Bioidentical hormone therapy involves using hormones that are molecularly identical to those naturally occurring in the human body to treat imbalances and improve health and quality of life. This article from Harmonize Health will provide a comprehensive overview of everything you need to know.
Bioidentical hormone therapy involves supplementing hormones that are chemically identical to those produced in the human body in order to restore optimal hormonal balance. These hormones are typically derived from plant sources and are bioengineered to be biologically equivalent to endogenous human hormones.
When our bodies begin producing less of key hormones like estrogen, progesterone, and testosterone, whether due to natural aging or other factors, we may start experiencing unpleasant symptoms. Replacing these declining hormones through bioidentical therapy can alleviate issues like fatigue, low libido, hot flashes, and more.
Bioidentical hormones have the same molecular structure as the hormones produced by the human body, making them easier for the body to recognize and utilize efficiently. On the other hand, synthetic hormones have slightly different structures, which may lead to increased side effects.
Additionally, bioidentical hormones are natural, while synthetic ones are typically created in a lab from substances like equine urine. Natural bioidentical hormones come from plant sources and are modified to be identical to human hormones.
Research shows bioidentical hormones are safer and more effective for many people compared to synthetic options. They work harmoniously with the body's existing chemistry and offer an array of health benefits.
Bioidentical hormone replacement therapy (BHRT) can benefit men and women whose bodies are no longer producing adequate amounts of key hormones. This often occurs naturally with age, but other factors like surgery, medications, or medical conditions may also trigger hormone decline.
Both men and women can experience unpleasant symptoms when their hormone production drops off:
Women
| Symptom | Description |
|---|---|
| Hot flashes | Sudden feelings of body heat |
| Night sweats | Excessive sweating during sleep |
| Vaginal dryness | Discomfort during intercourse |
| Low libido | Decreased sexual desire |
| Weight gain | Unexplained weight increase |
| Fatigue | Feeling tired or sluggish |
| Mood changes | Irritability or mood swings |
| Sleep issues | Difficulty falling or staying asleep |
Men
| Symptom | Description |
|---|---|
| Loss of muscle mass | Reduced muscle tone and strength |
| Increased body fat | Weight gain, especially around the midsection |
| Low energy | Persistent tiredness or lack of stamina |
| Emotional changes | Irritability, depression, or mood swings |
| Reduced libido | Decreased sexual desire |
| Erectile dysfunction | Difficulty achieving or maintaining an erection |
Restoring optimal hormonal balance through BHRT often leads to remarkable improvements in these areas.
Prior to commencing bioidentical hormone replacement therapy (BHRT), it's important to test current hormone levels to ascertain precisely which hormones are lacking or out of balance.
Our clinic uses advanced testing to measure levels of key hormones like estradiol, progesterone, testosterone, DHEA, and thyroid hormones T3 and T4. Saliva, blood, or urine tests may be utilized to evaluate a patient's hormonal status.
The results of this testing enable our practitioners to develop a customized treatment plan to return each hormone to its optimal level based on the patient's physiology and medical history. This personalized approach provides superior safety and efficacy compared to one-size-fits all synthetic hormones.
Ongoing testing allows for continual adjustment of dosages so that ideal hormonal balance can be maintained long-term.
There are various delivery methods available for bioidentical hormone therapy, giving patients options to choose what works best for their needs and preferences:
Specially prepared compounded creams, gels or lotions containing hormones like estradiol, testosterone or progesterone can be easily applied to the skin daily. The hormones then gradually absorb into the bloodstream. Creams may need to be applied multiple times per day to ensure adequate dosing.
With this method, custom hormone pellets are surgically inserted under the skin, typically in the hip area. The pellets slowly dissolve, steadily releasing hormones for 3-6 months before needing replacement. This provides consistent long-acting relief without patients needing to apply medications daily.
We can provide individualized oral capsules in specific calibrated dosages tailored to the patient's hormonal needs. However, hormones taken orally tend to be metabolized by the liver before reaching the bloodstream, so higher doses may be required with this delivery method.
Adhesive skin patches containing an exact hormone dosage are applied once or twice weekly. The hormones absorb directly through the skin into the bloodstream. Patches must be carefully rotated between application sites.
With all of these bioidentical hormone therapy options, dosages can be continually adjusted based on regular blood or saliva testing to achieve hormonal balance.
