Bioidentical hormone replacement therapy (BHRT) involves supplementing the body with synthetically created hormones that are molecularly identical to those produced naturally in the body. This allows practitioners to customize treatment plans with precise dosing to restore optimal hormonal balance specific to each individual patient's needs.
Unlike conventional hormone replacement using synthetic or animal-derived hormones, which can create unwanted side effects, bioidentical hormones are biochemically equivalent to endogenous human hormones, interacting with cell receptor sites in the same way. This leads to excellent efficacy with minimal risks.
Some of the most common bioidentical hormones used in therapy include:
Hormone levels optimize many essential processes in both men and women. Imbalances can lead to undesirable symptoms that disrupt quality of life. By replenishing hormone levels through BHRT, patients often experience renewed energy, increased libido, improved cognition, positive mood, deeper sleep, and more.
There are several key factors that make bioidentical hormone therapy advantageous compared to conventional hormone replacement:
| Bioidentical HRT | Conventional HRT |
|---|---|
| Identical to human hormones | Synthetic or non-human hormones |
| Customized to patient's needs | Standardized doses |
| Less side effects | Increased side effects |
| Natural progesterone | Synthetic progestins |
| Efficient metabolism | Build-up of metabolites |
| Multiple delivery methods | Limited options |
| Excellent patient outcomes | Mixed patient outcomes |
There are a wide variety of signs and symptoms that can indicate deficient or imbalanced hormone levels. While symptoms may be nonspecific and vary between individuals, some doctor-observed patterns include:
Men:
Women:
When properly balanced through replacement therapy, bioidentical hormones offer a wide range of benefits:
In women:
In men:
Restoring hormones to optimal balance, whether through age-related decline or other primary causes, allows both men and women to function at their best.
Detecting hormonal deficiencies begins with recognizing symptoms, evaluating medical history, and assessing risk factors. But an accurate diagnosis relies on evidence-based testing to measure circulating hormone levels. This establishes a genuine need for bioidentical hormone replacement vs. guessing based on nonspecific symptoms that could have many causes.
At our Rejuvenate Hormone Center, initial testing panels typically include:
Testing is done through blood draws, preferably early morning when hormone levels are most stable. Follow-up testing at regular intervals continues to guide dosage adjustments unique to the individual over time.
Monitoring therapy to maintain optimal balance is key - both to avoid low hormone symptoms and minimize side effects from excessive levels. We partner closely with patients to track progress and ensure treatment efficacy and safety.
Beginning bioidentical HRT is a straightforward process but requires proper medical supervision. Self-dosing based on symptoms alone can be problematic if hormone levels are not measured as part of therapeutic decision-making.
Here is an overview of starting bioidentical hormone replacement with our Rejuvenate Hormone Center practitioners:
Initial Consultation
Follow-Up Testing & Monitoring
Lifestyle Recommendations
Therapy Duration
We strive to make the process as easy and convenient as possible while ensuring safety through close patient follow-up care.
There are multiple effective options for delivering bioidentical hormone therapy:
Oral - Hormone pills or tablets absorbed through digestive tract - Sublingual forms dissolve under the tongue
Topical - Creams, gels, liquids applied to skin - Transdermal patches also deliver hormones via skin
Injectable - Testosterone, estradiol - injections into fat under skin
Implants - Testosterone, estradiol pellets implanted under the skin - Slow, steady release over 4-6 months
Choice depends on patient and practitioner preference, convenience, and specific hormones used in therapy plan. Most combine different methods like creams plus tablets or patches and pellets. We offer all these delivery options to suit your needs.
Different forms have varying absorption and optimal dosing. Patches often less customizable than gels or injectables regarding dosage adjustments. With creams or troches, blood-level testing ensures proper, personalized balance.
Most patients report significant improvements within 1-2 months as hormones build up in tissues and the bloodstream. Full benefits often take 3-6 months for maximal effect - this varies by hormone, dosage, and individual factors. Estrogen therapy impacts symptoms rapidly - most within a few weeks. Testosterone and DHEA deficiencies take longer to correct.
This differs between individuals. Many undergoing age-related hormone declines use replacement therapy long term to maintain quality of life, similar to taking medication for any chronic condition. Others opt to take periodic breaks from therapy after an initial restorative period, guided by levels testing to avoid unwanted deficiency symptoms. Discontinuation effects also vary - estrogen therapy cannot be abruptly stopped. As opposed to short-term use to treat acute menopausal symptoms, PRT is generally longer term.
Physiologic testosterone and estrogen doses using bioidentical hormones produce far fewer side effects than synthetic hormones. However, high testosterone can cause excess facial/body hair, acne. High estrogen raises risks of fluid retention, weight gain, and mood instability. We minimize adverse effects through conservative dosing, ongoing blood testing, and monitoring for clinical response and tolerability. If side effects occur, promptly lowering doses alleviates problems.
It's vital to work with a practitioner experienced in prescribing and overseeing bioidentical hormone therapy. Blindly dosing hormone medications without blood level testing or monitoring can lead to dosing miscalculations, inadequate or excessive hormone issues, and potential side effects. An untrained physician may also neglect important screenings for contraindications like hormone-sensitive cancers or clotting disorders. We aim to provide exceptional care with transparency, accessibility, diligent follow-up, and continual evaluation of your progress.
Bioidentical hormone replacement therapy offers a safe and effective solution for restoring hormonal balance and alleviating the symptoms of hormone imbalance. At Rejuvenate Hormone Center, we provide personalized care and monitoring to ensure that you receive the right dosage of bioidentical hormones to meet your individual needs. Our experienced practitioners will work closely with you to develop a customized treatment plan, monitor your progress, and make adjustments as needed to maintain optimal hormone levels. With our comprehensive approach, you can expect to experience the numerous benefits of BHRT, including increased energy, improved mood, better sleep, and enhanced overall health and well-being.
