Hormone therapy encompasses various types of treatment that supplement hormones when the body is not producing adequate amounts. Imbalances in hormones like estrogen, progesterone, testosterone, thyroid, cortisol and others can lead to undesirable symptoms and health risks. Replacement of these hormones through gels, patches, pellets or injections can provide immense benefits.
Hormones are chemical messengers that regulate many systems and functions in the body. They are produced by various glands and organs including the pituitary, thyroid, adrenals, ovaries and testes. Hormone levels naturally fluctuate and decline with age. Factors like stress, medications, surgery, illness and nutritional deficiencies can also disrupt optimal hormonal balance. When hormones become imbalanced, every system in the body can be impacted including metabolism, cognition, cardiovascular health, sexual function, sleep quality, weight management, energy levels, immune function, emotions and more.
The first step is having hormone tests done to pinpoint deficiencies or excess levels. Blood, saliva or urine tests can check hormones like testosterone, estrogen, progesterone, DHEA, thyroid (T3 & T4), cortisol, GH and insulin. Based on test results and symptoms, customized hormone therapy plans can be developed to restore balance. Ongoing testing helps calibrate dosing to reach optimal levels unique to each patient.
There are various delivery methods for supplying the body with bioidentical hormones matched to human physiology:
The method chosen depends on the hormone, dosage needs, patient lifestyle and preferences.
Testosterone is crucial for both males and females. TRT can relieve low testosterone (low T) symptoms like fatigue, depression, erectile dysfunction, muscle loss, weight gain, poor sleep, and concentration issues. Custom treatment plans can include testosterone injections, gels, pellets or other methods to restore healthy testosterone levels.
Symptoms are one indicator, but blood tests for total and free testosterone levels confirm if they are below optimal ranges. Full male and female hormone panels also help identify potential deficiencies in estrogen, progesterone, cortisol, thyroid, DHEA or other hormones that could be impacting low T. Ongoing testing determines appropriate testosterone dosing.
Restored testosterone levels can provide tremendous benefits including:
Testosterone therapy can be administered based on patient considerations:
Injections like testosterone cypionate or enanthate - Most common TRT, increased blood levels shortly after injecting
Transdermal gels like Androgel or Testim - Absorbed through skin, convenient daily application
Pellets like Testopel - Small implants inserted under the skin every 3-6 months
Oral like methyltestosterone tablets - Absorbed through digestive tract
Patches like Androderm - Adhesive patches release testosterone transdermally
Declining ovarian function reduces estrogen & progesterone output leading to menopause symptoms. Hormone therapy (HT) can relieve hot flashes, night sweats, vaginal dryness, accelerated skin aging, thinning hair, weight gain, decreased bone density, fatigue, irritability, anxiety and depression.
Estrogen plays a vital role in female health by regulating menstrual cycles & reproduction, cardiovascular & bone health, skin collagen, cognition, sleep quality, mood stability & sexual function. Declining estrogen levels with perimenopause & menopause prompt HT.
Progesterone works synergistically with estrogen to balance hormones. It supports pregnancy, regulates periods, increases bone density, has anti-anxiety & sleep benefits. Declines in progesterone can cause estrogen dominance with weight gain, fluid retention, fatigue and headaches.
Estrogen therapy options:
Progesterone therapy:
Working closely with a hormone specialist, customized combination therapy with both estrogen and progesterone can optimize relief of menopausal symptoms and balance female hormones for protective health benefits.
The butterfly-shaped thyroid gland secretes thyroid hormones T3 & T4 that regulate metabolism, weight, energy, mood, heart & digestive health. Low thyroid function or hypothyroidism is very common, especially in women and the elderly.
In addition to natural declines from aging, potential causes include:
Symptoms of low thyroid include: fatigue, weight gain, cold sensitivity, hair loss, muscle weakness, impaired cognition, fluid retention, constipation, depression, and puffy face.
Blood tests help diagnose thyroid disorders by measuring TSH, T4 and T3 levels. Based on results, supplemental thyroid hormones may be prescribed.
Relieving low thyroid (hypothyroidism) can provide benefits such as:
Thyroid hormone therapy options include:
Dosage starts low and is slowly increased with ongoing testing to avoid overmedication until thyroid blood markers stabilize at optimal ranges. Supportive nutrients like selenium, zinc, omega oils, probiotics and vitamins B & D also help thyroid function.
