Bioidentical hormones are identical in molecular structure to the hormones naturally produced in the human body. As we age, hormone levels can become deficient, leading to unpleasant symptoms. Replacing deficient hormones with bioidentical versions can provide relief by restoring balance.
Bioidentical hormones are sourced from plant extracts and made into the exact same structure as human hormones through a lab process. This makes them function exactly like the hormones our bodies produce, providing a more natural form of hormone therapy.
Benefits of bioidentical hormone therapy can include:
Bioidentical hormones are identical to the hormones made by the human body, while synthetic hormone medications are not bioidentical.
Synthetics like birth control pills, Premarin and Provera can create unwanted side effects and do not match human hormones. Many people tolerate bioidenticals better.
Bioidenticals also come in customized doses tailored to the individual patient based on lab testing. This personalized precision leads to better results.
There are small hormone producing glands throughout the body that secrete hormones into the bloodstream. These hormones travel to organs and tissues, delivering messages to direct bodily processes.
As we pass through puberty, pregnancy and perimenopause, production of key hormones slowly declines. Dropping levels can produce unwelcome mental and physical changes.
Replacing depleted hormones to optimal levels restores the critical messaging system, brings relief of deficiency symptoms and enhances overall wellbeing.
The most commonly replaced hormones are estrogen, progesterone and testosterone. Thyroid and adrenal hormones may require support as well.
The first step in pursuing bioidentical hormone therapy (BHRT) is diagnostic testing to pinpoint where imbalances exist.
Initial lab work establishes baseline hormone values through blood, saliva and sometimes urine testing. Follow up testing during treatment allows for continual customization of bioidentical doses to keep hormones optimized.
Below are some key lab tests used:
Nestled in the foothills of the Appalachian Mountains, Huntsville, Alabama enjoys a pleasant four season climate that lends itself well to bioidentical hormone replacement therapy.
Warm sunny days welcome outdoor activity during spring and fall. Huntsville’s low humidity keeps the summer heat tolerable. A mild winter sees more bright blue skies than bitter cold.
The 10,000 acre Monte Sano state park provides over 25 miles of hiking trails with panoramic views. Outdoor recreation options including golf, fishing and water sports abound along the Tennessee River.
A vibrant cultural arts community serves up concerts, exhibits and special events. Excellent dining and shopping further enhance Huntsville’s high quality lifestyle appealing to BHRT patients.
Huntsville’s moderate year-round climate provides an excellent backdrop supporting patients undergoing customized bioidentical hormone protocols. Our experienced clinicians work closely with labs and patients to continually adjust dosing ensuring ideal hormone balance is maintained regardless of season. No single approach works for everyone.
Numerous lab service providers across Huntsville offer hormone testing facilities. Full service medical centers also provide imaging services, mobile diagnostics along with primary and specialty care.
We partner with Quest Diagnostics, LabCorp, Main Lab Services, Huntsville Hospital, Crestwood Medical Center and other independent labs to make testing convenient. Nearby gyms, spas and wellness centers offer support improving lifestyle and reducing stress.
Let our exceptional staff guide you. We ease the frustration patients often feel when symptoms suggest an underlying imbalance yet finding proper treatment proves confusing. Call today for a welcoming consult.
Declining estrogen levels brings on perimenopause and menopause in women, creating symptoms interfering with quality of life. Restore balance through bioidentical estrogen therapy.
The three main estrogens are estradiol, estrone and estriol. Estradiol is the strongest, important for:
Estrogen decline causes hot flashes, night sweats, insomnia, brain fog, vaginal dryness, urinary urgency plus increased heart disease and osteoporosis risk in women.
Bioidentical estrogen offers multiple benefits:
The emotional impact improving these challenging symptoms through individually tailored estrogen dosing proves substantial for many women nearing menopause or in early post menopausal years. Patients report feeling like themselves again.
Bioidentical estradiol pellets implanted under the skin offer a convenient dosing method lasting 3-6 months for steady hormonal delivery. Pellets slowly release estradiol providing stable serum levels compared to patches or gels needing frequent application. Insertion takes minutes in our office.
Bioidentical hormones are not necessarily safer or more effective than synthetic hormones for menopausal symptoms. However, some women report preferring them because they more closely mimic the body's natural hormones. More research is still needed to fully understand the risks and benefits compared to traditional hormone therapy.
Declining testosterone progressing into andropause robs men of vitality. Low testosterone in women also causes problems. We safely restore optimal levels through testosterone replacement.
Peak testosterone primes men for reproduction while supporting:
In both sexes low testosterone leads to low libido, erectile dysfunction, sagging muscle tone, decreased stamina, stubborn body fat and low mood.
Carefully managed testosterone replacement helps:
We personalize dosing based on testing not through a one-size fits all approach. Pellet implants, gels, patches and injections allow route flexibility balancing efficacy, safety and convenience.
Concerns regarding testosterone therapy increasing cardiac risk primarily come from one flawed retrospective study where underlying heart disease existed. Well managed care has proven safe in multiple subsequent studies.
We monitor lipid profiles, blood counts, liver enzymes and watch prostate health through regular testing on testosterone therapy minimizing risks while supporting healthy longevity.
Progesterone works together with estrogen playing vital reproductive roles. Declining progesterone shifts hormonal balance contributing to perimenopause misery. Correct imbalances through bioidentical progesterone.
Key responsibilities include:
Declining levels trigger cycle irregularity and perimenopause misery while increasing uterine cancer risk. Normalize levels reducing symptoms.
We provide micronized capsules, sublingual drops or progesterone creams conveniently self administered at home combined with estradiol to relieve perimenopause and support menopause transition.
The synthetic progestin medroxyprogesterone (Provera) raises breast cancer risk. Natural bioidentical progesterone does not adversely effect risk, especially when balanced properly with estradiol.
Breast cancer warning signs include:
Careful monitoring allows safe administration even with some risk factors.
BHRT effectively reduces deficiency symptoms when dosed properly based on testing. Certain lifestyle measures further support beneficial outcomes:
Boosting intake of produce, fiber and anti-oxidant foods while avoiding excess sugar, alcohol and saturated fats assists bioidentical therapy through reducing inflammatory triggers that worsen symptoms.
Engaging muscles through strength training and activity helps balance hormones, manage weight, reduce stress and prevent insulin resistance tied to inflammation.
Good restorative sleep allows hormones to calibrate keeping levels optimized. Deficiencies disrupt sleep while poor sleep exacerbates imbalance.
Managing emotional stress through mindfulness meditation, yoga, social connection and outdoor nature exposure assists healthy hormonal function.
We provide nutritional guidance, fitness counseling and stress coping skills coaching alongside bioidentical therapy for whole person wellness care.
Elite Hormone Therapy sets the platinum standard for bioidentical hormone therapy in North Alabama centered around:
Most importantly, we listen attentively addressing the unique needs of each individual patient. Visit Elite Hormone Therapy for a comprehensive consultation exploring whether bioidentical therapy offers the solutions you seek for feeling youthful and healthy once again.
