Bioidentical hormone doctors specialize in bioidentical hormone replacement therapy (BHRT). BHRT involves prescribing custom-compounded hormones that are molecularly identical to the ones naturally produced by the human body. Using cutting-edge diagnostics and innovative therapies, bioidentical hormone doctors aim to restore hormone balance and alleviate symptoms related to hormone deficiencies caused by aging or illness. Read on to discover the basics of working with these highly-trained specialists.
The human body requires proper hormone levels to function optimally. As we age or due to certain medical conditions, our hormones can become imbalanced, leading to various signs and symptoms:
Bioidentical hormone therapy provided by qualified doctors can help alleviate these issues by restoring optimal hormone levels. Compared to traditional HRT, BHRT is highly-customized and based on the patient's specific needs.
Additionally, bioidentical hormones match the body's natural hormones at a molecular level, meaning they are metabolized similarly and have fewer risks of side effects.
That's why more and more people visit bioidentical hormone doctors - these specialists offer safe, effective treatment tailored to the patient.
The first step of BHRT is having an in-depth hormone panel test done to assess a person's levels of key hormones like estrogen, progesterone, testosterone, etc.
Based on the results, bioidentical hormone doctors can determine which hormones are out of balance and need replenishing through targeted treatment. Common hormone deficiencies include:
In addition to testing hormone levels directly, bioidentical hormone doctors at Restore Wellness Clinic also evaluate symptoms and risk factors using advanced diagnostics:
This comprehensive approach allows creating highly-customized BHRT protocols for every patient.
Table 1. Main Hormones Assessed and Their Functions
| Hormone | Key Functions | Deficiency Signs |
|---|---|---|
| Estrogen | Regulates menstrual cycle & reproduction, affects bone density, cholesterol levels, skin health | Hot flashes, night sweats, vaginal dryness, discomfort during sex, urinary issues, mood changes, problems focusing and recalling memories |
| Progesterone | Works together with estrogen to regulate menstrual cycle, supports pregnancy, influences cognition | Abnormal periods, infertility, premenstrual syndrome (PMS), anxiety, trouble sleeping |
| Testosterone | Stimulates bone & muscle growth, affects fat distribution & mood, crucial for libido & erectile function | Low libido, erectile dysfunction, reduced muscle mass, weight gain (especially abdominal), fatigue, depression, irritability, poor concentration |
| Thyroid hormones (T3 & T4) | Regulate metabolism, heart rate, body temperature, menstrual cycles | Unexplained weight gain or weight loss, puffy face, hoarse voice, thinning hair, dry skin, feeling cold when others are warm, muscle weakness, pain, stiffness or swelling in joints, slower heart rate, depression, impaired memory |
| DHEA | Precursor of estrogen and testosterone, supports metabolic, bone, skin, immune health | Low libido, erectile dysfunction or vaginal atrophy (if DHEA contributes to sex hormone deficiency), fatigue, loss of physical endurance, diminished sense of well-being |
| Melatonin | Regulates sleep cycles & body clock | Insomnia or waking up frequently at night, drowsiness during the day even after proper sleep duration |
| Growth hormone | Stimulates tissue & bone growth, affects body composition & metabolism | Increased abdominal fat, reduced muscle strength, fatigue, "brain fog", anxiety, high cholesterol levels |
Balancing hormones levels under professional supervision provides multiple benefits beyond alleviating deficiency symptoms, including:
*And most importantly - renewed quality of life and wellbeing! By alleviating often draining symptoms associated with hormonal disorders, BHRT helps patients feel like themselves again - with restored energy, sex drive, emotional balance and health.
Now that we covered the basics, read on to learn more details about different types of bioidentical hormone therapy provided by our highly-trained doctors at Restore Wellness Clinic.
