Bioidentical hormone replacement therapy (BHRT) involves supplementing hormones that decline naturally with age to maintain optimal levels. Bioidentical means the hormones are structurally identical to those made in the human body. At Vitality Hormone Center in Plymouth, we specialize in bioidentical hormones replacement to relieve symptoms of hormonal imbalance and help patients feel their best.
BHRT can alleviate issues related to menopause, andropause and other hormone deficiencies. With customized treatment protocols tailored to your needs, BHRT helps restore hormonal balance from the inside out. Continue reading to learn about common hormonal imbalances, associated signs and symptoms, and how bioidentical hormone therapy can help.
Hormones like estrogen, progesterone, testosterone and more orchestrate many functions in the body. When levels decline or become imbalanced, wide-ranging symptoms can result. Below are some common hormonal imbalances and associated signs:
Estrogen plays a key role in reproductive health, bone strength, heart function and more in women. Common symptoms of low estrogen include:
Working synergistically with estrogen, progesterone helps regulate the menstrual cycle and supports pregnancy in women. Declining levels lead to issues like:
In both men and women, low testosterone can cause:
An under or overactive thyroid gland leads to wide-ranging symptoms such as:
Relieving hormonal imbalance symptoms greatly impacts one’s quality of life. Restoring balance with bioidentical hormone replacement provides extensive benefits including:
For menopausal women plagued by hot flashes, night sweats, sleep trouble, mood issues and more, BHRT can provide immense relief by replenishing estrogen, progesterone and testosterone to optimal levels.
By reducing hot flashes, night sweats, anxiety and other hormonal imbalance symptoms, BHRT restores more restful sleep.
Imbalanced estrogen, progesterone, testosterone and other hormones influence mood regulation and cognitive function. BHRT alleviates hormone-related mental health issues.
Optimal hormone levels enhance energy, concentration, motivation and overall efficiency.
Along with lifestyle measures like proper nutrition and exercise, balanced hormones facilitate weight loss and maintenance.
Estrogen plays an important role in bone remodeling and strength, especially protecting against osteoporosis. BHRT strengthens bones.
Hormonal imbalance contributes to increased risk for cardiovascular disease, neurodegenerative disease, diabetes and certain cancers. BHRT can help mitigate these risks.
Estrogen deficiency commonly causes vaginal dryness, painful intercourse, urinary tract infections (UTIs) and incontinence. BHRT relieves these issues.
Low testosterone often dampens sex drive and sexual function. BHRT can reverse this, boosting libido and enjoyment again.
Bioidentical hormones are substances manufactured to be exactly the same, molecule for molecule, as endogenous hormones produced naturally in the body. This makes them virtually indistinguishable from the hormones your body makes. Common examples include estradiol, progesterone and testosterone.
BHRT involves replenishing deficient hormones via pellets implanted under the skin, patches or gels applied to the skin, vaginal rings, creams or tablets taken orally or as injections. The route of administration depends on your hormone needs and personal preferences.
Because bioidentical hormones are structurally identical to endogenous hormones, they typically don’t increase health risks like synthetic hormones. However, hormonal balance requires monitoring and adjusting doses as needed over time. Vitality Hormone Centerians specialize in safe, effective bioidentical hormone therapy customized to your changing needs.
Initial BHRT doses derives from blood, saliva or urine testing measuring current hormone levels. Follow-up testing monitors progress, catching if adjustments up or down become necessary. Customized in this way throughout treatment, optimal balance can be maintained long-term.
Bioidentical hormones are not necessarily safer or more effective than synthetic hormones for menopausal symptoms. Large, long-term studies are still needed to fully understand the risks and benefits of custom-compounded bioidentical hormones compared to FDA-approved hormone therapies.
Because hormone imbalance symptoms greatly impact quality of life while increasing disease risks, seeking timely treatment is crucial. Many people delay, unsure if persistent issues like fatigue, sleep trouble and low libido relate to hormones. Other times, patients minimize troubling menopause, andropause or thyroid symptoms, deeming them inevitable consequences of aging to just tolerate.
However, safe, effective treatments exist allowing most aging adults to feel as vital as they did decades earlier. If you answer yes to hormone deficiency questionnaires or experience potential symptoms, meet with a specialist for testing without delay. Identifying and addressing imbalanced hormones early provides the best opportunity for full relief through customized bioidentical hormone therapy. Don’t resign yourself to subpar living for year after year when high-quality care could restore your optimal vitality.
At Vitality Hormone Center, top experts in endocrinology and bioidentical hormones replacement offer cutting-edge testing and treatments personalized for your unique needs. As bioidentical doctors specializing in hormonal health, we provide:
We also emphasize holistic lifestyle measures supporting hormone health like proper sleep, nutrition, exercise and stress management. With over a decade serving Plymouth, Vitality Hormone Center patients routinely describe life-changing relief from once-disruptive menopause, andropause or thyroid symptoms after starting bioidentical hormone replacement. Our exceptional clinicians, state-of-the-art therapies and unwavering commitment to patient care instill confidence you’ve come to the right place to resolve stubborn hormone issues holding you back from feeling your best.
