Bioidentical hormone therapy involves using hormones that are molecularly identical to those naturally produced by the human body to treat hormonal imbalances that can lead to symptoms affecting quality of life. This guide from the Harmonize Care provides an overview of bioidentical hormones, common deficiency signs and causes, the key benefits of treatment, basic therapy protocols and procedures, and the importance of timely diagnosis and care from a qualified physician.
Bioidentical hormones are man-made hormones that have the exact same chemical structure as hormones produced naturally by the human body. This allows the body to recognize and utilize them identically to endogenous hormones.
Some of the most commonly used bioidentical hormones in therapy include:
Unlike their synthetic counterparts, bioidentical hormones are made from plant sources and are designed to be biologically identical when administered to replicate natural hormonal patterns and rhythms.
Imbalances in hormones like estrogen, progesterone, testosterone, thyroid hormones, DHEA, and others can occur for many reasons. Common causes include normal aging, chronic stress, poor diet, lack of sleep and exercise, toxicity exposures, some medications, illnesses, hormonal transitions, and prior surgeries like hysterectomy.
When hormonal levels are too high or too low, a wide variety of symptoms and health issues can result. Some of the key signs pointing to a potential hormone imbalance include:
Men:
Women:
These types of symptoms negatively impact quality of life, so timely evaluation and treatment are very important.
There are two main reasons why bioidentical hormone therapy administered under medical supervision can be very beneficial:
Because bioidentical hormones have the identical molecular structure to the body's own hormones, they can interact with receptors and exert effects in tissues identically to naturally produced hormones. However, blood testing is necessary to determine if a true hormonal deficiency or imbalance exists before considering treatment.
When properly diagnosed hormonal deficiencies or imbalances are addressed through bioidentical hormone therapy, dramatic improvements can occur, including:
In addition to optimizing symptoms when deficiencies occur, monitoring and maintaining youthful hormonal status through bioidentical hormone replacement can promote healthy longevity and prevent age-related declines in body and brain function.
Key potential anti-aging benefits include:
Some medical experts believe optimizing hormone levels with bioidentical therapy combined with other lifestyle measures could increase healthspan by up to 20 years for some individuals.
While more research is still needed, evidence supporting anti-aging benefits of bioidentical testosterone, growth hormone, and thyroid therapies continues to accumulate when managed correctly under medical guidance. Treatment plans are tailored to the unique needs of each patient.
There are a few key steps to bioidentical hormone therapy:
1. Thorough evaluation and testing - Measuring baseline blood levels of hormones along with considering symptoms enables developing an appropriate customized treatment plan targeting optimal rather than "normal" levels. Follow up blood tests also help monitor progress. Common lab tests include:
2. Customized treatment plan - The right bioidentical hormones are carefully selected to address deficiencies or imbalances uncovered during evaluation and adjusted over time based on follow up testing and symptom monitoring under medical supervision.
3. Method of administration - Multiple options allowing customization for each person's needs and preferences, including:
4. Follow up monitoring - Follow up blood tests, evaluation of symptom response, and dosage adjustments ensure achieving optimal hormonal balance is maintained long term for maximum benefits.
Treatment must be physician managed for safety and efficacy due to health risks if not monitored properly.
The Harmonize Care specializes in state-of-the-art diagnosis, treatment and monitoring of hormone-related conditions using bioidentical hormone therapy.
We focus on more than just normalizing lab levels, but optimizing hormones for symptom relief, wellness and healthy aging utilizing a highly personalized approach tailored to your unique needs.
What sets the Harmonize Care apart includes:
Detecting hormonal deficiencies or excesses early is key for successfully restoring optimal balance and improving wellbeing.
Introducing bioidentical hormone therapy requires careful diagnosis because symptoms can be nonspecific and challenging to interpret. Experience and expertise are necessary to determine the right testing and properly interpret results to guide treatment.
Common reasons many struggle with frustrating symptoms for years before receiving help resolving hormonal imbalances include:
At Harmonize Care, diagnosing and resolving the root causes of concerning symptoms using precision testing and evaluation is our focus.
We recognize the substantial negative impact undiagnosed hormone imbalances can have on quality of life and wellbeing over the long term and seek to provide answers and solutions using the latest medical knowledge.
In addition to diagnostic testing and evaluation, examining comorbid health conditions and lifestyle factors enables developing fully customized treatment plans targeting root causes for the best results.
Some factors considered include:
Evaluating these parameters combined with precision diagnostics allows our experts to provide exacting care and monitor progress optimally.
Like any other medication, bioidentical hormones carry some risks and require medical oversight.
While often safer than synthetic counterparts when properly monitored, potential side effects can still occur in those predisposed.
Its critical to have regular follow up blood tests, evaluation of symptom response, and dosage adjustments to ensure achieving proper hormonal balance is maintained.
Benefits of physician-managed bioidentical hormone therapy include:
Risks of improperly managed treatment include:
Harmonize Care physicians emphasize vigilant follow up and communication using telemedicine options for your convenience when in-person visits are difficult. We believe conscientious monitoring and responsive care lead to the best treatment experiences and clinical outcomes possible.
A common myth is that declining hormone production and associated symptoms are inevitable results of aging.
However, research shows that falling hormone levels correlated with poorer health outcomes are not guaranteed.
There are substantial differences in the degree and rapidity of age-related hormonal decreases between individuals. Lifestyle choices and proper medical care play vital roles.
Factors impacting hormonal aging include:
Conversely, pursuing healthy lifestyles can sustain more optimal hormonal balance decades longer resulting in markedly higher quality of life.
Benefits of maintaining youthful hormone levels include:
The medical experts at Harmonize Care stay current on the latest anti-aging research and proven lifestyle optimization strategies to help patients achieve sustained health and vitality across the lifespan.
Many myths and misconceptions still surround bioidentical hormone therapy (BHT).
The table below uses facts and research to help debunk common BHT myths.
| Myth | Fact |
|---|---|
| BHT is unsafe and risky | When properly dosed and monitored by a physician, BHT has an excellent safety profile in both the medical literature and clinical practice. |
| BHT causes cancer or heart disease | No large well controlled studies show BHT therapy increases cancer or CVD risk and some show it may be protective. |
| BHT causes blood clots | Bioidentical estrogen and progesterone do not seem to increase blood clot risks like synthetic versions when used transdermally and in proper doses based on latest evidence. |
| The risks outweigh the benefits with BHT | For many people struggling with quality life impairing hormone deficiency symptoms not relieved by lifestyle measures alone, the benefits substantially outweigh the minimal risks involved with closely managed BHT based on current data. |
| BHT therapy means you'll be on hormones permanently | The goal is to use the lowest effective dose for the shortest time period necessary to relieve deficiency symptoms then see if reductions or cessation is possible while maintaining wellness through lifestyle measures with caregiver oversight |
| Symptoms or lab reference ranges alone should determine if you need BHT | Symptoms can be vague and nonspecific while lab reference ranges are large. Both criteria have limitations so experienced clinical judgement combining the two along with risk factor analysis yields superior diagnostic and treatment guidance rather than using either criteria alone. |
| Compounded bioidentical hormones work better than FDA approved | There's no evidence showing compounded BHRT works better or is safer than pharmacy grade bioidenticals. In fact, quality control may be superior in pharmacy preparations. |
| Over the counter creams work as well professional therapies | OTC creams aren't regulated, often lack evidence showing absorption/efficacy, don't provide testing/medical oversight, and self adjustment risks side effects or inadequate symptom relief. |
| BioTE pellet implants are clearly superior to other methods | While pellet implants have advantages for some women, there are also downsides. Other methods like precision topical dosing can provide similar benefits without needing to undergo repeated insertion procedures. The best method depends on your individual needs. |
If hormone testing reveals clinically relevant imbalances or deficiencies contributing to bothersome symptoms a trial of bioidentical hormone therapy (BHT) may provide substantial benefit - especially when tailored lifestyle measures alone fail to fully resolve issues.
Here are some tips when embarking upon BHT:
Work with a knowledgeable medical professional - Hormones are powerful messengers interacting in complex ways. Having expert medical guidance optimizing testing protocols and interpreting results is invaluable for good outcomes.
Commit to follow-up monitoring - Be diligent getting follow up blood tests done when advised and communicating treatment responses and side effects to your practitioner for dosage adjustments ensuring efficacy and safety. Missing lab work or visits undermines outcomes.
Realize improvements occur gradually - Patience and realistic expectations are important early on when starting BHT. Some symptoms may improve quickly while full benefits often unfold progressively over 4-12 weeks once optimized levels are achieved and maintained through consistent dosing daily.
Implement healthy lifestyle habits - Relieving deficiency symptoms through BHT works best as part of a comprehensive plan also emphasizing restorative sleep, regular exercise, nutritious whole foods diet, stress management and toxin reduction for amplified benefits. Healthy lifestyle choices also promote better hormonal balance long term.
Keep tracking symptoms - Maintaining a daily symptom journal when first starting treatment helps discern positive effects unfolding which may be subtle. Tracking also aids communicating progress to your provider during follow up.
The medical team at Harmonize Care will collaborate with you on bioidentical hormone therapy guidance every step of the way to ensure the best possible treatment experience, safety and outcomes.
Male andropause describes age-related hormonal changes in men involving declines in testosterone, DHEA, growth hormone and thyroid hormones over time. This can manifest with concerning physical and emotional symptoms impairing quality of life.
When male hormone blood testing uncovers clinically significant deficiencies contributing to issues like fatigue, low libido, poor concentration, muscle/strength loss, depression and other symptoms, monitored bioidentical testosterone and other hormone therapy can