Hormone therapy can help improve memory and cognitive function in postmenopausal women. A 2017 study found that women who started hormone therapy early in menopause and used it for over 10 years had better verbal memory and overall cognitive performance compared to those who never took hormones.
The adrenal glands produce key hormones like cortisol and DHEA that regulate metabolism, immune function, blood sugar, circulatory health, inflammation, energy levels and stress resilience. Prolonged or chronic stress can overwork the adrenals leading to adrenal fatigue characterized by exhaustion despite adequate sleep, sugar cravings, increased infections, anxiety, racing mind and more. Treatment focuses on restoring optimal adrenal output.
Cortisol production follows a daily circadian rhythm with output peaking in the morning then declining throughout the day reaching lowest levels in the evening. This cortisol curve helps regulate energy, immunity and multiple metabolic functions.
Stress hormones like cortisol are meant to be elevated only temporarily during acute stress reactions for survival purposes. But chronic unremitting stress keeps cortisol pumped up at consistently high abnormal levels leading to adrenal exhaustion and dysfunction.
Treatment uses restorative therapies to reset normal cortisol rhythms:
Diagnosing adrenal dysfunction involves checking a range of pertinent labs:
Working closely with a functional medicine specialist can identify patterns of adrenal dysregulation so appropriate treatment protocols can be initiated to reset hormone balance.
Hormones profoundly impact nearly all aspects of health and quality of life. Imbalances lead to undesirable symptoms and increased risk for chronic disease. Restoring hormone deficits or excess through bioidentical therapy provides extensive benefits. Working with a hormone specialist to get testing, interpretation and customized treatment is essential.
For those suffering from hormone-related symptoms, prompt accurate testing and properly administered bioidentical hormone therapy can be life transforming. Contact Renew Medical HRT Clinic today to see how we can help get your hormones back in balance!
Hormone disorders tend to progressively worsen over time leading to heightened symptoms and escalating health issues. Getting proper testing and diagnosis in the early stages is critical to halt disease progression and prevent permanent dysfunction or damage.
The few symptoms initially may seem nuisance, but this signals declining hormone output. Without treatment, symptoms will amplify along with growing risk for heart disease, osteoporosis, obesity, diabetes, impaired immunity, dementia and cancers.
Therefore, promptly seeking specialized care is essential even at the earliest onset of symptoms for conditions like hypothyroidism, adrenal insufficiency, peri-menopause or andropause. Identifying and addressing subtle imbalances early provides much greater odds of full recovery and lowered disease risk over the long-term.
Renew Medical HRT Clinic motto is “Detect Early – Treat Right” including advanced diagnostics and proper care for optimal restoration of hormone balance at the earliest stages for best long-term prognosis. Don’t delay if noticing even minor issues as restoring harmonious hormonal health provides extensive wellness benefits and future protection.
As a specialized hormone center with over a decade of clinical success, Renew Medical HRT Clinic provides unmatched patient-centered care. We utilize state-of-the art testing such as:
This high-touch comprehensive care facilitates correctly diagnosing root causes of hormone dysfunction early. We then develop personalized multi-modal treatment plans utilizing:
Patients receive dedicated clinician guidance through the step-by-step process to restore harmony. If you or a loved one struggle with hormonal disorders, contact Renew Medical HRT Clinic today to explore science-based testing and treatment to regain optimal wellbeing now and into the future.
HRT offers extensive whole-body rejuvenation, but certain lifestyle measures further amplify benefits:
Choosing healthy minimally processed fresh foods high in antioxidants and phytonutrients reduces inflammatory triggers that disrupt hormonal pathways. These include organic fruits, vegetables, legumes, whole grains, nuts, seeds, fish and lean meats. Hydrating well with purified water and herbal teas aids detoxification.
Engaging muscles and joints through stretches, core, aerobic and resistance training boosts energy, insulin sensitivity, circulation, immunity, muscles & bone density for ideal metabolism. Walking outdoors connects with nature’s healing rhythms. Yoga and Tai Chi integrate body, mind and breath.
Applying stress relief practices like meditation, breathwork, massage and nature immersion initiates the relaxation response – lowering cortisol and adrenaline. Prioritizing high quality sleep allows circadian hormones to recalibrate.
When combined with properly administered h}ormone therapy, upgrading lifestyle amplifies and sustains benefits. Consult our clinicians to develop your customized action plan.
