, irritability, depression and reduced motivation can occur with hormone imbalance.
Perimenopause and menopause involves estrogen decline triggering hot flashes and night sweats.
Optimal hormone levels are essential for clear thinking, focus and memory formation.
Custom-compounded bioidentical hormones are identical in molecular structure to endogenous human hormones. BHRT therapy involves prescribing individually tailored combinations, doses and delivery methods of bioidentical estrogen, progesterone, testosterone, DHEA and other hormones to restore physiological levels, relieving deficiency symptoms and promoting optimal wellbeing.
Unlike conventional hormone therapy, bioidentical hormones are custom-compounded to match a person's natural hormone profile. This tailored approach aims to provide the benefits of balancing hormones while minimizing side effects. More research is still needed to fully understand the long-term impacts.
Since hormone issues differ between individuals, proper testing and assessment is important prior to considering BHRT therapy. Balance Health Clinic recommends assessing the following hormones with laboratory blood, saliva or urine analysis to identify any potential imbalances or deficiencies:
Estrogen, progesterone and testosterone levels provide insight into menopausal changes, andropause issues, sexual function, mood and wellbeing.
Measuring T3, T4 and TSH levels can identify underactive or overactive thyroid disorders causing symptoms like fatigue, weight gain and hair loss.
Cortisol and DHEA analysis determines adrenal function which can significantly impact energy levels, stress resilience and metabolism.
Insulin, leptin and glucagon levels indicate blood sugar handling issues which influence weight, appetite and risk of diabetes.
Based on symptomology along with comprehensive lab testing, Balance Health Clinic physicians can accurately diagnose individual hormone imbalances and determine appropriate bioidentical hormone combinations and doses to restore optimal balance.
When properly prescribed and monitored by an experienced bioidentical hormone specialist, ongoing BHRT therapy provides a wide array of advantages:
Optimal hormonal balance enhances mitochondrial function and ATP energy production.
Balanced hormones optimize metabolism, control appetite and reduce fluid retention.
Restoring hormone levels regulates sleep/wake cycles, resulting in deeper, more restorative sleep.
Hormonal balance is vital for optimal neurotransmitter levels and cognitive function.
Regulated hormones increase serotonin, dopamine and other key mood-regulating neurotransmitters.
For perimenopausal and menopausal women, balanced estrogen levels eliminate hot flashes/night sweats.
Optimal testosterone, estrogen and other sexual hormones revive libido and enjoyment.
Balancing endocrine function and hormone levels preserves youth, vitality and longevity.
Hormonal optimization reduces risk of diabetes, heart disease, dementia and other chronic illnesses.
In summary, properly administered bioidentical hormone replacement therapy can substantially enhance quality of life by eliminating deficiency symptoms and promoting better overall health.
Initiating bioidentical HRT first requires thorough lab testing to accurately identify individual hormone deficits, imbalances and excesses. Balance Health Clinic physicians then take a holistic approach to determine the optimal types, combinations and doses of bioidentical hormones customized to each patient???s physiology and objectives.
Ongoing monitoring of clinical response and follow-up lab testing ensures continual optimization of the treatment regimen. We offer state-of-the-art therapies including pellet implants and innovative sustained-release creams/gels for prolonged effectiveness and improved patient compliance.
The goal is to restore each hormone back to optimal physiological levels, thereby alleviating deficiency symptoms while avoiding any excess.
In addition to bioidentical hormone replacement, Balance Health Clinic advises certain lifestyle measures and supportive treatments to enhance hormone metabolism and facilitate optimal response:
Vitamins, minerals, antioxidants and other nutritional compounds help produce, activate and regulate hormones.
Controlling chronic stress preserves endocrine function by normalizing cortisol and lowering inflammation.
The liver metabolizes hormones, so improving hepatic function aids hormone balance.
Much endocrine activity occurs in intestinal tissues, so healthy gut flora and integrity is vital.
Regular activity stimulates hormone release and enhances cell sensitivity to their effects.
Quality sleep normalizes circadian rhythms and multiple hormonal pathways.
Addressing these lifestyle factors complements BHRT treatment for best therapeutic results.
When searching for a clinic specializing in custom-compounded bioidentical hormone replacement therapy, Balance Health Clinic stands out for multiple reasons:
Our doctors have over 20 years of expertise specifically focused on innovative BHRT approaches.
We utilize cutting-edge diagnostic labs for accurate hormone assessments and monitoring.
Therapies are tailored to each individual???s physiology, lifestyle and health goals.
BHRT is complemented by nutrition, stress management and wellness therapies.
Patients receive supportive counseling during the optimization process.
In Wilmington and throughout South Carolina, Balance Health Clinic is renowned as the premier clinic for those seeking expert bioidentical hormone replacement therapy tailored to their unique needs.
Declining hormone levels due to aging, stress and other factors can negatively impact energy, sleep, weight, emotions and overall health. Properly prescribed and monitored bioidentical hormone replacement therapy helps restore optimal balance of estrogen, progesterone, testosterone and other key hormones alleviating deficiency symptoms and promoting vitality.
Balance Health Clinic offers state-of-the-art testing to accurately diagnose individual hormone deficits and imbalances. Our experienced bioidentical hormone specialist physicians then develop fully customized treatment regimens using bioidentical hormones in physiological doses to achieve optimal balance tailored to each patient.
If you???re experiencing distressing symptoms of hormone imbalance, contact Balance Health Clinic today to explore your bioidentical hormone therapy options!
