Bioidentical hormone replacement therapy (BHRT) can provide relief for both men and women experiencing the effects of a hormone imbalance or decline. As we age or experience certain medical conditions, our bodies may not be able to naturally produce sufficient levels of key hormones such as estrogen, progesterone, testosterone, and DHEA. Returning hormone levels to an optimal range with bioidentical hormones can alleviate symptoms and promote better health.
At Renew Hormone Clinic, we specialize in comprehensive hormone testing, diagnosis of hormonal imbalances, and customized treatment plans using pharmaceutical grade bioidentical hormones, prescribed and monitored by an experienced endocrinologist.
Bioidentical hormones are identical in molecular structure to the hormones naturally produced by the human body, which allows them to bind and interact with hormone receptors as the body's own hormones would. BHRT restores optimal hormone levels, avoiding the unpleasant side effects sometimes seen with synthetic hormone replacement.
In this guide, we provide an overview of bioidentical hormone therapy and how it can improve wellbeing for both women and men with hormone imbalances.
Hormone levels that are too high or too low can negatively impact both how we feel day to day and long term health outcomes. By recognizing the common signs and symptoms of a hormone imbalance, the underlying cause can be addressed.
Low estrogen levels may cause:
This can occur in perimenopause, menopause, or at other times due to conditions like hypothalamic amenorrhea, ovary problems, or an eating disorder.
High estrogen levels, which are less common, may lead to:
Progesterone Imbalance
Insufficient progesterone often manifests with symptoms including:
Causes include anovulatory cycles, luteal phase defects, or progestin intolerance with birth control use.
Low androgen levels like testosterone in both men and women can cause:
Common reasons for declining androgen levels are aging, adrenal issues, or metabolic disorders like type 2 diabetes.
An imbalance involving DHEA (dehydroepiandrosterone) may show up as:
In addition to other mentioned causes, high cortisol from chronic stress can impair DHEA production.
Prompt diagnosis and correction of hormone deficiencies is important to reduce risk of complications like heart disease, osteoporosis, loss of muscle mass, anxiety and depression. Renew Hormone Clinic offers specialized testing and personalized treatment plans.
Our clinic begins by obtaining a full medical history and list of current symptoms and medications. Any use of oral contraceptives, fertility treatments, or menopause hormone therapy is noted at this time.
We then use advanced hormone tests to check levels of key hormones, look for imbalances, and help guide individualized treatment. Testing analyzes blood levels, sometimes supplemented with saliva tests for optimal accuracy:
Based on clinical expertise along with test results and symptoms, our specialized endocrinologists make accurate diagnoses of any hormone deficiencies or excesses.
After assessment and diagnosis, we work closely with each patient to develop an individualized treatment plan to restore balance with natural, bioidentical hormones.
Bioidentical estrogen and progesterone therapy may be prescribed for women with perimenopausal or menopausal symptoms related to declining levels. This helps relieve concerns like hot flashes, sleep issues, mood changes, and vaginal atrophy while protecting long term health.
We determine the optimal dosage, combination, and route of delivery - oral tablets, sublingual drops, topical gels or creams, vaginal inserts like rings or suppositories, pellets, patches or injections. Close monitoring helps ensure maximum benefits.
Prometrium capsules contain bioidentical progesterone derived from yams and soybeans, without side effects seen with synthetic progestins. For more targeted effects, progesterone may be given as a topical cream.
In both women and men, testosterone levels decline about 1% per year from age 30 on. Restoring balance with bioidentical testosterone improves energy, motivation, strength, endurance, bone density, mood, cognition and libido.
At Renew Hormone Clinic, treatment plans for testosterone replacement therapy (TRT) are customized based on blood tests, age, symptoms, and lifestyle. We help determine the optimal dosage, frequency, and administration route.
Options include testosterone injections, daily topical testosterone gels or creams containing bioidentical testosterone, convenient buccal tablets that are absorbed in the mouth, or longer acting testosterone pellets inserted under the skin which release steady hormones over months. Follow up blood tests ensure effectiveness.
The adrenal hormone DHEA also declines with age, sometimes causing symptoms like weight gain, fatigue, low libido, anxiety, depression and memory problems.
