Hormonal imbalances ― no matter what is causing them ― can be corrected with the right type of treatment: bioidentical hormone replacement therapy, or BHRT, available by prescription. The word “bioidentical” means that a substance is biologically identical to one made by your body. For example, the molecules that make up bioidentical progesterone are shaped exactly like your own progesterone. In contrast, the progesterone in birth control pills is similar to, but not exactly like your own hormone.
Bioidentical Hormone Replacement for Men -
We have a built-in biological clock, but today’s toxic environment full of plastics, pollutants and pesticides, coupled with poor nutrition are speeding it up. Even men in their 30s can start feeling “old,” and hormone depletion is often the root of the problem. For example, during the past few decades, average levels of testosterone, the hormone responsible for your “maleness,” have been declining at a substantially faster rate than aging alone can explain. Testosterone is abundant in young healthy men, and when levels drop below this youthful healthy range, it can result in fatigue, weight gain, inability to gain or keep lean muscle, poor libido and sexual satisfaction, loss of endurance, stamina or motivation and/or poor mood or depression. Because the testosterone levels decline over years, the symptoms are often dismissed as part of aging or due to lack of exercise, poor nutrition or excess weight, missing the underlying common denominator.
Even though testosterone is frequently involved in male hormonal imbalance, there are other hormones that play important roles in male health and fitness. Diagnosis and treatment of male hormone malfunction and imbalance should include testing for the following hormones. For example, the adrenals control various important hormonal elements including energy, sleep, blood sugar, and stress response. Imbalance in this area can cause one to experience nonspecific symptoms including body aches, nervousness, insomnia, and digestive issues. Cortisol is one of the most well-recognized adrenal hormones. If it is released consistently, cortisol can cause adrenal fatigue leading to hormonal deficiency and other dysfunctions. Moreover, DHEA is naturally produced in the adrenals. This hormone circulates through the bloodstream and is converted into other powerful androgens such as testosterone and estrogen. Deficiency of DHEA can result in a variety of hormonal deficiencies leading to widespread issues.
Recognizing the importance of male hormonal balance is the first step in improving quality of life. Resolving hormone imbalances requires one to work with the ideology that each case is unique and every person must receive an individualized treatment. When pursuing hormone optimization, it is important to enlist the aid of a well-informed doctor who is knowledgeable of male hormones. Properly balancing one’s hormones may be the most effective method to resolve bodily dysfunction and improve quality of life.
Bioidentical Hormone Replacement for Women -
Are you debilitated at a certain time of the month? Do you eat less and less but keep gaining weight? Does it seem like menopause is arriving ahead of schedule? These are all signs of hormonal imbalance, a growing problem that most doctors are not equipped to solve.
With hormones such as progesterone and estrogen, bioidentical hormones are able to elicit the same response as certain medications but with fewer side effects. Bioidentical progesterone has been found to relieve the side effects of birth control pills ― without reducing their effectiveness in preventing pregnancy. It is also common for estrogen to be made in the synthetic form, which increases health risks. Some prescriptions, for example, are made from the urine of pregnant mares. However, bioidentical estrogen is exactly the same as your own estrogen, which relieves symptoms and reduces health risks.
Used correctly, bioidentical hormone replacement therapy restores balance and relieves symptoms such as: PMS, hot flashes, mood swings, irritability, insomnia, loss of sex drive, vaginal dryness, pain during intercourse, dry skin, tender breasts, sagging breasts, depression, brain fog, fatigue, memory loss, anxiety, and depression.
Women using BHRT also experience fewer wrinkles and other visible signs of aging skin. Studies show that women who use BHRT look younger than their age, and women who do not use BHRT after menopause look older than their age.
Hormone imbalances in women are incredibly common but rarely addressed. Birth control pills are one common trigger, even if it’s been years since you’ve taken them. Environmental pollutants are others, from chemicals in skin care products and plastics to fire retardants in furniture and pesticides in food. And a poor diet intensifies all these effects. Without such triggers, the natural hormonal changes during a woman’s life aren’t likely to cause severe symptoms. But today, it’s virtually impossible to avoid disrupting toxins.
At The Holtorf Medical Group, we respect each woman’s unique situation. We understand that your symptoms are manifestations of very real hormone imbalances, and we work with you to identify what needs to be corrected.
