Bioidentical hormones are identical in molecular structure to the hormones naturally produced in the human body. As the term suggests, they are biologically indistinguishable from endogenous hormones.
The use of bioidentical hormones in hormone replacement therapy (HRT) is growing in popularity due to evidence suggesting they have a more favorable safety profile compared to conventional synthetic hormone replacements. They also replicate natural hormonal fluctuations more closely.
Bioidentical hormones used in HRT include estradiol, progesterone, testosterone, dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA), and more. They are lab-made from plant sources to be molecularly identical to human hormones. This allows them to properly bind receptors in the body and mimic natural function.
Concerns over links to health risks have decreased interest in conventional hormone replacement using synthetic or non-human versions. Bioidentical hormones avoid issues associated with these differences in molecular structure and action.
Evidence suggests bioidentical hormones may provide cardiovascular benefits by maintaining healthy cholesterol profiles. They also help mitigate menopause symptoms, maintain bone mineral density, improve collagen integrity for healthier skin, and enhance libido and sexual function.
Every patient has a unique hormonal environment and set of deficiency symptoms. Therefore, HRT using bioidentical hormones employs a personalized approach, adjusting dosages and delivery methods to meet individual needs and health goals.
This level of customization is only possible with bioidentical hormones due their versatility in available formulations and dosing strategies. Treatment must be physician-supervised to ensure proper hormone balance is achieved and maintained long-term.
Addressing hormone deficiencies requires accurately diagnosing current deficiencies and imbalances through testing. This informs proper bioidentical hormone replacement tailored to the individual.
Every person produces a unique blend of hormones that changes over their lifespan. Hormone production declines with age, but deficiencies can manifest at any age due to various factors.
Diagnostic lab testing examines levels of key hormones like estrogen, progesterone, testosterone, thyroid hormone (T3/T4), cortisol, DHEA, and more. Testing also evaluates metabolites and carrier proteins affected by hormone activity.
Assessing patient symptoms along with testing data allows physicians to pinpoint areas of deficiency or excess responsible for health problems. Ongoing monitoring ensures treatment adequacy and proper hormone balance is sustained.
Accurately diagnosing hormonal imbalances relies on specialized testing services utilizing cutting-edge analysis methods.
Options include:
Patients often present with a variety of nonspecific signs and symptoms suggesting underlying hormone imbalance:
Estrogen deficiency: hot flashes/night sweats, vaginal atrophy, sleep disruption, mood changes, cognitive decline, bone/joint issues
Progesterone deficiency: estrogen dominance, menstrual cycle irregularity, fibroid growth, anxiety
Testosterone deficiency: low energy, reduced muscle mass, weight gain (visceral fat), low libido, erectile dysfunction
Thyroid deficiency: fatigue, weight gain, cold intolerance, hair thinning, high cholesterol
Cortisol excess/deficiency: fatigue, unexplained weight gain/loss, high blood pressure, high blood sugar, insomnia
Bioidentical versions of the primary female sex hormones estrogen and progesterone effectively alleviate acute menopausal symptoms and provide long-lasting health benefits well into the later postmenopausal period.
Bioidentical estrogens used in HRT include:
These represent all three major naturally occurring human estrogens.
Estradiol is most commonly used for HRT due to its potency and vital impacts throughout the female body:
Progesterone works synergistically with estrogen throughout the menstrual cycle. It strongly opposes estrogen's stimulation of uterine lining growth.
Balanced combination therapy with bioidentical estrogen and progesterone maximizes benefits while avoiding increased health risks associated with unopposed estrogen HRT.
Testosterone deficiency becomes more prevalent with age, negatively impacting health and quality of life. Bioidentical testosterone therapy can effectively restore optimal levels in deficient men and women.
Testosterone maintains many vital functions in men:
Symptoms may be vague yet often significantly degrade physical capability and emotional wellbeing. Restoring testosterone with bioidentical forms alleviates symptoms and regains lost vigor.
Female testosterone production drastically declines during menopause, contributing to adverse effects including:
Bioidentical testosterone therapy is increasingly used to effectively treat testosterone deficiency in peri/postmenopausal women to restore health and vitality.
Bioidentical hormones are not necessarily safer or more effective than synthetic hormones for menopausal symptoms. Large, long-term studies comparing health outcomes of bioidenticals versus synthetics are still needed to determine if one is truly superior.
While estrogen, progesterone, and testosterone garner significant attention, deficiencies can occur in various other hormones for which bioidentical versions are available.
DHEA is an androgen precursor that peaks in early adulthood then steadily declines. Supplementing deficient levels may provide benefits including:
DHEA also serves as substrate for production of other sex steroid hormones like estrogen and testosterone.
The thyroid hormones triiodothyronine (T3) and thyroxine (T4) regulate metabolism. Low levels cause hypothyroidism with symptoms including:
Bioidentical T3/T4 effectively treat deficiencies when endogenous production declines or fails.
Small physiological doses of T3 may also augment weight loss efforts or alleviate depression when used adjunctively.
The growing popularity of bioidentical hormone replacement therapy means more physicians offer these services. However, expertise levels vary greatly regarding appropriate use to maximize treatment success.
What sets Revive Hormone Clinic apart is unrivaled expertise in all aspects of bioidentical hormone therapy, allowing provision of premier care unmatched elsewhere in the region.
Our practitioners possess extensive advanced training and certifications specifically related to anti-aging and regenerative medicine, including:
We utilize leading-edge diagnostic testing, including advanced specialty assays through renowned hormone testing laboratories. This ensures precision diagnosis of deficiencies.
Custom compounded bioidentical preparations are created for each patient per physician prescriptions, providing exact dosing flexibility not possible with conventional standardized preparations.
Treatment plans are individually-tailored and adjustable based on patient symptoms and follow-up testing results to determine optimal balance and dosing. We take an integrative approach and make dietary/lifestyle suggestions to complement hormone therapy.
Enhanced focus on patient education, open communication, and accessibility facilitates active participation in care. We empower patients with in-depth understanding about their treatment to ensure best possible outcomes.
The year-round pleasant climate and amenities for healthy living make La Mesa, California an ideal location to undertake rejuvenating hormone replacement therapy capable of enhancing quality of life.
Located just outside San Diego, La Mesa residents enjoy:
The city also affords easy access to:
Such advantages help facilitate the lifestyle changes that best promote therapy success.
Those undergoing evaluation and bioidentical hormone replacement in La Mesa are also conveniently situated among numerous provider options useful at various stages:
Nearby facilities offer specialty hormone testing:
Imaging services useful for examining baseline health include:
Locally-owned pharmacies, such as Medicine Mart and Medicine Man, supply custom compounded bioidentical preparations per physician specifications.
Various practitioners offer services that complement hormone therapy:
Summary
Those suffering from symptoms suggestive of hormone deficiency can find solutions with properly prescribed bioidentical hormone replacement capable of restoring vigor and promoting lasting good health. State-of-the-art restorative therapies are available nearby from the highly-trained practitioners at Revive Hormone Clinic serving La Mesa and greater San Diego.
