Bioidentical hormones are hormones that are identical in molecular structure to the hormones naturally produced by the human body. As we age, our hormone levels often decline, leading to unpleasant symptoms. Bioidentical hormone replacement therapy (BHRT) can help relieve these symptoms by restoring hormones to optimal levels.
Imbalances in key hormones like estrogen, progesterone, testosterone, thyroid, and cortisol can cause several undesirable symptoms:
Declining hormones sap energy levels, leaving you feeling drained even after a full night's sleep.
Hormone deficiencies slow metabolism and trigger fluid retention, especially around the waist and hips.
Muscle mass naturally decreases with age, but low hormones accelerate muscle loss and weakness.
Dropping estrogen brings on hot flushes and causes many women to wake up drenched in sweat.
Hormone issues make it difficult to fall and stay asleep through the night.
Hormonal shifts often trigger mood swings, anxiety, irritability, and depressed mood.
Interest in sex significantly declines when hormones like testosterone and estrogen plunge.
Plummeting estrogen leaves vaginal tissue thin, dry, and easily irritated.
Estrogen supports memory, learning, and cognition in both men and women. Deficiencies sap mental clarity.
Because symptoms can be vague, the first step is testing key hormones using blood, saliva, or urine tests. Based on results, bioidentical hormones can be customized to restore optimal balance.
At Optimal Hormone Solutions, initial assessments include: - Medical history - Thorough review of health conditions, family history, medications, symptoms, and lifestyle - Physical exam - Height, weight, blood pressure, and basic neurological and physical checks - Lab testing - Blood draws to measure hormone levels, lipids, blood sugar, kidney and liver function, red blood cells, and other markers
Follow-up testing is done periodically to ensure hormones remain balanced. Adjustments to dosages or formulations are made as needed.
Correcting deficiencies with bioidentical hormones offers wide-ranging benefits:
Optimal hormones enhance energy levels and stamina for work, exercise, travel, socializing, passion, and life.
Balanced hormones rev metabolism to shed excess fat and cellulite deposits around the midsection, hips, and thighs.
In addition to burning fat, balanced hormones curb food cravings, hunger pangs, and fluid retention for healthy, steady weight.
Estrogen and testosterone strongly support memory, concentration, processing speed, and clear thinking. BHRT enhances cognition and protects the aging brain.
Mood disorders frequently accompany hormone imbalances. Restoring balance stabilizes mood, eases anxiety and irritability, and relieves depression.
Optimal testosterone prevents loss of lean muscle mass and strength as you age. You'll look and feel stronger.
Corrected testosterone, estrogen, and other reproductive hormones rekindle desire and passion for sex.
For women transitioning into menopause, bioidentical estradiol and progesterone greatly ease hot flushes, night sweats, insomnia, vaginal dryness, and mood swings.
Proper hormone balance promotes deeper, more restful sleep and brighter mornings.
With hormone therapy you'll feel healthier, look better, think more clearly, sleep better, enjoy sex again, and embrace life with renewed energy and optimism. It's transformative.
Bioidentical hormones are chemically identical to those produced by the human body, yet surprisingly, studies show they provide no additional benefits for conditions like hot flashes or bone health compared to synthetic versions that only mimic human hormones.
If your labs reveal a clear need, bioidentical hormones can be prescribed in pills, creams, gels, pellets, patches, or injections. Optimal Hormone Solutions physicians tailor treatment to your unique needs and preferences.
We monitor progress through follow-up bloodwork and tune dosages to keep your hormones balanced. Nutrition, fitness, stress reduction, and lifestyle factors are addressed as part of comprehensive therapy. With an integrative approach results are excellent.
Optimal Hormone Solutions serves the Santa Cruz area with skill, experience and compassion. We invite you to schedule a consultation to explore whether bioidentical hormone therapy is right for you.