The first step is an extensive consultation discussing your symptoms, health history, lifestyle and wellness goals. Specialized questionnaires provide insight into the type and degree of hormone imbalance present. Saliva or blood samples may collect initial data, but more extensive lab testing often follows before finalizing the therapeutic regimen.
Comprehensive hormone testing provides objective data on reproductive hormones like estrogen, testosterone and progesterone as well as key hormones like cortisol, thyroid hormone and DHEA that profoundly influence wellness. Testing methods include blood draws, saliva samples, urine samples or a combination to garner a complete picture. Testing establishes a baseline to compare progress against and catches any nutrient deficiencies requiring attention.
With a deep understanding of your hormonal status and health goals from testing and consultation, our clinicians develop a personalized treatment plan. The latest EC bioidentical hormones effectively supplement deficiencies, relieving unpleasant symptoms and protecting against future disease without significant risks. The route of administration – oral, sublingual, topical, pellet or injectable – depends on your hormone needs and personal preferences for ease, effectiveness and convenience.
Hormone levels fluctuate, so what balances you optimally today likely requires adjustment tomorrow. Follow-up testing tracks progress after initiation, catching if doses need increase or decrease over time. Symptom assessments also provide feedback on therapeutic effectiveness. Monitoring ensures continual alignment with your changing needs for sustained safety and symptomatic relief.
While bioidentical hormone therapy provides the foundational intervention for imbalance, certain lifestyle measures also encourage hormonal vitality:
Balanced nutrition: What you eat signals hormonal responses influencing overall balance. Nutrient-dense whole foods keep levels aligned, while blood sugar spikes and crashes from refined carbs derail them.
Adequate high-quality sleep: Hormone synthesis and release follows circadian rhythms aligned with consistent bed/rise times. Insufficient sleep disturbs hormonal function.
Stress moderation: The body’s stress response influences sex hormones along with thyroid, adrenal and other glands. Managing stress protects hormone health.
Regular exercise: Movement stimulates hormone activity while reducing inflammation and oxidative stress. Activity guidelines vary during therapy.
Healthy body weight: Excess adipose tissue disturbs hormone equilibrium. Losing weight through caloric balance and activity supports balance.
Smoking/alcohol avoidance: Tobacco and heavy alcohol intake interfere with optimal hormonal function. Quitting brings levels into better alignment.
Targeted nutraceuticals: Specific nutritional supplements bolster hormonal health alongside bioidentical therapy. Our clinicians recommend additions providing maximum synergistic benefit.
Professional mental health support: If mood issues or major life stressors accompany hormone imbalance, seeking counseling provides adjunctive relief and coping strategies.
Prioritizing comprehensive, integrative care optimizes treatment outcomes. Vitality Hormone Center’ bioidentical hormone therapy paired with tailored lifestyle measures empowers patients to resolve deficiency symptoms for renewed vibrancy during midlife and beyond.
Plymouth offers great amenities making maintenance of a healthy lifestyle during treatment easier. We recommend checking out these local fitness studios, spas, recreational areas and testing labs:
Fitness resources: - Rock Climb Plymouth – Indoor rock climbing gym with challenges for all skill levels - The Yoga Loft– Heated yoga in a serene, welcoming environment - Crosstown Fitness – 24/7 gym with extensive class schedule
Rejuvenation and relaxation: - Massage Works Day Spa – Massage, facials and relaxation services - Hartland Abbey – Historic local monastery offering retreats
Walking trails and parks: - Plymouth Hoe – Scenic harbor backdrop ideal for oceanside strolls - Saltram House – Extensive gardens/woodland walking paths
Hormone testing labs: - Core Diagnostics – Efficient testing with fast results - Optimale Health Labs – Sensitive diagnostics revealing subtle imbalances
Vitality Hormone Center also offers referrals to licensed counselors, nutritionists and specialists in areas like sleep health or thyroid care for those needing extra support during treatment. Our close coordination with Plymouth’s premier wellness practitioners saves patients effort assembling their own complementary care team. We believe integrating hormone therapy with aligned lifestyle behaviors and community resources gives patients their greatest shot at full restoration of optimal wellness.
We hope this overview has enhanced your understanding of common hormonal imbalances contributing to concerning symptoms that disrupt quality of life along with bioidentical hormone replacement therapy’s benefits rectifying such issues. If you see yourself or a loved one reflected in the deficiency signs and lifestyle frustrations described, don’t endure suboptimal living any longer. Vitality Hormone Center’ cutting-edge testing, therapies and holistic protocols offer new hope regardless of your age or gender. Visit our Plymouth clinic today to explore whether BHRT might help you thrive once more.
