Bioidentical hormones are identical in molecular structure to the hormones produced naturally in the human body. They are synthesized from plant sources and custom-compounded for each individual patient based on their needs.
Some key things to know about bioidentical hormones:
The use of bioidentical hormone replacement therapy (BHRT) has grown in popularity as an alternative to synthetic hormone medications. Proponents believe bioidenticals have fewer side effects and more closely mimic the body's natural hormone physiology.
Hormone levels naturally fluctuate and decline with age, sometimes causing undesirable symptoms. Common causes of declining hormone levels include:
Maintaining healthy hormone levels is crucial for overall wellbeing, disease prevention, quality of life, and longevity. When hormones decline, supplementation may be beneficial.
Restoring hormonal balance with bioidentical hormone replacement offers a wide range of potential benefits:
For women:
For men:
Both men and women experience improved body composition, less fatigue, sharper mental clarity, and an overall enhanced sense of wellbeing on bioidentical hormone therapy.
The first step is thorough testing and assessment to determine if hormone imbalance or deficiency exists. Rejuvenate Wellness specialists evaluate:
We then run comprehensive lab testing which is crucial for evaluating hormone levels including:
| Hormone | Role |
|---|---|
| Estradiol | Primary female sex hormone |
| Progesterone | Balances effects of estrogen |
| Testosterone | Primary male sex hormone |
| DHEA | Precursor to sex hormones |
| Thyroid hormones T3 and T4 | Regulate metabolism |
Saliva, blood, or urine tests may be used to analyze hormone levels. This provides the objective data needed to diagnose any deficiencies or imbalances.
Based on lab test results and clinical evaluation, our practitioners can determine if hormone optimization is indicated.
Common imbalances include:
With advanced testing, we obtain a clear hormone profile for each patient to guide customized treatment.
Rejuvenate Wellness offers state-of-the-art bioidentical hormone replacement to restore optimal hormonal balance. Our protocols are tailored to each patient's body and needs.
We provide:
The goal is balancing hormones for improved health and vitality. Treatment is adjusted based on follow-up testing and monitoring patient symptoms.
We partner with a high quality compounding pharmacy to formulate personalized bioidentical hormones for each patient. Compounding allows for customized dosing and combinations.
Our practitioners have advanced training in endocrinology, anti-aging medicine, and functional medicine to provide the latest therapies. We stay up to date on the newest bioidentical hormone research and options.
Here is an overview of our process when initiating bioidentical hormone therapy:
We partner with each patient to find the optimal dosage and delivery methods to safely achieve hormonal balance. Patience is required, as it often takes months to normalize certain hormone levels.
There are multiple effective options for taking customized bioidentical hormones:
| Method | Description |
|---|---|
| Creams | Applied to wrists or shoulders for transdermal absorption |
| Gels | Rubbed into forearms, chest, thighs, or stomach |
| Pellets | Inserted under the skin every 3-6 months for steady dosing |
| Patches | Worn on the skin to deliver steady hormone doses |
| Tablets | Taken orally for systemic absorption |
| Injections | Administered weekly/monthly into fat tissue or muscle |
Rejuvenate Wellness practitioners determine the optimal preparations and delivery methods for each patient. Convenience, efficacy, and patient preference are considered.
Creams, gels, patches and pellets allow for consistent dosing and circumvent liver metabolism. Oral and injected forms are also effective options in certain cases.
We provide guidance on properly using whichever bioidentical hormone preparations are prescribed.
Ongoing monitoring and testing is vital for safe, effective bioidentical hormone therapy:
Rejuvenate Wellness practitioners closely partner with patients to provide optimal hormone replacement and balance. Follow-ups typically occur at 1 month, 3 months and 6 months after initiating treatment. We ensure hormones are properly regulated for each individual.
While BHRT alleviates hormone deficiency symptoms, certain lifestyle measures maximize its benefits:
Nutrition - An anti-inflammatory diet high in produce, healthy fats and protein provides the building blocks for hormone production.
Exercise - Regular physical activity helps boost hormones and prevents obesity, which can disrupt hormones.
Stress Management - Chronic stress raises cortisol, which can suppress testosterone and reproductive hormones. Relaxation practices like yoga lower cortisol.
Quality Sleep - Adequate sleep allows the body to restore hormonal balance each night. Poor sleep impairs homeostasis.
Healthy Weight - Excess fat cells increase inflammation and aromatase enzyme activity, lowering testosterone and raising estrogen.
Supplements - Key micronutrients like zinc, magnesium, vitamin D also support hormone health.
We offer customized nutrition and lifestyle coaching to optimize the benefits of bioidentical hormones. Patient commitment to healthy habits amplifies treatment results.
Rejuvenate Wellness specializes in precision bioidentical hormone replacement to restore optimal hormone levels. We practice integrative medicine, assessing the "whole person" to uncover the root causes of imbalance.
Our board-certified practitioners have decades of experience using BHRT to improve patient health and vitality. We stay current on the latest medical research and innovative therapies.
We take time to listen carefully to each patient. Then we craft custom treatments using the most effective bioidentical hormone preparations, dosing, and delivery methods. Follow-up lab testing and monitoring ensures optimal results.
In addition to bioidentical hormones, we offer advanced testing, nutrition plans, stress management, and exercise coaching to support total wellness. Patients enjoy a collaborative partnership focused on their health goals.
Rejuvenate Wellness accepts most major insurance plans. Contact us today to schedule a consultation and lab testing to see if bioidentical hormone therapy is right for you!
Frequently Asked Questions
Bioidentical hormones have the same molecular structure as the hormones produced by the human body. Synthetic hormones have a different molecular structure and are associated with increased side effects.
Research shows bioidentical hormones have a more favorable safety profile with less risks. However, there are some concerns about improper dosing of compounded bioidenticals. Rejuvenate Wellness carefully monitors labs and symptoms to optimize safety.
Bioidentical hormones are used to treat symptoms related to menopause, andropause (age-related testosterone decline in men), thyroid disorders, high cortisol, and other hormone imbalances.
They are formulated based on each patient's lab testing by high-quality compounding pharmacies. Compounding allows for individualized combinations, strengths, and delivery methods.
Most patients notice some improvements in symptoms within 1-2 months. However, it often takes 4-6 months for full benefits as hormone levels normalize. Effects are monitored and dosages adjusted as needed.
Michael's Story: Regaining Vitality with Bioidentical Testosterone
Michael was a 52 year old business executive who struggled with low energy, mental fog, and declining athletic performance. He worked long stressful hours and traveled frequently for business.
Blood tests revealed Michael had low testosterone levels, around 250 ng/dL - far below the optimal range for his age. His symptoms and hormone deficiency were consistent with andropause.
After careful assessment, his Rejuvenate Wellness doctor prescribed bioidentical testosterone along with stress management and dietary changes. He also began a regular exercise routine.
Within 2 months, Michael reported feeling much more energetic and mentally sharp. His workouts improved as his muscle mass increased. After 5 months of bioidentical testosterone therapy, labs showed his testosterone levels were restored to 500 ng/dL.
Michael says this treatment has given him his drive and vitality back. He is able to succeed in business and fully participate in his active lifestyle again. His mood, confidence and relationships have all improved thanks to bioidentical hormone optimization.
Susan's Journey: Menopause Relief through BHRT
Susan was a 58 year old teacher approaching menopause who developed hot flashes, night sweats, vaginal dryness, insomnia, irritability, and weight gain despite eating well and exercising.
Her gynecologist diagnosed hormonal imbalance from ovarian decline. Susan did not want to take synthetic hormones due to her family breast cancer history.
