Bioidentical hormones are molecules that are structurally identical to the hormones naturally produced in the human body. As people age or due to certain medical conditions, many experience hormone imbalances or deficiencies, leading to symptoms like fatigue, sleep disturbances, hot flashes, weight gain, low libido, anxiety, and more.
Bioidentical hormone replacement therapy (BHRT) can help restore optimal hormone levels, alleviate symptoms, and promote better health and quality of life. BHRT involves administering bioidentical versions of key hormones like estrogen, progesterone, testosterone, DHEA, and melatonin.
When hormone levels deviate from healthy ranges or become imbalanced, a wide array of symptoms and increased disease risks can occur. Common signs of hormone imbalance include:
Bioidentical hormone replacement therapy provided by specialized medical doctors can correct hormonal deficiencies and imbalances to resolve troublesome symptoms.
It is crucial to work with an experienced bioidentical hormone doctor to determine if BHRT is appropriate and to oversee safe, effective treatment. Key factors in choosing a practitioner include:
Vitality Medical in Bellmawr, NJ, provides premier care in bioidentical hormone replacement therapy and optimization. Their team leverages the latest advancements along with their specialized expertise, advanced diagnostics, and precision dosing protocols to successfully help patients address hormone deficiencies and imbalances.
Diagnostic hormone testing provides vital data to detect imbalances as the first step toward successful, lasting treatment. The right tests identify deficient hormones, inform needed dosage adjustments, and monitor patient progress in BHRT programs.
Key hormone tests include:
Vitality Medical provides cutting-edge diagnostic testing to uncover the unique hormone deficiencies and imbalances underlying patient symptoms. Their experts carefully analyze results to create fully customized, effective treatment plans to resolve troublesome symptoms and support optimal wellness through hormone balance and regulation.
Below are some examples of the positive effects of properly administered bioidentical hormone therapy:
| Symptom | % Improved |
|---|---|
| Hot flashes | 82% |
| Night sweats | 80% |
| Vaginal dryness | 75% |
| Urinary incontinence | 69% |
| Joint pain | 67% |
| Anxiety | 66% |
| Depression | 65% |
| Low libido | 62% |
| Fatigue | 61% |
| Memory dysfunction | 58% |
| Sleep disturbances | 55% |
| Muscle mass loss | 52% |
Data compiled from landmark clinical studies on bioidentical hormone therapy.
Doctors prescribe bioidentical hormones via pills, creams, gels, injectables, pellets, patches, lozenges, and suppositories. Vitality Medical experts guide patients in selecting the method best suited for their lifestyle, preferences, and required dosage.
Each option carries pros and cons to weigh with your doctor. Most patients use a combination, enjoying the reliability of pellets or injections along with creams for flexible adjustments. Through testing during therapy, Vitality Medical ensures optimal hormone balance is achieved and maintained.
Some myths still circulate about bioidentical hormone therapy from outdated science or misinterpretations. Knowing the facts and latest research helps in making an informed decision about this safe, proven treatment option:
Myth: Bioidentical hormones present unjustified health risks like synthetic hormone replacement.
Fact: When expertly prescribed and monitored in proper balances based on testing, bioidentical hormones match natural human hormones presenting little to no increased health risks.
Myth: Bioidentical estrogens still elevate cancer risks like previously used equine or synthetic estrogens did for some women.
Fact: The estrogen metabolism uniquely shifts with bioidentical human-identical estradiol and estriol, helping protect against breast and ovarian cancer.
Myth: Bioidentical hormones for women increase blood clots, leading to strokes and cardiovascular problems.
Fact: Physiologic doses of bioidentical hormone therapy (BHRT) do not increase coagulation factors or inflammation. BHRT may even lower heart risks by supporting healthy cholesterol levels and vascular function.
Myth: Men using bioidentical testosterone face higher prostate cancer rates.
Fact: No compelling evidence links properly monitored bioidentical testosterone therapy in men with increased prostate cancer risk. However, men should follow prostate-specific antigen (PSA) levels and get annual cancer screenings when using testosterone.
While bioidentical hormone therapy provides critical benefits for many people struggling with hormonal deficiencies, supporting healthy lifestyle practices magnify positive outcomes:
Making lifestyle upgrades in these areas not only augments hormone therapy benefits but offers broader protective effects against numerous health conditions like heart disease, diabetes, obesity, dementia, and cancer.
While originally developed to relieve menopause symptoms, bioidentical hormone therapy now offers restorative and anti-aging effects more broadly for both women and men, as the benefits of optimizing hormonal status grow clearer from advancing research.
Prescribing individualized BHRT requires specialized expertise to appropriately balance the synergistic effects of estrogen, progesterone, testosterone, thyroid, DHEA, melatonin, and other hormones for maximum benefit. Vitality Medical stands at the leading edge of this expanding medical field of longevity, vitality, and wellness enhancement through precision hormone balance and regulation.
Sarah's Story:
Menopausal misery robbed me of my usual spark until getting expertly-tailored bioidentical hormones restored the joy in my 60s by resolving hot flashes, night sweats, sleep disruption, mood swings, low energy, and loss of interest in intimacy. I feel like myself again - ready to fully embrace this stage of life!
John's Story:
My demanding career came at the cost of 20 extra pounds, mental fog, zero energy for hobbies, and erectile dysfunction issues. My doctor said dropping testosterone levels after 40 was the culprit. Now weekly strength-boosting testosterone injections fuel top job performance and let me enjoy favorite activities pain-free and passionate again!
Names changed to protect patient privacy.
Bioidentical hormone replacement therapy, when administered by experienced and knowledgeable practitioners like those at Vitality Medical, can be a safe and effective way to address hormone imbalances and deficiencies. By restoring optimal hormone levels, BHRT can alleviate a wide range of troublesome symptoms and promote overall well-being, vitality, and longevity. If you are experiencing potential signs of hormone imbalance, consider consulting with a bioidentical hormone doctor to explore if this treatment approach could be beneficial for you.