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 diminishing hormones with bioidentical hormone therapy can help alleviate issues associated with hormonal imbalance and aging.
Bioidentical hormones are sourced from plant estrogens and customized to match your individual hormonal needs through compounding. They are also called "natural hormones," as bioidentical estrogens and progesterone are structurally similar to endogenous human hormones.
Hormonal imbalance can cause issues like fatigue, low libido, anxiety, depression, hot flashes, night sweats, weight gain, brain fog, hair loss, and sleep disturbances. Bioidentical hormone replacement therapy (BHRT) can help relieve these symptoms.
Bioidentical hormones supplements declining hormones directly at the cellular level. This helps restore optimal hormonal balance and provides relief. As every person has a unique endocrine system and symptoms, bioidentical hormones are tailored to your individual hormonal needs.
Bioidentical hormones mimic the body's natural hormones so they don't cause harsh side effects compared to synthetic hormone replacements. Synthetics cannot adjust to meet your body's ideal hormone ratios. Bioidenticals also bypass first-pass liver metabolism so lower doses are effective.
Age-related hormone decline can negatively impact wellbeing. Therefore, timely evaluation and treatment of hormonal imbalance is crucial.
Left untreated, the symptoms of hormone deficiency only intensify over time. Mood disorders, sexual health issues, metabolic disorders, heart disease, osteoporosis, and cognitive decline are all associated with unaddressed hormonal decline.
Furthermore, hormone levels don't decline overnight. Imbalance develops gradually, causing subtle symptoms that slowly chip away at quality of life. Patients often dismiss minor issues without realizing they indicate an underlying hormonal imbalance.
However, restoring optimal hormonal balance is possible at any age. Early intervention promotes better response to treatment and helps deter age-related diseases. Patients who address declining hormones proactively through bioidentical hormone replacement enjoy an improved sense of wellbeing, health, and vitality.
The providers at Harmony Hormone Center in Smithfield specialize in bioidentical hormone replacement for men and women. We customize treatment plans featuring body-identical hormones tailored to your unique needs.
Our clinic offers:
We take a comprehensive, collaborative approach to bioidentical hormone therapy:
1. Initial Consult: We'll conduct a thorough evaluation of your symptoms, medical history, and risk factors.
2. Diagnostic Testing: We'll order labs to analyze your hormone levels and other vital markers to uncover the root hormonal imbalances causing your issues.
3. Custom Treatment Plan: Based on your lab results, clinical presentation, and goals, we will craft a customized bioidentical hormone regimen to restore optimal balance.
4. Follow Up & Monitoring: We'll schedule ongoing follow-ups to monitor your symptoms, labs, and dose adjustments to ensure effective treatment. Lifestyle and wellness guidance is also provided to augment results.
Harmony Hormone Center is dedicated to restoring hormonal balance through expert bioidentical hormone replacement coupled with compassionate, individualized care. Contact us today to learn more or schedule your initial consultation.
Bioidentical hormone pellets, creams, pills and injections can bring aging hormones back into balance. The best method depends on your needs and preferences. Below is an overview of the most common bioidentical hormone therapy protocols we offer.
Bioidentical estrogens like estriol and estradiol replicate estrogen produced by the ovaries until menopause. BHRT estrogens are identical to endogenous estrogens at the molecular level.
BHRT estrogens such as BiEst cream, tablets or gel replenish menopausal estrogen levels. This alleviates hot flashes, night sweats, vaginal atrophy, heart issues, bone loss, and other estrogen deficiency symptoms.
We also offer estradiol pellets like Estro-Pellets which provide steady estrogen levels over 4-6 months from a single insertion.
Testosterone is crucial for sex drive, energy, lean muscle, motivation, bone density, and mental clarity in both sexes. Bioidentical testosterone therapy (TRT) restores healthy testosterone status regulating these pathways.
Options include testosterone injections, testosterone cream/topical gel applied daily, testosterone pellets for steady long term testosterone, and testosterone pills. We tailor testosterone therapy based on your needs.
Note: We do not treat patients seeking testosterone solely for athletic performance enhancement or bodybuilding.