After age 30, men's testosterone production gradually declines at a rate of 1-2% per year. This natural decrease often causes low testosterone (low T) symptoms:
Testosterone deficiency requires prompt treatment due to potential consequences like infertility, developing metabolic syndrome or osteoporosis. Our clinic offers cutting-edge testosterone replacement therapy (TRT) which is safer and more effective than traditional options.
Table 2. Main Forms of Bioidentical Testosterone Therapy
| Method | Description | Duration | Convenience |
|---|---|---|---|
| Testosterone injections | Testosterone injected directly into the muscle using a small needle. Most affordable and effective option. | 1 shot every 7-14 days | Require regular doctor's visits for injections |
| Testosterone gels/creams | Topical testosterone medications applied daily to different body areas | Apply daily | Convenient self-administration. Potential skin irritation or transfer to partners/children |
| Testosterone pellets | Tiny testosterone-containing implants inserted under the skin every 3-6 months through a quick outpatient procedure | Last 3-6 months | Most convenient as only need procedure every several months |
| Oral testosterone capsules (Andriol, testosterone undecanoate, others) | Swallowed capsules that dissolve and absorb via the digestive system. Not affected by food. | 1-3 caps daily | Very convenient oral administration |
| Buccal testosterone tablets | Small tablets that dissolve when placed inside the mouth between the gums and cheek. Gets directly absorbed into the bloodstream bypassing the liver. | 2-3 tablets daily | Convenient method with good absorption. Can cause gum/mouth irritation |
Our clinic doctors determine the optimal form of therapy for every patient based on medical history, symptoms, convenience and cost preferences. We offer industry-leading options like Pellets or adjustable Oral Capsules.
Patients starting TRT should monitor key treatment results together with their doctor:
TRT often works best when combined with adjustments to lifestyle and nutrition. Our doctors provide personalized recommendations to help patients achieve excellent treatment outcomes.
There are numerous myths about TRT due to lack of public knowledge. Our specialized physicians debunk some common misconceptions:
During menopause, women's reproductive capacity declines as estrogen and progesterone production decreases. This change often causes significant symptoms lasting well into a woman's 50s and 60s:
Without alleviating these menopause symptoms, many women struggle to function normally throughout this transition. Bioidentical estrogen and progesterone therapy can provide extensive relief.
Table 3. Main Treatment Options for Menopausal Symptoms
| Method | Frequency | Convenience | Effectiveness |
|---|---|---|---|
| Oral estrogen capsules | Daily | Very convenient | Absorbed through digestive system, so metabolism varies |
| Estrogen / progesterone creams | Apply daily | Convenient | Provides stable absorption directly into bloodstream |
| Patches (worn on lower abdomen, buttocks, other areas) | Changed twice weekly | Quite convenient | Provides continuous transdermal absorption into bloodstream |
| Vaginal inserts/suppositories (localized estrogen therapy) | Inserted every few days | Convenient for managing vaginal symptoms | Alleviate urogenital issues like painful sex; don't treat other systemic symptoms well by themselves |
| Estrogen / testosterone pellets (inserted under the skin) | Last 3-6 months | Most convenient; only need brief procedure every 4-6 months | Release consistent hormones levels over extended periods |
We recommend combining both systemic treatment (oral capsules, creams, patches, pellets) to manage global menopausal symptoms along with localized vaginal estrogen inserts to relieve vaginal dryness for optimal relief. Testosterone therapy can also amplify benefits.
Lifestyle adjustments like avoiding triggers, managing stress, OTC supplements can also amplify the benefits of bioidentical hormones for menopause. Our doctors provide personalized advice on additional ways to thrive during this transition.
The thyroid gland controls metabolism via the hormones T3 (triiodothyronine) and T4 (thyroxine). Deficiencies in these hormones lead to a set of shared symptoms called hypothyroidism:
When unaddressed, low thyroid function increases risks for certain serious conditions like heart disease. Therefore, timely treatment is key.
Alongside evaluating clinical symptoms, our practitioners test two key biomarkers to diagnose possible hypothyroidism:
