Bioidentical hormones are identical in molecular structure to the hormones naturally produced in the human body. They are derived from plant sources and customized to match each individual's hormonal needs through compounding.
Bioidentical hormone replacement therapy (BHRT) can help restore optimal hormonal balance and relieve unpleasant menopausal symptoms like hot flashes, night sweats, vaginal dryness, decreased libido, and mood changes in both men and women. It can also have anti-aging and disease-prevention benefits.
When prescribed and monitored properly by a trained healthcare provider, bioidentical hormones are a safe and effective option for hormone optimization and deficiency treatment. Let's explore the basics of bioidentical hormones and their health benefits.
Hormones like estrogen, progesterone, testosterone, DHEA, melatonin, and others work together to regulate critical bodily processes. Hormonal imbalance can occur with age or due to medical conditions and negatively impact both physical and mental health.
Early diagnosis and correction of hormonal deficiencies can prevent the development of serious conditions and greatly improve one's vitality and quality of life.
Bioidentical hormone therapy can benefit both women and men with:
Bioidentical hormones are also prescribed as anti-aging and wellness therapy for optimal physical and mental performance.
Custom-compounded BHRT provides natural hormone optimization tailored to your needs for regenerative and restorative treatment.
The most common hormones used in bioidentical therapy include:
Thyroid hormones, pregnenolone, cortisol creams, and other bioidenticals may also be part of customized treatment plans based on lab testing and medical evaluation.
Our Rebalance Clinic specialist will determine the right bioidentical hormones to help you feel healthy, youthful, and energized again!
Comprehensive lab assessment of your hormone profile is crucial for BHRT since every person has a unique biochemical makeup. Targeted treatment aims to optimize hormones within optimal ranges.
We test key hormones like estradiol, testosterone, progesterone, cortisol, DHEA-S, thyroid hormones T3 & T4, etc. The tests are covered by most insurance plans.
Accurate diagnosis of hormonal imbalance allows our medical team to create a customized bioidentical hormone therapy meeting your body's needs. We continually monitor your progress to make dosage adjustments as necessary.
Table 1. Optimal reference ranges for key hormones
| Hormone | Optimal range |
|---|---|
| Estradiol | 100-200 pg/mL |
| Progesterone | 8-15 ng/mL |
| Testosterone (women) | 35-100 ng/dL |
| Testosterone (men) | 500-1000 ng/dL |
| Free Testosterone (men) | 20-25 pg/mL |
| DHEA-S (age 20-40) | 280-640 μg/dL |
| T3 (free) | 3.0-3.5 pg/mL |
| TSH | 0.5-2.5 μIU/mL |
| Morning Cortisol | 15-25 μg/dL |
Reference ranges can vary slightly between testing labs. Our physicians take the latest research into account when evaluating results and making dosage recommendations.
We follow best medical practices for proper diagnosis, treatment, and continual monitoring. Our goal is to help patients achieve overall well-being within scientifically backed parameters - avoiding under and overtreatment.
Not all healthcare providers have specialized training in hormone balancing therapies. Getting BHRT from an experienced, licensed anti-aging doctor is highly advisable for optimal outcomes.
Here are important factors to consider when selecting your hormone therapy physician:
Our practitioners at Rebalance Clinic meet the highest standards in age management medicine and functional health optimization. We stay at the cutting edge of anti-aging technologies like peptide therapies, cellular health evaluations, genetic testing, and advanced hormone balancing.
There are several good options for effectively restoring hormones to optimal levels:
We provide all major methods of bioidentical hormone delivery at our Franklin clinic and conveniently ship medications to your home. Transdermal creams allow for precise customization of doses which can then be modified based on follow-up labs and symptom tracking.
Many patients opt for a multi-modal plan - for example, testosterone injections plus DHEA capsules. Our experts help design effective treatment regimens catering to your lifestyle.
Table 2. Pros and cons of bioidentical hormone delivery methods
| Method | Advantages | Disadvantages |
|---|---|---|
| Oral | Convenience, low cost | Digestive side effects |
| Creams | Precise dosing, adjustable | Skin reactions rarely |
| Injections | Steady absorption | Injections |
| Pellet implants | Long-acting | Insertion procedure |
| Patches | Ease of use | Skin irritation |
Comprehensive treatment of hormonal imbalance requires an integrative approach beyond replacement alone. Lifestyle habits significantly impact how well bioidentical hormones can restore vitality and well-being.
We provide specialized guidance on tailoring fitness, nutrition, and stress management to your bioidentical hormone restoration goals. Key optimization strategies include:
With commitment to positive lifestyle changes, bioidentical HRT can truly help reverse symptoms of hormone deficiency for good health in mind and body!
Many hormonal abnormalities develop slowly over years without obvious symptoms at first. Identifying deficiencies early allows treatment to prevent future health issues and keep you thriving long-term.
Both methods have pros and cons. We prefer LC/MS blood serum analysis as the gold standard for accuracy plus value insurance coverage. Saliva assays can provide additional insight on free vs. bound hormones.
There are minor risks if BHRT restores hormones to normal physiologic ranges mimicking the body's own regulation. Concerns like blood clots or cancer arise from antiquated non-bioidentical preparations in excessive doses.
The costs vary based on specific hormone preparations prescribed and insurance coverage. We offer competitive pricing and financing options - book a consultation to discuss budget and affordability. Your vitality is priceless!
Absolutely! Declining testosterone causes symptoms like fatigue, mental fog, erectile dysfunction, plus long-term health issues. Our male patients report greatly improved energy, weight loss, and sexual performance on bioidentical testosterone.
Prescribed properly within physiologic ranges, bioidenticals carry little risk, especially compared to synthetic hormones. We monitor your progress to ensure optimal balance is sustained safely long-term. Think of it as restoring harmony vital for health.
Our goal is to replenish deficient hormones until balance is restored, not achieved through replacement alone. However, effects like hot flashes or low T may return after stopping BHRT - hence continued monitoring is worthwhile. Conclusion We hope this guide covered all the important basics about bioidentical hormone replacement therapy for you to make an informed decision on optimizing your vitality. Don't let a correctable hormone imbalance deteriorate your health and enjoyment of life. Contact Rebalance Clinic in Franklin to learn more about our personalized age management programs. Our experienced practitioners specialize in cutting-edge hormone balancing tailored to your unique needs. We help both women and men prevent age-related decline for more healthy, vibrant years! Get started by booking your comprehensive hormone evaluation now. Here's to your future well-being!
