Hormone Replacement

A hormonal imbalance can occur at any point in life for men and women. Natural hormones like estrogen, testosterone, thyroid, and progesterone are produced in various glands throughout the body. These hormones regulate an enormous range of body functions. When our glands underproduce or overproduce certain hormones, we begin to experience symptoms of hormone imbalance.

What are the symptoms in women?

Some of the emotional symptoms of hormone imbalance in women include fatigue, foggy thinking, lack of energy, lethargic depression, and anxiety. Other signs can include acne, thinning hair, excessive hair on face and arms, thin/dry skin, spots on face, unstable blood sugar, and low blood pressure. If you suspect you may be suffering from hormonal imbalance, please consult with a doctor or specialist.

Why do people need Bioidentical Hormone Replacement Therapy (BHRT)?

Bioidentical Hormone Replacement Therapy (BHRT) helps address symptoms related to hormone imbalance. Most treatments involve balancing estrogen, progesterone, testosterone, DHEA, and adrenal hormone levels. Consult with your doctor so that an appropriate treatment approach can be designed to address your needs.

How do I know if my hormones are low or imbalanced?

Hormone imbalance symptoms can vary, the only way to check your hormone (thyroid, TSH, estradiol, progesterone and cortisol) levels is through your doctor.

Do men suffer from hormone imbalance?

Yes. In fact, male hormone imbalance is often overlooked or ignored. A hormone imbalance can be brought on by stress, injury, illness, poor nutrition, inadequate exercise, or other factors. Please see your doctor to have your hormone levels checked.

What is a bioidentical hormone?

Bioidentical hormones are hormones that are chemically identical to the human hormone that our body produces naturally. We use bioidentical hormones of the highest quality from certified manufacturers. These hormones are derived from plants, which is preferred by most physicians over animal derivatives.

Why do some people prefer bioidentical hormones?

According to a U.S. National Library of Medicine National Institutes of Health study, patients report greater satisfaction with bioidentical hormone therapy than synthetic hormone therapy.

“Physiological data and clinical outcomes demonstrate that bioidentical hormones are associated with lower risks, including the risk of breast cancer and cardiovascular disease, and are more efficacious than their synthetic and animal-derived counterparts,” states the report.

Thus, the FDA has approved certain bioidentical hormones and your physician may rely on these to develop a therapy specific to your needs.

What hormone products are commonly prescribed?

Commonly prescribed hormones include, but are not limited to the following:

Estrogen (E2, E3) replacement could include topical creams, vaginal creams, or sublingual liquids

Progesterone is often prescribed as oral capsules, topical creams, or vaginal suppositories

Thyroids are commercially available, but compounded for special strengths, dosages, or a specific combination that is not commercially available.

DHEA and Pregnenolone which exist naturally in our body are often prescribed as supplements to hormone replacement. These can be applied as a cream or taken orally.

Testosterone is available as a commercially available injection or gel.

Are there side effects of hormone replacement?

Bioidentical hormone therapy has a few potential side effects which are related to dosage. As your hormone levels improve, your dosage may need to be adjusted. Thus, doctors usually start patients on a relatively low dose and gradually increase the dosage as needed. It is important that you use your medication as prescribed. If you notice side effects, contact your physician. Some side effects may include increased acne or irritability for men and women. Women may experience breast tenderness, spotting, cramping, and bloating. Side effects tend to wear off as hormone levels balance. It is important to work closely with your doctor or a specialist to properly manage the treatment program.