Bioidentical hormones are identical in molecular structure to the hormones produced naturally in the human body. They are often used in hormone replacement therapy to supplement declining hormones levels associated with aging and hormonal conditions.
Unlike traditional synthetic hormones, which can produce unwanted side-effects, bioidentical hormones are biochemically equivalent to your body’s own hormones. This means they:
So in a nutshell, bioidentical hormone therapy gets your hormones back into their optimal ranges to stop deficiency symptoms, without the drawbacks of synthetics.
The main hormones commonly replaced with bioidenticals are:
Declining hormone levels not only make you feel unwell, but over the long term they substantially increase disease risk. That’s why getting deficient hormones back into balance is so important.
Common deficiency symptoms in both men and women can include:
The spectrum of deficiency symptoms depends which hormones are out of optimal ranges.
For example, low estrogen is associated more with hot flashes and urogenital changes like vaginal dryness.
Whereas low testosterone causes low energy, reduced muscle mass and strength, and erectile dysfunction in men.
The key is identifying which hormones need balancing through accurate blood tests and talking over your symptoms with a specialist.
There are several reasons we experience declining hormones as we get older:
In women, plummeting estrogen and progesterone levels are mostly tied to menopause and perimenopause.
Men experience a more gradual decline in testosterone levels from the 30s onwards, termed “andropause”.
Regardless of gender, keeping your hormones balanced is key minimizing deficiency symptoms and avoiding future health complications.
Balancing key hormones with bioidentical therapy provides extensive health benefits:
Restoring estrogen, progesterone and testosterone to optimal ranges alleviates troublesome symptoms making you feel unwell on a day-to-day basis.
Benefits can include: - Reduced hot flashes and night sweats - Minimized fatigue and improved energy - Elevated mood and sense of wellbeing - Increased libido and sexual function - Improved sleep quality - Clearer thinking and concentration - Decreased pain and joint aches
Most patients find symptoms significantly improve or disappear completely within 1-2 months of balanced hormone levels.
Bioidentical HRT does far more than make you feel better day-to-day. Balancing key hormones provides extensive protective effects against many diseases.
In particular, optimal estrogen is crucial for women protecting cardiovascular, brain, bone and urogenital tissue.
Whereas testosterone is important for men’s metabolic, cardiovascular and mental health.
Benefits to organs and body systems can include:
Heart health: - Decreased atherosclerosis - Improved cholesterol ratios - Reduced risk of heart attack and stroke
Brain health: - Enhanced verbal memory and cognition - Decreased depression and anxiety - Lower Alzheimer’s disease progression
Urogenital health: - Increased vaginal secretions - Improved elasticity and thickness - Decreased painful intercourse
Musculoskeletal health - Increased lean muscle mass - Improved bone mineral density - Reduced falls and fractures
The key is starting treatment before excessive tissue degeneration with aging. Patients in their 40s-50s obtain the most protective benefits from balancing declining hormones.
Synthetic versions of estrogen and progesterone are associated with relatively high risks of blood clots, gallbladder issues, fluid retention and cancer with long term use.
Many of these risks stem from the non-bioidentical hormonal structure triggering abnormal reactions in tissues.
In sharp contrast, bioidentical hormones don’t appear to increase health risks because they perfectly mimic natural hormones at the molecular level.
Multiple studies comparing HRT options found bioidenticals have much more favorable safety profiles, especially regarding clotting and cardiovascular risk.
There are two key components to successful bioidentical HRT:
This begins with thorough discussions about your symptoms, medical history and concerns with a trained hormone specialist.
They will also organize comprehensive blood tests measuring levels of key hormones like estradiol, progesterone, testosterone, DHEA and thyroid hormones.
Your specialist analyses these results to determine which hormones are suboptimal to precisely target treatment.
Follow up tests help fine tune your unique prescription strength and monitor your progress on HRT over months and years.
The most common way to deliver bioidentical hormones is via a custom compounded cream you apply daily to the skin.
These creams are expertly mixed by a specialized compounding pharmacy according to your doctor’s specifications optimizing absorption and bioavailability.
Transdermal creams can contain:
Pellet implants placed under the skin that slowly release hormones are another option, but require minor surgery every 3-6 months.
Compounded hormone creams allow flexible adjustment of concentrations tailored to your body’s changing needs over the years.
