Hormone deficiencies can negatively impact quality of life. Bioidentical hormone replacement therapy (BHRT) can help restore optimal hormone levels to promote wellbeing. This article will provide an overview of BHRT and how it is used to treat hormone imbalances at Renew Hormone Clinic.
Bioidentical hormones are identical in molecular structure to the hormones produced naturally in the human body. They are synthesized from plant sources and tailored to match the body’s hormones.
Bioidentical hormones are used to supplement deficiencies related to aging or other medical conditions. BHRT can help alleviate uncomfortable symptoms of hormone imbalance that detract from wellness.
Bioidentical hormone replacement provides advantages over non-bioidentical versions. The natural molecular structure allows bioidentical hormones to interface optimally with the body’s hormone receptors.
A blood panel or saliva test can diagnose a hormone imbalance. Annual testing enables early detection for prompt BHRT initiation to curb symptoms.
Treating hormone deficiencies early on can stall progression of related diseases. It enables patients to enjoy more years with better health and vitality.
Hormone levels can be evaluated via blood draw or saliva collection. Renew Hormone Clinic partners with Hillsborough laboratories like Local Lab A, Local Lab B and Local Lab C to ensure convenient local testing options.
Renew Hormone Clinic deploys personalized bioidentical hormone replacement protocols based on the patient’s unique deficiency and objectives.
Starting BHRT begins with the prescribing practitioner evaluating bloodwork to tailor the hormone regimen to the individual’s needs for optimized safety and efficacy.
Bioidentical hormones can be administered as oral capsules, sublingual drops, topical creams or injectables based on the patient’s preference and lifestyle factors. Renew Hormone Clinic offers all of these delivery methods.
Bioidentical hormones are not necessarily safer or more effective than synthetic hormones for menopausal symptoms, despite marketing claims. Well-designed studies find mixed evidence on risks and benefits compared to conventional hormone therapy.
There are several conditions that can benefit from properly administered bioidentical hormone therapy:
Andropause involves declining testosterone levels that lead to unpleasant symptoms like low energy, reduced muscle mass and depressive moods. Testosterone replacement therapy (TRT) is used to alleviate low testosterone.
Perimenopause involves fluctuating estrogen levels leading up to menopause when estrogen production halts altogether. Bioidentical estrogen helps counter symptoms like hot flashes, night sweats, vaginal dryness, irregular periods and sleep disruption.
The thyroid gland produces hormones vital for metabolic regulation. Bioidentical thyroid hormone supplements can rectify hormone insufficiencies causing weight gain, fatigue, irregular body temperatures and cardiovascular risk.
Patients can further augment the benefits derived from bioidentical hormones by adopting certain lifestyle measures:
Eating a diet high in phytoestrogens found in foods like flax seeds, soy and legumes boosts estrogen activity. Consuming cruciferous vegetables helps optimize thyroid functioning.
Chronic stress leads to elevated cortisol which can negatively impact the HPA axis and hormone equilibrium. Stress management via yoga, meditation, counseling or socializing aids BHRT results.
Engaging muscles through strength training and cardio activity stimulates hormone-releasing endorphins while reducing adipose tissue that converts androgens into estrogen and leads to imbalances.
Quality sleep enables pituitary health for sufficient anti-aging hormone production. Prioritizing 7-9 hours of nightly sleep facilitates BHRT.
Renew Hormone Clinic leverages top endocrinology expertise with years of experience optimizing hormone wellness. Our practitioners focus on the big picture, evaluating lifestyle factors like nutrition, exercise and stress levels along with genetic predispositions to craft fully personalized plans. Renew Hormone Clinic partners with local establishments like Hillsborough Health Club, Serene Yoga and Balanced Eats Restaurant to provide you with a holistic ecosystem to help you actualize your best self during hormone replacement therapy and beyond. Let us help you recapture vibrancy!