Bioidentical hormones are hormones that are identical in molecular structure to those naturally produced by the human body. As we age, our hormone levels often decline, leading to unpleasant symptoms. Replacing these declining hormones through bioidentical hormone replacement therapy (BHRT) can help alleviate symptoms and promote better health and vitality.
Bioidentical hormones are created in a lab to have the exact same chemical structure as the hormones made naturally by the human body. This allows them to bind to hormone receptors and mimic the function of endogenous hormones. Some examples of bioidentical hormones include:
Because bioidentical hormones are molecularly identical to endogenous hormones, proponents argue they are better recognized and utilized by the body with fewer side effects compared to synthetic hormones. However, more research is still needed in this area.
An advantage of bioidentical hormones is that they can be custom formulated in specific ratios and doses to match each individual’s hormonal needs. This custom compounding is done by specialty pharmacies according to the prescribing doctor’s specifications.
Compounded BHRT offers flexibility in route of administration as well. Bioidentical hormones can be given as oral capsules, sublingual drops, topical gels or creams, vaginal suppositories, or by injection.
Women undergoing menopause commonly experience symptoms like:
Estrogen deficiency is the primary culprit behind these symptoms during the transition into menopause. Supplementing with bioidentical estrogens and progesterone tailored to the individual’s needs and hormone levels can provide immense symptom relief.
While not as abrupt as female menopause, men also undergo a more gradual transition called andropause starting from about age 30. Declining testosterone levels lead to symptoms like:
Testosterone therapy (TRT) using bioidentical testosterone can successfully resolve these low testosterone symptoms in men. Treatment is prescribed based on the patient’s lab testing, medical history and personalized goals.
Imbalances in other key hormones beyond estrogen, progesterone and testosterone can also develop with age and negatively impact wellbeing. Two examples are DHEA and growth hormone.
DHEA is crucial for energy, immune function, mood, libido and building lean muscle mass. Growth hormone helps maintain skin thickness, muscle mass, bone density and cholesterol levels.
Bioidentical DHEA and growth hormone can be supplemented when levels fall too low on lab tests. This helps recapture lost vitality and function.
When prescribed appropriately based on symptoms and lab testing, bioidentical hormone therapy offers a variety of meaningful benefits:
The right balance and dosing of bioidentical hormones customized to the individual provides welcomed relief from the life-disrupting symptoms of shifting hormone levels during menopause or andropause. Treatment gets to the root hormonal cause for optimal control of symptoms.
In restoring wellbeing from a hormonal standpoint, BHRT also leads to better sleep, mood, mental clarity, energy levels, productivity, coping mechanisms for stress, sense of self and ability to engage in life activities. Hormonal balance thus enhances overall quality of life.
While results can vary person to person, most people find bioidentical hormone therapy leads to significant improvements within several months if well matched to the patient. However proper testing, assessment for risks, careful dosing adjustments and monitoring are vital for safety and efficacy. The process generally includes:
This step helps identify current hormone levels and how they may relate to symptoms being experienced. Testing may include free and total testosterone, estradiol, FSH, DHEA-S, T3, T4, TSH and more based on the patient presentation. Testing creates a starting point reference for hormone dosing.
The medical history is carefully reviewed to check for any contradictions or precautions for hormone therapy. This includes risk factors like hormone-influenced cancers, blood clots, heart conditions and liver problems. Provided risks are low, the potential benefits of treatment usually outweigh the risks with proper monitoring.
Initial doses start low at physiological levels and then increase slowly and deliberately based on follow up symptoms and testing. This careful upward titration of dosing prevents overshooting while allowing time for positive changes to develop. Finding one’s unique optimal dose takes patience through this process.
At first follow ups are frequent, such as every 4-6 weeks. Lab work helps ensure levels are appropriate and symptoms are improving without complications. Monitoring frequency then tapers to every 6-12 months for maintenance. Dose adjustments occur as needed over time.
This gradual and monitored approach to determining the appropriate bioidentical hormones and dosing helps maximize the intended benefits while preventing unwanted side effects. It helps create sustained improvements in how one looks, feels and functions.
Bioidentical hormones are not necessarily safer or more effective than synthetic hormones for menopausal symptoms. However, some women report preferring them because they more closely mimic the body's natural hormones. More research is still needed to fully understand the risks and benefits compared to traditional hormone therapy.
The symptoms of shifting hormone levels tend to develop gradually over months to years. Thus they are often incorrectly chalked up to “normal aging”. However allowing declining hormones to linger long term without addressing the root hormonal cause allows progressive loss of vitality with expanding symptoms.
Being attuned to changes like unexpected fatigue, sleep disruption, weight gain, loss of clarity or libido and testing hormones at the first suspicion of imbalance allows early diagnosis and prevention of long term deterioration. Then prompt treatment can alleviate current discomfort and help stall the accelerated aging process for substantially better preservation of function and good health.
Through accurately identifying and correcting hormone deficits before they grow too severe, vibrant wellbeing can be restored and sustained long term despite growing older chronologically. The keys are paying attention to changes, testing hormones when symptoms appear, starting treatment if warranted and monitoring progress. With this timely, evidence based approach, proper hormone balance can deliver substantial dividends across the second half of life.
The providers at New Beginnings HRT Clinic recognize the tremendous benefits balancing declining hormones through personalized bioidentical hormone replacement therapy can provide in terms of symptom relief and protecting long term health. However results require meticulous, responsible prescribing tailored to the unique needs of each patient.
Our clinic offers:
We partner with each patient to determine if bioidentical hormones are warranted, identify proper formulations and doses and systematically adjust as necessary to resolve problematic symptoms and promote enduring wellness across the lifespan.
While balancing key hormones provides enormous and even life-changing benefits hormonally and for managing common symptoms of aging, optimal results still depend on complementary healthy lifestyle measures and mental health support.
We encourage patients to focus on:
Caring for body and mind together through balanced hormones paired with living well allows patients to look, feel and function their best now and across the lifespan. We offer guidance to help patients create this synergy.
Sunnyside offers great access to amenities, attractions and establishments that can assist patients undergoing hormone therapy lead complementary healthy lifestyles for added vitality. Nearby options patients may find useful include:
Lab Testing: Sunnyside Labs, AnyLabTestNow
Spa Relaxation: Serenity Spa, Green Leaf Massage and Wellness
Fitness Centers: Vitality Fitness 24/7 Gym, Zen Yoga Downtown, Campestre Park Outdoor Exercise Circuit
Healthy Dining: The Green Bowl Café, Satya Veg Kitchen, Farm to Table Bistro
Mental Health Services: Sunnyside Counseling Collective, Riverside Therapy Group, Sandy Shores Wellness Center
Taking full advantage of community offerings as part of balanced self-care can bolster hormone therapy results. Our clinic strives to help patients access such lifestyle resources.