When hormones like estrogen, progesterone, testosterone, and DHEA are restored to optimal levels through bioidentical hormone replacement, patients often observe life-changing improvements in many areas.
An exciting area of research suggests that balancing key hormones as we age may slow the aging process itself and extend lifespan.
Hormones like DHEA, melatonin, testosterone and growth hormone decline naturally as part of senescence. However, evidence shows restoring them to more youthful levels appears to stave off age-related chronic illness and cognitive decline.
Animal studies reveal certain hormones also control gene expression and proteins associated with disease and longevity. For example, growth hormone helps regulate protective heat shock proteins shown to prevent chronic conditions and prolong lifespan.
While more research is underway, evidence indicates maintaining reasonably high hormone levels into later life may postpone age-related physical and mental deterioration, allowing people to stay healthier and more vigorous for decades longer.
Harmonize Health utilizes advanced bioidentical hormone protocols designed not just reduce unpleasant menopause or andropause symptoms, but to help patients literally turn back the hands of time!
While bioidentical hormone replacement produces profound health improvements by restoring balance, making certain lifestyle changes magnifies and sustains these benefits long-term:
Aim for 7 to 9 hours of quality sleep nightly. This is when crucial repair hormones like human growth hormone (HGH) are secreted, while stress hormones like cortisol decline.
Focus your diet on organic whole foods - vegetables, fruits, whole grains, beans, nuts/seeds and lean meats. These provide vitamins, minerals and antioxidants vital to hormone production and metabolic function.
Chronic stress elevates cortisol which can inhibit thyroid, testosterone and growth hormones. Practice regular stress-reduction techniques like meditation, yoga or Tai Chi. Getting back to nature also calms the mind.
Certain vitamins and minerals aid hormone production like zinc, magnesium, selenium and vitamin D3. Adaptogenic herbs help moderate stress. Consider a high quality multiple vitamin/mineral supplement.
Aim for 30 to 40 minutes daily - a mix of strength training to boost testosterone and interval cardio training to burn fat and balance insulin. This stimulates human growth hormone release too.
Making these simple lifestyle changes along with bioidentical hormone therapy provides optimal results. Our clinicians can provide personalized recommendations.
John was 62 when he first came to see a practitioner at Harmonize Health complaining of fatigue, weight gain, poor sleep and zero sex drive - all classic symptoms of declining testosterone levels associated with male menopause or what doctors call "andropause."
We ran blood tests which confirmed John had very low testosterone along with deficient DHEA and thyroid hormones - essentially an "aging hormone" deficiency triple whammy!
Commencing John on bioidentical testosterone, DHEA and thyroid hormone to restore levels to what is normal for a healthy 30 year old quickly effected a stunning transformation!
Within 3 weeks John's energy and zest for life rebounded. He reported needing 1 hour less sleep yet waking more rested. His mind grew focused and depression lifted. Fat melted off even while gaining lean muscle. And he was thrilled with a libido he hadn't experienced since his 20's!
Now at 67 and still on his bioidentical hormone protocol, John's family notes he has energy to burn keeping up with his grandkids and is still going strong sexually with his wife Susan. They just completed a 2 week mountain trek through Nepal last month! Conventional doctors had basically resigned John to the old paradigm of aging as inevitable decline. With the right hormone balancing protocols this simply doesn't have to be the case!
Bioidentical hormone therapy can be a game-changer for those struggling with the effects of hormone imbalances. By restoring optimal levels of key hormones like estrogen, progesterone, and testosterone, patients often experience remarkable improvements in energy, mood, libido, sleep, and overall quality of life.
At Harmonize Health, we take a personalized approach to bioidentical hormone therapy, using advanced testing to identify each patient's unique hormonal needs and tailoring treatment plans accordingly. With a variety of delivery methods available, we can find the best fit for each individual's preferences and lifestyle.
In addition to hormone replacement, we also emphasize the importance of healthy lifestyle practices, such as proper nutrition, exercise, stress management, and quality sleep, to maximize the benefits of bioidentical hormone therapy and support overall well-being.
If you're experiencing symptoms of hormone imbalance or simply want to explore the potential benefits of bioidentical hormone therapy, we encourage you to schedule a consultation with one of our experienced practitioners. Together, we can help you regain your vitality and unlock your potential for optimal health and longevity.
