Bioidentical hormones are identical in molecular structure to the hormones naturally produced in the human body. As we age or develop imbalances, hormone levels can drop, leading to potentially troublesome signs and symptoms. Replacing deficient hormones with bioidenticals allows patients to restore optimal levels, thereby reducing deficiency symptoms.
At Vitality Hormone Center in Burlingame, we specialize in bioidentical hormone replacement therapy (HRT) to get patients back into balance. By using hormones biologically identical to those produced in the body, many patients see improved signs and symptoms while avoiding issues sometimes associated with synthetic hormone replacements.
Below we will cover key topics around bioidentical hormone therapy so Burlingame residents can determine if treatment might help with their hormone-related concerns. Discover the basics of what bioidentical hormones are, who is a candidate for therapy, the potential benefits of balancing deficient hormones, what is involved in treatment through Vitality Hormone Center, and recommendations to complement the therapy process.
Bioidentical hormones are man-made hormonal compounds engineered in labs to have a molecular structure identical to hormones naturally occurring within the human body. The bioidentical hormones used in replacement therapies include estrogen, progesterone, testosterone, DHEA, melatonin, and others.
Unlike their synthetic counterparts, which often have slightly different molecular structures, bioidentical hormones match those our bodies produce. This allows them to more precisely bind with natural hormone receptors distributed throughout bodily tissues and organs. As a result, many individuals see better outcomes and fewer side effects from bioidentical replacements.
Some of the key differences compared to synthetic hormones are:
At Vitality Hormone Center, we believe balancing deficient hormones using bioidentical replacements provides optimal outcomes for most patients dealing with hormonal imbalances.
Good candidates for bioidentical hormone replacement are individuals whose lab testing shows reduced levels of key hormones like estrogen, progesterone, testosterone, thyroid hormones (T3, T4), DHEA, melatonin, and others. When our health care providers review patient lab reports and identify low levels of vital hormones, replacing them with bioidentical versions may help restore optimal balance.
Common signs and symptoms of hormone deficiencies potentially helped through HRT include:
If patients present with several deficiency symptoms and lab testing indicates below optimal hormone levels, our clinicians can develop customized bioidentical HRT. Balancing hormones diminished by age or other factors may relieve troublesome health concerns and restore wellbeing.
When hormones like estrogen, progesterone, testosterone, and others drop below healthy ranges, whether due to aging, stress, medical conditions, or other causes, patients may develop distressing signs and symptoms. Bringing hormone levels back up into optimal zones with bioidentical replacements can provide wide-ranging benefits, including:
Perhaps the most direct benefit is supporting relief from frustrating symptoms associated with low hormone states. This includes hot flashes, night sweats, mood instability, sleep disruption, sexual health issues, mental fogginess, weight gain tendencies, low energy, and more. Bioidentical hormone replacement therapy (HRT) tailored to an individual’s lab profile can effectively restore levels, potentially improving these symptoms.
In addition to relieving deficiency symptoms, balanced hormone levels support overall wellness. Sex hormones like estrogen, progesterone and testosterone, as well as hormones like DHEA, thyroid, melatonin and others all contribute to our vitality and how we feel physically and mentally from day to day.
When hormones drop out of optimal ranges, energy, endurance, sexual health, body composition, skin quality, mental sharpness and additional areas often decline. Through properly balanced bioidentical hormone replacement, many prospects for enhanced physical strength, endurance, healthier aging, peak cognition and more become possible.
Hormonal changes don’t just influence the physical body, our minds and moods also undergo impact. Imbalances can negatively affect outlook and happiness. When hormone levels are low, some individuals become more prone to mood instability, anxiety, irritability, sadness and general emotional discomfort.
By restoring deficient hormone levels back to healthy zones with bioidentical therapy, emotional resilience and enjoyment of life often improves as well. Balanced wellbeing involves both physical and mental health, both influenced substantially by proper hormonal balance.
In addition to direct symptoms caused by hormonal declines, imbalances can indirectly raise risks for other health issues. For example, dropping estrogen levels in woman following menopause creates increased vulnerabilities for conditions like osteoporosis and heart disease as the body loses this key hormone’s protective benefits.
Likewise, low testosterone in men not only causes symptoms like low energy and reduced strength, it can also correlate to higher obesity, diabetes and cardiovascular disease rates if left untreated.
Through bioidentical HRT, restoring hormones to optimal ranges may help lower susceptibility to decline across body systems and reduce probabilities for developing other health disorders over time. Our clinicians consider HRT an integral aspect of comprehensive care.
If hormone imbalances or deficiencies may be negatively impacting your health, consider having a consultation with our caring medical providers at Vitality Hormone Center. We have extensive training in functional and regenerative approaches to HRT using bioidentical hormone solutions customized for each patient’s unique needs.
The first step is an initial consultation, where we will listen closely to all current and past health concerns to build an understanding of your situation, perform an examination, and ask clarifying questions. We may also request lab testing to accurately evaluate specific hormone levels and look for deficiencies requiring attention. Recommended blood panels and other assessments aid development of your tailored therapy plan.
Once hormone testing is complete, our practitioners analyze the full picture of results along with other clinical information to determine optimal, physiologic hormone dosage ranges to bring your levels back up into healthy balance. We then develop a personalized, prescription bioidentical hormone replacement regimen designed specifically for your body's needs.
The therapy plan indicates adjusted levels of key bioidentical hormones like estrogen, progesterone, testosterone, DHEA that should relieve deficiency symptoms and support wellbeing based on your lab work and circumstances. By replacing depleted hormones in proper proportions, many patients find ample symptom relief in a short period. We can provide testosterone replacement therapy (TRT) for deficient men along with various bioidentical solutions to balance women's health during peri-menopause, menopause, and beyond.
Hormone therapy is an ongoing process requiring follow-up and adjustment as the body changes over time. We schedule patients for regular lab assessment and closely monitor progress through symptoms evaluations and exam. This allows modification of bioidentical dosages or hormone components to sustain optimal balance. If new symptoms emerge, adjustments may provide additional relief. We also offer nutritional, fitness and other integrative health guidance to complement HRT. With comprehensive management, many patients proceed through years of therapy with excellent, lasting benefits.
Bioidentical hormones are not necessarily safer or more effective than synthetic hormones for menopausal symptoms. However, some women report preferring them because they more closely mimic the body's own hormones. More research is still needed to fully understand the risks and benefits compared to conventional hormone therapy.
To obtain full advantage from bioidentical hormone replacement provided through Vitality Hormone Center, we encourage patients to incorporate certain positive lifestyle measures. These include:
Call Vitality Hormone Center today at NO_NUMBER to ask about bioidentical HRT or setting up a consultation regarding your hormone-related health concerns. Our friendly medical team looks forward to helping patients restore balance, energy and wellness through customized bioidentical hormone replacement therapies.
