The human body relies on a complex network of hormones to regulate critical bodily functions and maintain good health. However, as we age or due to other factors, we may develop a hormone deficiency meaning our bodies no longer produce adequate amounts of key hormones like estrogen, progesterone, testosterone, or thyroid hormones.
When hormones are out of balance, this can manifest itself through unpleasant symptoms like fatigue, trouble sleeping, hot flashes, night sweats, weight gain, low libido, erectile dysfunction, mood changes, and more. Furthermore, hormone deficiencies left untreated over the long-term can negatively impact one's quality of life and lead to other health complications.
Fortunately, through bioidentical hormone replacement therapy (BHRT) offered by clinics like Vitality Hormone Center, hormone levels can be restored allowing patients to once again feel like their best selves. Keep reading to learn more about bioidentical hormones and why timely treatment of hormone deficiencies is so important.
Bioidentical hormones are man-made hormones that are engineered in a lab to have a molecular structure identical to the hormones naturally produced by the human body. That means when introduced into the body, bioidentical hormones are recognized, processed, and utilized just like the hormones our endocrine system makes on its own.
This is a key differentiator from traditional synthetic hormone replacement treatments. Synthetics contain one or more hormone analogues which are similar to human hormones but not structurally identical. This causes the body to metabolize and eliminate them quicker while also increasing the risk of side effects.
On the other hand, bioidentical hormones closely mimic the function of natural hormones, tend to be better tolerated as a result, and simply help restore hormone levels back to an optimal balance unique to each patient. This explains why many doctors and patients now prefer bioidentical hormone therapy over conventional hormone treatment options.
The most frequently prescribed bioidentical hormones for both men and women include:
However, keep in mind that every patient is biochemically unique. The specific hormones and dosing protocols will ultimately depend on your age, symptoms, medical history, hormone bloodwork, lifestyle factors, and treatment goals.
This individualized approach focusing on optimal balance is what makes Vitality Hormone Center and other top bioidentical doctors so effective compared to “one-size-fits-all” approaches you may receive elsewhere.
Many patients endure frustrating menopausal or andropausal symptoms for months or even years before seeking help. And others deprioritize their fatigue, low mood, and sexual health changes attributing them just to “normal aging”. But the truth is nothing could be further from normal or healthy about a hormone deficiency!
As touched on earlier, when your body lacks critical hormones for an extended period, this puts you at future risk for:
The list goes on. Therefore, if you are experiencing any symptoms of hormone imbalance or received concerning hormone bloodwork recently, timely evaluation and treatment from a hormone specialist like those at Vitality Hormone Center needs to become a top priority!
The good news is bioidentical hormone therapy is extremely effective at alleviating deficiencies when customized properly under doctor supervision. Keep reading to learn about the typical process to get started on this rejuvenating treatment pathway.
If considering bioidentical hormone replacement, the first step is initial bloodwork to accurately evaluate individual hormone levels – especially estrogen, progesterone, testosterone, and thyroid function.
Vitality Hormone Center partners with several high-quality local laboratories here in Alabaster to make this testing convenient for new patients before their first consult. Understanding your baseline hormone profile is the only way our doctors can tailor a treatment plan to your unique needs.
Next, you will have a one-on-one discussion with one of our bioidentical hormone doctors about your symptoms, health goals, lifestyle factors, and to review those all-important lab results. This facilitates creating a customized treatment plan involving prescription bioidentical hormones and potentially other supportive therapies or supplements as needed.
If bioidentical HRT is recommended after your initial consult, the process will look something like this:
As you can see, the process is very systematic yet flexible enough to meet each patient’s needs. And Vitality Hormone Center will be your trusted partner throughout guiding all aspects of treatment from initial testing to ongoing monitoring and medication adjustments when necessary.
Bioidentical hormones are not necessarily safer or more effective than synthetic hormones for menopausal symptoms. Plant-derived bioidentical estrogen and progesterone have a similar chemical structure to human hormones, but the FDA does not regulate or verify their quality, purity or safety like they do with synthetic hormones used in traditional hormone therapy.
Without question, customized bioidentical hormones can prove life-changing for those suffering from hormonal imbalances. However, certain lifestyle measures also promote better overall treatment results and should not be overlooked.
Nutrition – As the saying goes “you are what you eat”. So emphasizing a micronutrient-rich whole food diet, staying hydrated, keeping blood sugar balanced, and avoiding inflammatory foods can help hormone balance thrive. Lean proteins, fiber-packed fruits/veg, healthy fats like olive oil or avocado, and omega-3s found in seafood or walnuts tend to be go-tos for supporting hormone health.
Exercise & Body Composition – Regular exercise, even just daily walking, helps optimize hormone function while combating weight gain. Additionally, excess body fat – especially visceral fat around the organs – disrupts hormone signaling. So adopting consistent exercise plus mindful eating habits enables bioidentical hormones to work their best magic.
Stress Management – Unfortunately, chronic stress does no favors for hormone equilibrium. Stress reduction practices like yoga, meditation, deep breathing, journaling, or music therapy can really take bioidentical treatment results to the next level.
Quality Sleep - Numerous hormonal processes including estrogen metabolism occur predominantly at night. So doctors emphasize getting enough sleep consistently in complete darkness for robust circadian rhythms and hormone health.
While Vitality Hormone Center always individualizes treatment plans, generally adopting the lifestyle measures above allows our patients to feel their best while pursuing bioidentical hormone replacement therapy.
Vitality Hormone Center understands the comprehensive support patients need when it comes to restoring hormone wellness. Therefore, we partner with other top local businesses to make bioidentical hormone replacement therapy as smooth and convenient as possible.
Labs & Diagnostics – As highlighted earlier, initial and ongoing lab testing is critical for hormone balance programs. We work closely with Quest Diagnostics, LabCorp, and other quality labs in the greater Alabaster, Alabama area for this essential testing.
Compounding Pharmacies – Because every patient has unique needs, customized compounded bioidentical hormones allow for personalized dosing, ratios, and delivery methods. We partner with the nation’s best specialty pharmacies including College Pharmacy and Women’s International Pharmacy to formulate each patient’s bioidentical preparations.
Cryosurgical Center – For men struggling with symptoms of low testosterone (low T), our cutting-edge cryosurgical center housed within Vitality Hormone Center offers a revolutionary in-office treatment that stimulates the body’s own production of testosterone safely and naturally without any exogenous hormones.
Between these valued local partners and our highly-trained doctors who specialize in bioidentical hormone therapy, patients can feel confident they are getting the most advanced care when it comes to correcting their hormone deficiencies.
We hope this overview has illuminated how optimizing your hormone health, whether through bioidentical hormone replacement alone or alongside certain lifestyle measures, can help you reclaim wellness especially amidst aging and hormonal changes. Vitality Hormone Center offers a unique advantage as the region’s top functional and regenerative medical clinic specializing in hormone balance for over 25 years collectively.
Why Choose Vitality Hormone Center?
Regardless of your age or gender, if you are struggling with hormonal issues, the knowledgeable doctors at Vitality Hormone Center can help get you back on track. So do not wait! Call today to learn more or set up new patient testing and your initial consultation. We are standing by to guide the start of your hormone balancing journey.
