Like other forms of hormone replacement therapy (HRT), bio-identical hormone replacement therapy (BHRT) is designed to replace the hormones that we lose while in the grips of menopause. Restoring lost hormones can relieve us of the menopausal symptoms that result from hormonal imbalance. What sets BHRT apart from traditional HRT, which uses synthetic hormones, is the quality of the hormones. Synthetic hormones are mass-produced in different pre-determined strengths and marketed to the general populace. On the other hand, BHRT uses natural replacement hormones, often derived from plants, engineered to be chemically identical to the natural hormones found in the human body.

Bioidentical hormones are most commonly prescribed to treat symptoms of hormonal imbalance in women and men, such as hot flashes, night sweats, loss of libido, fatigue, weight gain, mood swings, and irritability.

There are a variety of symptoms of hormone imbalance in women including:

-Fatigue
-Night sweats
-Hot flashes or flushes
-Decreased sex drive
-Weight gain
-Trouble sleeping
-Irritability
-Anxiousness
-Mood swings
-Low mood
-Discomfort during intercourse

If you have some of these symptoms you need to contact us today for a consultation! Our practitioner will discuss in detail your treatment.

Estrogen Replacement Therapy (ERT)

Estrogen Replacement Therapy (ERT) restores declining hormone levels associated with menopause (women with a personal history or a family history of breast cancer may not be candidates for estrogen replacement). The principal estrogens in a woman are estrone (E1), estradiol (E2), and estriol (E3). Estradiol is the most potent of these estrogens and is produced by the ovary. Estrone and estriol are both metabolites of estradiol and are less potent, with estriol being the weakest. The most common form of ERT is a compound formulation of Bi-Est (80% estriol / 20% estradiol) and Tri-Est (80% estriol/10% estradiol/10% estrone). The percentages of estrogen in each compound can be adjusted based upon the patients test results to achieve an optimal outcome.

Progesterone Replacement Therapy

Progesterone (P4) is a hormone produced in women by the adrenal glands, the ovaries and in the placenta during pregnancy. Progesterone is known as a precursor hormone for estrogen, luteinizing hormone, and testosterone, among others. To a certain extent, progesterone controls the production of these other hormones and can help balance any deficiencies or excesses of them in your body. In addition to helping relieve the symptoms of menopause and PMS, progesterone is known to enhance energy and sexual libido, and to heighten feelings of well-being. Progesterone should not be confused with progestin. Progestin is a synthetic chemical and is unable to synthesize other hormones or help our bodies produce the other hormones it needs to function at full potential. Progesterone can be administered orally (powder or micronized in oil base as capsules, oral drops, or sublingual tablets), vaginally or rectally (with suppositories), through injections or topically with transdermal creams or gels. 

Testosterone Replacement Therapy (TRT)

Testosterone, although a primary male hormone, also plays a role in women’s health. A decline in testosterone levels in men may be indicated by symptoms including loss of libido, erectile dysfunction, deterioration in ability to concentrate, poor muscle tone and strength, lack of endurance and mood swings. A decline in testosterone levels in women may accompany a decreased libido, irritability, weight gain, loss of lean muscle and osteoporosis. Testosterone contributes to higher energy levels and overall sense of well-being, increases lean body mass, and helps in building strong bones.

For people not producing high enough levels of testosterone, Testosterone Replacement Therapy (TRT) may be appropriate. This therapy should be considered when hormone deficiency has been clinically proven through laboratory testing of blood serum or saliva.

Testosterone can be administered orally, topically (through creams or gels), or via pellet implant (which is a pellet placed underneath the skin) or injectable. The oral route is not recommended or considered to be a primary method of delivery. Pellet insertion is the primary route our current patients prefer, since they only come a few times a year for re-insertion. We use bioidentical hormones from a recognized compounding pharmacy.