Treatment always aims to balance hormones within natural ranges to avoid side effects and optimize symptom relief.
Follow up blood tests allow precise dose adjustments until hormones stabilize at healthy physiological levels.
Bioidentical hormones derived from plants can provide relief from menopausal symptoms just as effectively as conventional hormone therapy, without some of the risks. Plant-based treatments let doctors customize doses and delivery methods to each woman's needs, for more personalized care.
Age-related hormone decline is an unavoidable process as we advance through our 40s/50s.
Unfortunately some doctors view menopause and andropause as “normal” parts of aging failing to address resulting symptoms.
But there is nothing “normal” about needlessly suffering hot flashes, low energy, sleeping poorly and feeling down.
Nor should increased risks of osteoporosis, heart disease and stroke later in life be considered acceptable.
Restoring balance with bioidentical HRT provides extensive benefits at all ages.
That’s why identifying hormone deficiencies early and starting prompt treatment brings optimal results.
The sooner your hormones are replenished, the sooner you’ll feel better and maximize protective health effects long term.
It’s important recognizing menopause and andropause related changes in your body. Tracking symptoms helps identify falling hormones requiring treatment.
Fortunately custom-compounded creams make balancing declining hormones easy and convenient in the comfort of your own home.
Age is no barrier for bioidentical hormone therapy. Both peri/menopausal women and andropausal men can benefit greatly from treatment regardless of life stage.
The take home message is simple - never settle for feeling unwell. Seek specialist advice and get your hormones tested if suspecting imbalance.
Bioidentical HRT offers safe, natural relief improving quality of life as well as protecting future health.
Prairie Village is an wonderful location for purified outdoor walks when starting bioidentical HRT. Being active out in nature provides extensive additional benefits enhancing hormone therapy.
Exceptional hormone therapy relies on finding an expert practitioner guiding correct testing and interpretation.
Prairie Village has several highly trained doctors focused specifically on optimizing clients’ hormone levels.
A specialist can accurately diagnosis deficiencies and ensure proper treatment meeting physician standards.
They understand nuances differentiating between natural menopause/andropause versus other issues causing hormones to drop.
Most offer both in-office and telehealth consultations for your convenience. Discuss all options to find your best fit.
Getting baseline blood tests establishing your hormone profile is crucial before starting treatment.
Many specialists use independent labs offering patients self-collection kits shipped right to your door.
Home hormone sampling using a simple finger prick is quick and easy.
Labs analyzing tests like Dutch Test and Dried Urine Test offer comprehensive sex and adrenal hormone assessment. Kits start under $300 without insurance.
Specialized pharmacists mix customized bioidentical creams containing exact concentrations of hormones prescribed by your doctor.
Prairie Village has several “compounding pharmacies” with expertise preparing transdermal HRT treatments.
Ask your specialist which local pharmacy they use and collaborate with closest matching your needs.
Complementing hormone therapy with positive lifestyle changes enhances treatment:
Finding your own balance between activity, nourishment and restoration will boost holistic wellness on balanced hormones.
Prairie Village boils over with wonderful boutiques, cafes and wellness venues making HRT more enjoyable:
- Life Extension Center - Offering blood draws and wellness testing - Quest Diagnostics Patient Service Center - Nationwide lab testing
- The Medicine Shoppe - Expert compounded medicationsolutions - Option Care Health Pharmacy - IV therapies and injections
- Serentity Kneads Massage - Various massage and therapy treatments - Honor Yoga - Variety of yoga classes for every level - The Farmhouse - Health focused cafe with nutritious meal options
New Beginnings HRT Clinic encourages you to take charge of any menopause, andropause and hormone related symptoms affecting daily quality of life.
Bioidentical hormone therapy can safely relieve troublesome symptoms, while providing extensive protective benefits against dementia, osteoporosis, heart disease and many other aging complications.
Treatment aims to restore highs and lows back into optimal ranges based on symptoms and blood tests. Improvements often occur rapidly within first 1-2 months.
HRT prescribed by a hormone specialist also avoids side effects associated with traditional non-bioidentical hormones.
Increased awareness means more peri/menopausal women and low testosterone men are seeking treatment earlier maximizing positive impacts.
We hope this guide gave helpful information. Reach out today to explore your options optimizing hormone health specific to your body!
