Bioidentical hormone replacement therapy (BHRT) involves using hormones that are molecularly identical to those made naturally in the human body to supplement declining hormone levels. As we age, hormone production decreases causing various symptoms and health issues. Replacing these hormones can provide immense benefits and dramatically improve quality of life.
At WelnessTreatment Pro, our highly trained medical professionals specialize in customized bioidentical hormone therapy to restore optimal hormone balance and promote good health. We offer cutting-edge testing, treatment plans tailored to each patient's needs, and ongoing monitoring and care.
In this comprehensive guide, we will cover all aspects of bioidentical hormone therapy including:
Learning the facts about hormone optimization with bioidenticals can help you take control of your health, address deficiencies, and experience the numerous benefits of proper hormone balance. Our goal is to empower patients with knowledge and partner with you on your treatment journey.
Bioidentical hormones are man-made hormones that are chemically identical to those produced naturally in the body. The main bioidentical hormones used for replacement therapy include:
These hormones are synthesized from plant compounds and are bioidentical at the molecular level to human hormones. This makes them ideal for hormone supplementation from a biological perspective.
The body recognizes these identical hormones and utilizes them just as it would those produced internally. Bioidentical hormones communicate with cellular receptors and exert the same effects as endogenous hormones. As a result, they can effectively supplement declining levels while minimizing side effects compared to synthetic versions.
As we age, hormone levels naturally decline causing various signs and symptoms. Imbalances and deficiencies can develop slowly over many years making the symptoms seem like just a normal part of aging. However, hormone optimization therapy can alleviate these issues.
Common symptoms of low estrogen in women include:
Low testosterone levels in men can cause:
Low progesterone can lead to:
Low DHEA can cause:
Low thyroid function (hypothyroidism) can lead to:
Keep in mind that symptoms may be subtle and manifest differently in each individual. The key is having hormone levels properly tested by an experienced practitioner and identifying deficiencies or imbalances. Customized bioidentical hormone therapy can then help patients feel healthy and vibrant at any age.
The first step in bioidentical hormone replacement therapy is having your hormone levels comprehensively tested. At WelnessTreatment Pro, initial testing is a key part of our treatment protocol.
We use advanced methods of assessing hormone balance including blood, saliva, and urine testing. These can accurately measure circulating free hormone levels as well as metabolites.
Some key hormone tests include:
| Hormone Test | Description |
|---|---|
| Estradiol | The most potent estrogen |
| Progesterone | |
| Testosterone | Total and free |
| DHEA-Sulfate | |
| TSH, free T3, free T4 | For thyroid function |
Testing also evaluates the body's ability to make hormones from precursors and metabolize hormones. Sex hormone binding globulin (SHBG), cortisol levels, insulin levels, and nutrients like vitamin D are also important.
Evaluation of symptoms through extensive questionnaires can further indicate potential hormone deficiencies or imbalances. Our practitioners put together all this information for a comprehensive assessment before developing a customized treatment plan.
Follow-up testing is done regularly to monitor hormone levels and make adjustments to dosing or delivery methods. We personalize care based on each patient's response and feedback. The goal is maintaining optimal levels long-term for sustained benefits.
Restoring hormone balance through biologically identical hormones offers a wide array of both general health and specific symptomatic benefits:
For women:
For men:
Balanced bioidentical hormones also support overall health and slow aging by:
In both men and women, bioidentical testosterone therapy also provides these key benefits:
For those with low thyroid function, bioidentical thyroid hormone improves energy, mental clarity, body temperature regulation, weight management and much more.
The wide range of benefits make bioidentical hormones an extremely effective therapy for optimizing health, combating the effects of aging, and enhancing quality of life.
There are certain potential risks and side effects to be aware of with bioidentical hormone replacement therapy:
Our practitioners minimize risks by thoroughly evaluating patients, using the lowest effective doses, testing hormone levels every 3-6 months, and monitoring for potential side effects. Most patients experience great results with few if any side effects under professional medical supervision.
There are different forms of bioidentical estrogen and progesterone that can be used:
| Hormone | Description |
|---|---|
| Estradiol | The most potent form that decreases with perimenopause and menopause. Used in low doses for replacement. |
| Estrone | A weaker but still effective estrogen formed from estradiol in fat tissue. |
| Estriol | The weakest estrogen form that does not increase blood clotting risk. |
| Progesterone | The most commonly used bioidentical progesterone. |
| Progesterone cream | Can be used topically for women who cannot take oral progesterone. |
At WelnessTreatment Pro, we typically start with estradiol and progesterone capsules or creams. Estriol and estrone can be added for women who do not achieve symptom relief from estradiol alone.
Estrogen is crucial for combating hot flashes, night sweats, vaginal dryness, bone loss, skin changes, and other menopausal symptoms. Progesterone balances the effects of estrogen and has added benefits for sleep, mood, and menstrual regulation.
Dosages are customized based on the patient's needs and response. We recommend using the lowest effective dose to achieve symptom relief and maximize benefits while minimizing risks. Careful monitoring and testing determines if any dose adjustments are needed over time.
Bioidentical testosterone is one of the most beneficial hormones for men over age 30 who are experiencing the effects of declining levels:
Testosterone is available in several bioidentical forms:
At WelnessTreatment Pro, we mainly prescribe testosterone gels or creams which provide an ideal balance of steady hormone delivery and flexible dosing adjustments.
We utilize the lowest dose needed to relief symptoms, increase energy, elevate mood, and restore health. Doses range from 25 mg to 100 mg applied daily. Blood levels of testosterone are tested periodically to ensure optimal levels are maintained long-term.
For hypothyroidism or low thyroid function, we offer bioidentical thyroid hormone to relieve symptoms and correct metabolic issues related to low thyroid:
| Thyroid Hormone | Description |
|---|---|
| T3 (triiodothyronine) | The active form that regulates metabolism. |
| T4 (thyroxine) | An inactive form that converts to T3 in body tissues. |
| T3/T4 combination therapy | Provides T4 to replenish low levels and added T3 for immediate metabolic benefits. |
Most patients do well on customized doses of T4 alone or a T3/T4 mix dosed to maintain optimum thyroid hormone levels. The dosing is very individualized based on testing thyroid blood tests and clinical response.
Thyroid hormone optimization provides these benefits:
The main methods of delivering bioidentical hormone replacement include:
At WelnessTreatment Pro, we predominantly use oral capsules or topical gels and creams to start. This allows flexible dosing adjustment. We can switch delivery methods depending on the patient's preference and response.
Our general treatment protocol is:
We partner with patients for the long-term maintenance of optimal hormone balance and wellness. Our practitioners have specialized training in bioidentical hormone replacement and seek to provide the highest quality care.
To maximize the benefits of bioidentical hormone therapy, we provide these lifestyle recommendations:
Optimizing nutrition, exercise, sleep, stress levels, alcohol intake, body weight and blood sugar control works synergistically with bioidentical hormone replacement for greater well-being. Our practitioners provide customized recommendations to help each patient achieve their best results.
When it comes to highly individualized bioidentical hormone therapy, the right provider makes all the difference. Here's how WelnessTreatment Pro delivers the highest quality care:
Whether you are an ideal candidate for hormone therapy or not, we conduct a thorough evaluation and take the time to answer all your questions to help you achieve your health goals.
Contact us today to find out how our individualized plans and compassionate support can help you live better in the prime of life.
There are exciting new innovations that are making bioidentical hormone replacement therapy more effective and convenient than ever