Progesterone signals the uterus to maintain pregnancy, regulates the menstrual cycle, aids bone production, and promotes heart health. Like estrogen, progesterone levels decline during perimenopause and menopause.
Bioidentical progesterone such as Prometrium oral capsules, Crinone vaginal gel, or compounded progesterone cream supplement waning progesterone levels, relieving associated issues like irregular periods, insomnia, anxiety, and headaches.
Along with sex hormones, bioidentical DHEA, pregnenolone, melatonin and thyroid hormone (T3/T4) may also be incorporated into custom BHRT plans as needed to achieve full hormonal balance.
We offer both standardized and custom compounded bioidentical hormone therapies to suit each patient's needs. If custom topical creams or troches are appropriate, we can compound treatments at our onsite pharmacy.
The providers at Harmony Hormone Center closely track patient progress through follow up, lab testing, and dose adjustments. We collaborate long term and modify protocols to reach optimal hormonal balance for each patient.
Contact us to learn more or schedule a bioidentical hormone therapy consultation.
Unlike synthetic hormones, bioidentical hormones have a chemical structure identical to the hormones naturally produced by the human body. However, there is limited evidence on their long-term safety and efficacy compared to traditional hormone therapy, which has been more extensively studied in large randomized trials over decades.
In men, low testosterone causes fatigue, mental fog, irritability, depression, low sex drive, erectile dysfunction, reduced muscle mass, weight gain, insomnia, and emotional changes. Around 20% of men over 60 have abnormally low testosterone levels.
As testosterone promotes vitality in both sexes, women also suffer from testosterone decline after menopause - experiencing similar symptoms as men along with painful intercourse.
Estrogen deficiency causes hot flashes, heart palpitations, night sweats, sleep disturbances, vaginal dryness, recurrent UTIs, joint pain, headaches, anxiety, irritability, brain fog, osteoporosis, heart disease, and Alzheimer's risk. Perimenopausal and postmenopausal women commonly deal with low estrogen levels.
In women, dropping progesterone prompts issues like infertility, irregular periods, PCOS, uterine fibroids, insomnia, fluid retention, weight gain, and mood swings.
Comprehensive lab testing allows us to accurately gauge individual hormone levels. We typically order sex hormone panels, thyroid labs, vitamin D, and markers of heart health, diabetes risk, cholesterol status, and inflammation. Follow up labs help monitor patient progress on bioidentical hormones.
Based on clinical evaluation and lab results, we can pinpoint specific hormone deficiencies to target with customized bioidentical regimens. Reach out to learn more about our specialized hormonal testing.
While bioidentical hormone therapy forms the cornerstone of treatment, lifestyle interventions also support hormonal health and augment BHRT results.
A whole foods anti-inflammatory diet high in produce, lean proteins and healthy fats regulates glucose, promotes gut health, fights inflammation, manages BMI, and benefits hormonal pathways. We offer personalized nutrition guidance.
Regular activity, both cardio and strength training, improves hormonal balance. Local gyms like Fit4Life Smithfield and the Smithfield Community Center offer exercise programs and classes. Walking trails like Willow Branch Park and Harmony Trail are also excellent options.
Chronic stress strains the adrenals worsening hormone dysfunction. Relaxation techniques like meditation, deep breathing, yoga, music therapy and spending time outdoors can mitigate excessive stress. Consider visiting local wellness centers such as The Stillwater Spa and the Salt Therapy Lounge which offer stress-reducing services.
Adequate, high-quality sleep allows hormones and other vital systems to reset. Prioritize consistent sleep-wake times and sleep hygiene practices. Limit blue light, caffeine and alcohol before bedtime and create an optimal sleep environment. Consider visiting Smithfield Sleep Solutions for a sleep assessment.
Key micronutrients like magnesium and adaptogenic herbs help counteract effects of stress and aging. Our providers may suggest specific supplements to support hormone health. Smithfield Nutrition Center carries a wide selection of premium vitamins and supplements.
Along with bioidentical hormones, integrating positive lifestyle factors optimizes hormonal balance and overall wellbeing. Harmony Hormone Center provides evidence-based, holistic guidance to help patients thrive. Reach out today to learn more!
