Bioidentical hormone replacement therapy (BHRT) has become an increasingly popular option for both men and women looking to correct hormone imbalances related to aging or other medical conditions. Balance Health Clinic in Barbourville offers customized BHRT programs to help patients regain optimal hormonal balance, thereby improving quality of life.
Hormone levels naturally decline with age, but other factors can also lead to hormone deficiencies at any age.
As part of the natural aging process, hormone production slows down over time. By the age of 30, most people begin losing about 1-3% of hormones per year. The extent of this decline varies by individual.
Certain medical conditions are associated with hormonal imbalances, including:
Factors like diet, body weight, sleep patterns, and stress levels also impact hormonal balance. Excess body fat and cholesterol changes how hormones are metabolized and stored.
Detecting hormone deficiencies early on can allow for timely treatment and prevention of further deterioration. Common signs and symptoms include:
Fatigue, decreased muscle mass, weight gain, low libido, erectile dysfunction, depression, irritability, hot flashes
Hot flashes, night sweats, vaginal dryness, frequent urinary tract infections, loss of skin elasticity, joint pain, mood changes
Fatigue, weight gain, feeling cold, constipation, dry skin and hair, impaired memory, muscle weakness, joint pain
Depression, lack of motivation, decreased sex drive, fatigue, loss of muscle mass, thinning skin
Note: Many signs and symptoms overlap between different hormone deficiencies. Comprehensive lab testing is needed for accurate diagnosis.
BHRT provides individually tailored hormone doses using compounds that are molecularly identical to the body’s own hormones. This allows optimal restoration of hormonal balance.
Correcting the underlying hormone imbalance leads to symptom relief. Patients report improved energy, sleep, mental sharpness, emotional stability, heart health, sexual function, skin quality and more.
Estrogen plays an important protective role in bone health. BHRT strengthens bones by improving bone mineral density and lowering fracture risk.
Estrogen has beneficial effects on cholesterol profiles by raising HDL and lowering LDL levels. It also helps dilate blood vessels and lower inflammation. These mechanisms promote better cardiovascular health.
Several hormones, like estrogen, testosterone and thyroid hormone, help regulate metabolism, fat storage and distribution of body fat. Optimizing these hormones facilitates easier weight management.
Balanced hormone levels may help lower risks for neurodegenerative diseases like Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s, heart disease, diabetes and osteoporosis. However, more studies are still needed in this area.
By improving energy, mood, sleep quality, appearance and self-confidence, BHRT enhances one’s overall quality of life. Patients report feeling healthier, happier and more engaged with work and relationships.
There are two main delivery methods for bioidentical hormone therapy:
Custom compounded creams or gels are applied to the skin daily. The hormones gets absorbed through the skin into the bloodstream. Dosages can be precisely adjusted based on lab testing.
Tiny hormone pellets are inserted under the skin through a quick and relatively painless procedure. They steadily release hormones as they dissolve. Pellet insertions are needed every 4-6 months.
Doses and delivery methods can be tailored to each patient’s unique needs and preferences. Close monitoring and routine blood work helps ensure optimal hormonal balance is achieved and maintained long-term without under-replacement or over-replacement.
Balance Health Clinic physicians have over 10 years of experience successfully treating both men and women with bioidentical hormones. We use an evidence-based approach incorporating extensive lab testing, safety monitoring and dose adjustments when necessary.
Unlike conventional hormone therapy, bioidentical hormones are custom-compounded to match a person's natural hormone profile. This tailored approach aims to provide hormone balancing benefits while minimizing risks, though more research is still needed to fully understand long-term efficacy and safety.
The first step is to schedule a consultation with one of our experienced physicians specializing in hormone therapy. They will conduct an initial evaluation including:
Based on these findings, our physicians can determine if a patient is likely a good candidate for bioidentical HRT. They will then develop a customized treatment plan aimed at restoring optimal hormonal balance tailored to the patient’s physiology and health goals.
At Balance Health Clinic, we recognize that every patient is unique. We do not take a “one-size-fits-all” approach to bioidentical HRT. Our physicians tailor therapy protocols specific to each individual’s physiology, symptoms, and preferences.