We may suggest daily DHEA supplementation at an appropriate dose based on lab test results. This bioidentical over the counter capsule or tablet helps restore more youthful DHEA levels.
In addition to prescription bioidentical hormones, we offer nutrition and lifestyle guidance for the best possible treatment results. Follow up appointments allow us to monitor progress, adjust dosages if needed, and ensure long term wellbeing.
We also coordinate care with the patient’s gynecologist or primary care provider.
Bioidentical hormones are not technically "natural" - even though they are identical to human hormones on a molecular level, they have to be custom-compounded in a lab because the body cannot extract and purify hormones in the same way. So while promoted as natural, bioidenticals aren't found as-is in nature.
Treatment of hormonal imbalances with customized bioidentical hormone therapy provides both prompt relief of symptoms and protects long-term health. Benefits include:
Optimal hormone balance enhances mood and cognition, often lifting feelings of anxiety, irritability or depression. Memory, mental clarity and ability to focus also commonly improve.
By reducing fatigue and restoring vigor, balanced hormone levels give an energy boost, allowing people to better participate and enjoy day to day activities.
Uncomfortable symptoms like hot flashes, night sweats, sleep disturbances, and vaginal atrophy are typically alleviated with properly dosed BHRT.
Several hormones play essential roles regulating metabolism and body composition. Optimizing levels aids healthy weight management efforts.
Estrogen and testosterone promote increased bone mineral density. Bioidentical hormone therapy helps strengthen bones and prevent osteoporosis.
Replacing deficient DHEA, testosterone or estrogen commonly improves libido. For women, vaginal dryness or discomfort may also be reduced.
Estrogen helps promote healthy cholesterol levels already within normal range when started early in menopause. Optimal testosterone supports cardiovascular health in both men and women.
For menopausal women, balanced estrogen eliminates or reduces bothersome vasomotor symptoms. No woman should feel “too young” to benefit.
In addition to bioidentical hormone replacement prescribed by our doctors, Renew Hormone Clinic provides therapeutic lifestyle guidance to support hormone balance and general health during treatment including:
We also help connect patients with high quality local resources in the Fenton area supportive of treatment goals like:
With an integrative approach unique to each individual's needs, our clinic strives to help patients achieve full hormone balance and improved wellbeing.
The first step in beginning bioidentical hormone treatment is making a new patient appointment at Renew Hormone Clinic.
We conduct an extensive initial consultation to:
After specialized hormone testing, our endocrinologist reviews and interprets results. We then schedule a follow up visit to:
Ongoing follow ups allow for continually optimizing the treatment regimen to help you look, feel and function your best. We coordinate care with other practitioners like gynecologists or primary care providers.
Bioidentical hormones have a molecular structure identical to those produced by the human body. This allows them to bind perfectly with natural hormone receptors, exactly mimicking the action of our own hormones. Synthetic hormones tend to over- or under-stimulate receptors, causing side effects.
We prescribe individualized doses tailored to each patient ́s lab results, symptoms, BMI, lifestyle factors, medical history, gender, and age. This personalized approach provides optimal treatment results.
Renew Hormone Clinic offers a wide range of delivery methods: oral tablets or capsules, sublingual drops, transdermal gels or lotions, vaginal inserts, pellets implanted under the skin, patches and injections. This allows treatment plans to be customized.
Most patients notice some improvements right away, like better sleep, clearer thinking or reduced hot flashes. Peak benefits often take 3-6 months as hormones stabilize in tissue reservoirs. This depends on dosage, route of administration, lifestyle factors and how severe the deficiency was.
We accept most major insurance plans. Cash pricing and convenient payment plans are also available. Financing can be arranged if needed. Call our friendly billing staff for details.
Yes, clinical studies support the long term safety of properly monitored bioidentical hormone therapy. However, risks vs benefits are carefully assessed on an ongoing basis depending on the patient’s age and medical history. Follow up testing helps ensure appropriateness.
If you ́re experiencing unpleasant symptoms related to a possible hormone imbalance, contact the specialized endocrinologists at Renew Hormone Clinic today to see if bioidentical hormone replacement is right for your needs.
