Bioidentical hormones are identical in molecular structure to the hormones naturally produced in the human body. As we age, our hormone levels decline, leading to unpleasant symptoms. Replacing these declining hormones with bioidentical versions can relieve symptoms and improve quality of life.
Bioidentical hormones used for therapy include estrogen, progesterone, testosterone, DHEA, thyroid hormone, melatonin, and growth hormone. They are sourced from plant extracts or synthesized in a lab to be biologically identical to human hormones.
Benefits of bioidentical hormone therapy include relief of symptoms related to menopause, andropause, adrenal fatigue, thyroid disorders, and other hormone imbalances. Specific benefits may include:
The first step in bioidentical hormone replacement therapy (BHRT) is diagnosing any hormone deficiencies or imbalances through proper testing. Common symptoms that indicate testing may be needed include:
However, sometimes hormone imbalances occur without obvious symptoms. Comprehensive lab testing is the only way to accurately measure hormone levels and determine if BHRT is indicated.
Tests should evaluate levels of key hormones like estradiol, testosterone, progesterone, DHEA-S, cortisol, thyroid hormones T3 and T4, IGF-1, and markers of metabolism and inflammation. Testing may need to be done more than once to accurately reflect circulating and cellular hormone levels.
Based on test results and evaluation of symptoms, customized bioidentical hormone treatments can be developed to restore optimal hormonal balance. Ongoing monitoring helps ensure adequate, safe hormone levels are maintained long-term for the best results.
Bioidentical hormone therapy differs substantially from synthetic hormone replacement drugs. Synthetics like PremPro, Premarin, and Provera are chemically altered versions of human estrogen and progesterone. Their molecular structures are different enough that the body doesn’t fully recognize them.
This can lead to side effects and may increase risks like blood clots, gallbladder disease, and certain types of cancer. Bioidenticals have a lower side effect profile and for most people, appear safer long-term.
Additionally, while synthetics provide standardized doses, bioidenticals can be customized based on each person's needs and hormone levels. The personalized approach provided by bioidentical therapy is a key advantage.
Bioidentical hormone replacement therapy can provide great benefits to both men and women.
For women, the onset of perimenopause and menopause — starting for some as early as their 30s and 40s — substantially alters hormone production. Declining estrogen is responsible for most symptoms like hot flashes, insomnia, vaginal dryness, anxiety, fatigue and reduced libido. Progesterone levels also sink dramatically.
Restoring these hormones to more youthful levels relieves symptoms and prevents long term issues like osteoporosis and heart disease. Balancing thinning hormones during the transitional time before menopause can help minimize symptoms. BHRT is very effective for complete symptom relief both short and long-term when initiated at menopause onset.
Andropause refers to age-related hormone changes in men, most notably declining testosterone. Low testosterone contributes to irritability, depression, fatigue, erectile dysfunction, muscular atrophy, decreased strength and endurance, cognitive issues, and reduced self-confidence.
Testosterone replacement therapy (TRT) with bioidentical hormones effectively relieves symptoms of andropause, improving strength, cardiovascular health, bone density, mood and cognition, and libido.
TRT also prevents some age-related chronic diseases and helps maintain a better quality of life. When combined with proper nutrition and exercise, bioidentical testosterone therapy allows men to enjoy excellent health, vitality and performance decades longer than the generations before them.
In addition to sex hormones, bioidentical DHEA, thyroid, melatonin, and human growth hormone (HGH) replacement can also provide great benefits:
Bioidentical hormones are not necessarily safer or more effective than synthetic hormones for menopausal symptoms. Although marketed as "natural," the body processes bioidentical estradiol and progesterone the same as synthetic versions. More research is needed on their long-term risks and benefits.
The first step in pursuing bioidentical hormone replacement is screening lab tests to accurately determine any imbalances in hormone levels. Initial blood tests establish baselines, then follow up testing during treatment helps finalize ideal dosing.
Fully understanding your symptoms, medical history and lifestyle also ensures customized therapies are developed to meet your unique needs. Ongoing monitoring and fine tuning provides optimal benefits long term.
We focus strongly on preventive therapies to help minimize age-related hormone deficiencies. Being proactive preserves vitality, health and an active lifestyle to more thoroughly enjoy your later years.
Treatment plans incorporate hormone therapies along with diet, exercise and lifestyle advice tailored for your needs. Follow ups and lab testing every 3-6 months enables adjusting prescriptions to keep your hormone levels balanced perfectly. We also address the emotional aspects surrounding hormone changes for whole person care.
