Bioidentical hormones are identical in molecular structure to the hormones naturally produced in the human body. As we age, our hormone levels decline causing unpleasant symptoms. Replacing these declining hormones with bioidenticals can help mitigate deficiencies and improve wellbeing.
Bioidentical hormones used in hormone replacement therapy (HRT) are synthesized from plant sources and are biochemically similar to endogenous human hormones like estrogen, progesterone and testosterone. This makes them easier for the body to recognize and utilize effectively.
Synthetic hormones are not molecularly similar to human hormones. This causes more side effects as the body doesn't recognize these unfamiliar compounds. Bioidentical hormones fit the body's hormone receptors better, like a lock and key.
Synthetic progestins used in HRT have been associated with a higher risk of breast cancer and heart disease. The natural progesterone in bioidenticals does not carry these risks.
Our hormones work together to regulate various processes in the body. When one or more hormones fall out of optimal ranges, wide-ranging symptoms can occur:
Hormone levels naturally decrease with age as part of the aging process. But deficiencies can happen earlier due to:
If multiple bothersome symptoms are experienced regularly, hormone testing is advised to determine optimal treatment options.
Balancing hormones with bioidentical hormone replacement provides wide-ranging benefits:
Over 80% of menopausal women experience hot flashes, night sweats, vaginal dryness, irregular periods, sleep troubles and mood swings. Bioidentical estrogen and progesterone therapy can provide prompt relief by restoring hormonal balance.
Estrogen plays a key role in bone health by promoting bone formation. Declining estrogen after menopause accelerates bone loss leading to osteoporosis and fractures. Studies show bioidentical estrogen therapy slows the rate of bone loss and reduces fracture risk by up to 30%.
Bioidentical estrogen helps maintain healthy cholesterol levels when initiated within 3 years after menopause. It increases HDL (good) cholesterol while reducing LDL (bad) cholesterol. Estrogen also keeps blood vessels flexible allowing better circulation.
Balanced estrogen levels are associated with lower risks of depression, anxiety and cognitive decline issues like dementia or Alzheimer’s disease. Bioidentical HRT can stabilize mood, boost memory and sharpen mental clarity especially when started before or soon after menopause.
Low testosterone after menopause or andropause causes lowered sex drive and arousal issues like vaginal dryness or erectile dysfunction. Bioidentical testosterone and DHEA therapy alleviates these problems by restoring free testosterone, the bioavailable form that boosts libido.
Bioidentical hormone therapy seeks to restore declining hormones like estrogen, progesterone and testosterone to optimal ranges. This relieves deficiency symptoms and helps patients feel more youthful, energized and healthier again.
Comparing blood levels of key hormones to optimal reference ranges determines which hormones need replenishment. Repeat tests may be needed occasionally to adjust dosages.
An integrative hormone specialist customizes bioidentical hormone therapy, taking into account:
They prescribe a combination of bioidentical estrogen, progesterone, testosterone, DHEA or thyroid hormones matched to the patient’s unique hormonal needs and physiology.
Follow-up visits allow making dosage tweaks to keep hormones stabilized. Most patients start feeling better within a few weeks as hormones regain balance. Complete symptom relief can take 3-6 months for full therapeutic benefits.
Ongoing medical supervision ensures optimal outcomes from hormone replacement. Blood tests help monitor hormone levels to make dosage adjustments when needed. Routine physical exams and mammograms are also crucial for long-term health and cancer prevention.
With an individualized approach focused on restoring hormonal balance, most patients see greatly improved quality of life and health.
Bioidentical hormones are not necessarily safer or more effective than synthetic hormones for menopausal symptoms. However, some women report preferring them because they come from plant sources, so they more closely mimic hormones naturally made by the body. More research is still needed to fully understand the differences.
Testosterone is essential for physical health and vitality in both men and women. Often misrepresented as just a “male” hormone, testosterone plays a key role in:
After age 30, testosterone starts declining gradually. But today over 25% adults suffer from clinically low testosterone or “Low T”. The most common symptoms are:
Because symptoms overlap with other issues, blood testing is essential for accurate diagnosis. Checking total and free testosterone levels compared to optimal ranges determines clinical deficiency.
TRT:bio identical hormone replacement: helps restore healthy testosterone status leading to:
Men and women over 30 with bothersome hypogonadism symptoms and clinically low blood levels can benefit from testosterone replacement under medical guidance. TRT helps regain peak energy, health and an overall sense of rejuvenation.
Restoring testosterone with bioidentical hormones can greatly enhance physical, mental and sexual health.
Hormone levels decline slowly over years, so many adults overlook gradual symptoms or attribute them to “normal aging”. But lingering deficiencies can negatively impact long-term health.
Restoring hormone balance promptly with bioidentical HRT reduces these elevated risks.
Unaddressed hormone deficiencies cause avoidable age-related problems earlier like:
Seeking timely treatment helps slow aging and age-related disease.
Ignoring frustrating menopausal symptoms like hot flashes or sex drive issues causes unnecessary discomfort daily. This affects personal health, relationships and professional success unnecessarily.
With treatment, most symptoms become manageable - restoring comfort and personal vitality.
In essence, safe and effective bioidentical hormone therapy allows enjoying prime health and wellbeing through the years without succumbing to “premature aging”.
The rainy but temperate climate of Salem makes it a pleasant location year-round for enjoying outdoor activities and social connections that support positive mental health during hormone therapy:
Salem’s rainfall is consistent across seasons without much variation in temperature due to coastal proximity. Bioidentical hormone therapy can provide benefits regardless of season. Layering clothing makes outdoor walking, hiking and related activities quite comfortable fall through spring. Summers are milder allowing enjoyment of scenic garden trails and waterfront parks.
The Willamette riverfront offers many walking paths like Minto-Brown Island Park. Bush’s Pasture Park provides open green spaces for relaxation. Indoor fitness centers like Courthouse Fitness downtown or YMCA Salem provide exercise options. The extensive Salem trail system connects parks for longer urban hikes. State parks like Silver Falls or coastal towns like Depoe Bay offer scenic getaways.
Salem Clinic and Santiam Hospital provide mainstream medical care with LabCorp offices for blood tests. Pharmacies like Hawthorne Pharmacy, Salem Hospital Pharmacy or Health Mart Pharmacy assist with bioidentical prescriptions. Counseling providers like Mind Matters PC, Derek Franklin or Linda Bayley LCSW support mental health. Spas like Revive Wellness Spa, Phia Salon and Day Spa or Skin Theory Medi Spa offer self-care services.
Salem offers abundant natural areas, amenities and health providers to support optimal success with bioidentical hormone replacement therapy.