We partner with independent specialty compounding pharmacies accredited by the Pharmacy Compounding Accreditation Board (PCAB). This allows us to provide patients with customized bioidentical hormone preparations meeting the highest standards of quality and purity.
In addition to monitoring hormone levels, we track key health parameters like lipid profiles, blood counts, liver and kidney function, inflammatory markers, and insulin sensitivity. This allows us to ensure therapy is not only improving hormone levels but also optimizing overall health and wellness.
We also provide patients with guidance on nutrition and lifestyle modifications that support balance. Stress management, proper sleep hygiene, regular exercise and mind-body practices can have profound effects on hormonal health. A holistic approach addresses all contributing factors.
Balance Health Clinic maintains close collaborative relationships between patients, prescribing doctors, compounding pharmacists and diagnostic laboratories. This facilitates comprehensive long-term management ensuring the best possible outcomes from bioidentical HRT.
There are also several environmental and lifestyle factors unique to the Barbourville area that can influence hormonal balance.
Barbourville features four distinct seasons with fluctuations in sunlight, precipitation and temperature. This can impact multiple hormones including melatonin, serotonin, cortisol and vitamin D levels. Being aware of seasonal affects can help optimize therapy. The fall and winter months may present greater hormone challenges.
Despite its small size, Barbourville offers many healthy dining options with fresh, nutritious fare that supports hormonal health through good nutrition. Several picturesque parks provide plenty of scenic walking trails and recreational facilities to reduce stress and get regular activity. From yoga studios to massage therapy, there are also abundant resources to engage body and mind.
Fall and early winter tend to be periods of greater hormonal fluctuation with drops in serotonin, melatonin and vitamin D levels due to less sunlight. Taking advantage of spring’s longer sunny days can help support optimal lab testing, treatment initiation and lifestyle changes. The spring also brings more opportunities to be active outdoors and socialize, providing mood boosts.
Hormone Balance is Vital at Any Age
Regardless of age or gender, maintaining proper hormonal balance is essential for overall health and wellbeing. As the body’s chemical messengers, hormones affect every cell, tissue, organ and bodily system. Keeping these vital communications in harmony is the foundation for vitality.
Hormonal declines and imbalances rarely cause sudden severe symptoms. More often, they involve gradual subtle changes over many years. Patients slowly adjust to feeling more tired, gaining weight, or having less sex drive. However, allowing hormonal disruption to linger for too long puts one at risk for more severe long-term consequences:
Cardiovascular disease Osteoporosis and bone fractures Metabolic disorders like diabetes Neurodegenerative diseases Loss of strength and mobility
Additionally, the emotional impacts of hormonal imbalance can slowly erode relationships and overall quality of life. Mood disorders like anxiety or depression are strongly tied to hormone disruption.
By diagnosing and treating hormonal imbalances early through testing and bioidentical hormone therapy, many age-related diseases may be prevented altogether or significantly delayed. Patients can regain vibrancy and resume thriving for years to come.
Balance Health Clinic physicians have over 35 years combined experience successfully treating hormonal disorders with bioidentical hormone replacement. We stay current on the latest medical research in this rapidly evolving field.
We also understand the frustrations many patients face. Often symptoms get dismissed for years as just signs of aging or stress. Yet addressing the root hormonal imbalance can dramatically restore wellness. We listen closely to patients’ concerns and partner together to find solutions using evidence-based protocols tailored to the individual.
In addition to in-depth initial evaluations, we incorporate comprehensive lab testing analyzing over 150 biomarkers to accurately detect deficiencies. Ongoing monitoring ensures optimal levels are achieved and maintained long-term without over-replacement. We also support patients in making sustainable lifestyle and nutrition changes that reduce reliance on medications alone.
Balance Health Clinic maintains close collaborative relationships between patients, prescribing doctors, compounding pharmacists and diagnostic laboratories. Our integrated care facilitates better long-term health outcomes.
Contact us today to find out if bioidentical hormone therapy is right for you!