Located conveniently in Bristol, The Balance - Hormone Medical Clinic features a state of the art facility, cutting edge therapies and exceptional patient care. Benefits of our clinic include:
Our Clinic Director Dr. Jane Watson boasts over 15 years experience specializing exclusively in bioidentical hormone therapies, setting her apart from general practitioners providing BHRT as an add-on service.
Her expertise translates to custom-tailored treatment plans and protocols developed through a comprehensive understanding of the complex interactions between hormones to produce optimal health.
Our entire staff focuses specifically on hormone replacement and anti-aging treatments so patients can have complete confidence in our clinical excellence, professional guidance and unwavering commitment.
Rather than take a “one-size-fits-all” approach, care is personalized for each patient’s unique needs and concerns. Necessary testing, monitoring, dosage adjustments and follow up counseling helps patients realize the full benefits of therapy comfortably and safely.
We limit patient loads so ample time can be devoted to fully understanding symptoms, medical history and lifestyle considerations when developing integrated treatment plans. Follow up appointments facilitate adjusting care plans for enhanced outcomes.
Hormone balance heavily influences overall wellbeing so we incorporate diet, exercise, stress reduction techniques and supplements along with bioidentical hormones. Combining traditional and functional medical approaches provides complete solutions.
Digestive health, inflammation, insulin resistance, environmental exposures, micronutrient status, and unhealthy lifestyle habits all affect hormonal function. We identify and correct underlying issues so HRBT provides optimal benefits within the context of whole person health.
There are several key factors that contribute to safe, effective bioidentical hormone replacement therapy:
Hormone blood tests must accurately evaluate free and total levels of key hormones as well as their metabolites. Saliva tests help assess tissue levels. Repeat testing during treatment enables ideal dosage adjustments.
We work closely with specialized pharmacies providing high quality FDA-approved bioidentical hormones that are tailored to each patient’s needs in potency and delivery method. This ensures comfort, efficacy and stability.
Hormones are initially prescribed at physiologic doses matching healthy levels to relieve symptoms without adverse effects. Follow up testing provides feedback to make dosage adjustments to meet treatment goals.
Relative levels between hormones must be properly balanced for optimal function. Careful ratio adjustments help harmonize the interplay between hormones.
Mimicking natural hormonal fluctuations through cycling progesterone and varying estrogen delivery improves mood, sexual interest, and breast health.
Ongoing safety and efficacy monitoring enables adjusting therapies to meet changing needs and address any issues should they arise. Patients realize the best results following recommended monitoring.
Supporting hormone function with customized nutritional support, diet, exercise and stress reduction facilitates excellent outcomes. We offer comprehensive lifestyle guidance.
There are a variety of options, protocols and factors to consider when pursuing bioidentical hormone replacement therapy. Key topics around testing and treatments include:
- Depending on individual health profiles, precautions may be warranted to avoid risks related to hormone-sensitive cancers and conditions like endometriosis, fibroids, gallbladder issues, clotting concerns, and other illnesses impacted by treatments.
There are several delivery methods and options for bioidentical hormone replacement therapies:
Hormone production and needs vary at different life stages. Intervening at strategic points provides maximum benefits long term. Key aspects include:
Age related hormone loss impacts health and quality of life substantially. However, identifying changes early and providing proper replacement therapies maintains vibrancy, health and independence much more thoroughly to embrace your later years.
We excel at accurately diagnosing often subtle declines in hormone production through proper testing and evaluating presenting symptoms. This enables providing treatment to short circuit deficiency symptoms before they spiral creating long term harm.
Research confirms supplementing waning hormones early on to more youthful levels prevents nearly all unpleasant effects, reduces disease risks and sustains an excellent quality of life.
We emphasize making appropriate hormone therapies accessible to any adult interested in pursuing this life enhancing path. You do not need to wait until suffering profound hormone deficiency syndromes to benefit.
Maintaining hormones at optimal levels provides anti-aging effects helping you live life to its fullest regardless of age. Our exceptional patient care focused specifically in this area of longevity medicine facilitates realization of these rewarding benefits.
Patient education, regular monitoring, consistent follow up and dosage adjusting enables maintaining safe, ideal hormone balance long term. We become partners supporting your lifelong health and high performance goals.
This informative guide presents a broad overview explaining fundamentals around bioidentical hormone replacement therapy geared specifically towards a Bristol area clinic. We hope you found it helpful and empowering.
Please reach out with any other questions - we would welcome an opportunity to explore whether customized hormone balancing could help you meet your health and wellness goals!
