Bioidentical Hormonal Assessment

Hormonal evaluations are important for evaluation of fatigue, female or male endocrine issues, sexual dysfunction, "brain fog" and thyroid abnormalities. Patients are advised to test their hormone status in full due to the interrelated aspect of hormonal imbalance. For example, individuals with menopause symptoms are often not just estrogen depleted, but need to test their adrenal status as well. For individuals with thyroid disease, thyroid function tests are combined with an examination of selenium, B vitamins and zinc. Each patient is assessed for their individual patterns and needs to create the best prescription for their symptoms and lifestyle.

 

Bioidentical hormone replacement can be a safer and effective way for middle-aged individuals to assist the balance of their body’s natural hormone levels. In the past, synthetic hormones have been available, but they have often not been dosed in an individual fashion, rather relying on a standard dose for everyone. To achieve optimal health, therapies are adjusted to the unique pattern of deficiency for the patient's testing profile; since an imbalance of one hormone can cause significant effects that impact a patient's health. The attempt to decrease the risk factors and side effects of standard synthetic therapies is based on using compounds that match the patient's biochemical profile as well as adjusting the doses to the minimum needed to achieve wellness. Bioidentical hormones are extracted from natural sources, usually plants, and are compounded to your individual requirements. By following a patient’s biologic markers, a health provider can adjust for their symptoms and levels. Bioidentical hormone replacement therapy (BHRT) may help individuals gain a new perspective on metabolic issues and aging.

 

Bioidentical hormone replacement therapy can be used to treat the following conditions or symptoms:

 

Menopause - A gradual process that happens when a woman's ovaries make less estrogen and progesterone and her lifetime supply of eggs is depleted. A woman is considered to have reached menopause when she hasn't menstruated for 12 months. Outside of hot flashes, vaginal dryness and mood changes, the symptoms of menopause are often protean and can be a considerable change in the individual’s prior baseline.

 

Perimenopause - The period of transition to natural menopause during which the body undergoes endocrinologic and biologic changes resulting from declining ovarian hormone production. Symptoms are often similar to those of menopause. Perimenopause can last years and  usually ends after twelve months of no menses.

 

Premenstrual Syndrome - Some studies document that the percentage of women that suffer with PMS may be as high as 75%. Many symptoms such as mood swings, irritability, depression, anxiety, fluid retention, tender breasts, food cravings and sleep disturbances, can be treated by evaluating your history, lifestyle and diet. About 20% of women have a more severe disorder and may require medical treatment. In addition to evaluation of the lifestyle and diet, toxins, nutritional status, and other factors, hormonal management and measurement can oftern assist the patient with their symptoms. 

 

Andropause - Andropause is the period of a man's life marked by a drop in testosterone hormone levels secreted by the testicles. The body changes occur and may be accompanied by symptoms such as changes in attitudes and moods, weight gain, fatigue, a loss of energy, loss of sex drive, change in blood sugar  and other symptoms.

 

Thyroid - An imbalance of your thyroid hormone can affect every metabolic function in your body. Thyroid hormone can effect metabolism, digestion, muscle and nerve action, blood flow, hormone excretion, oxygen utilization, sexual function and other areas.

 

Fibromyalgia - Fibromyalgia is a disorder causing aching muscles, sleep disorders, and fatigue, associated with abnormal levels of the brain chemicals that transmit nerve signals (neurotransmitters) It is characterized by symptoms in several body systems. Symptoms include: Wide spread body pain, skin temperature changes, irritable bowel, brain fog, immune system or repeated illness and more.

 

Weight Loss Resistance – There are multiple reasons for weight loss resistance as we grow older including changes in your insulin metabolism, your thyroid and sex hormones, a decreased need for calories and an increased need for exercise and stamina training. Our overall body composition is greatly dependent on having balanced hormones, a healthy digestive tract, a balanced diet and an awareness of food allergies.

 

Adrenal Fatigue - Adrenal fatigue is a stress-induced condition characterized by a set of common symptoms that indicate decreased function of the adrenal glands. This syndrome is also known as hypoadrenia, adrenal exhaustion, adrenal insufficiency, adrenal gland fatigue, adrenal chronic fatigue, and non-Addison’s hypoadrenia. This syndrome can affect your metabolism, notably those of fatigue and sleep issues, however multiple systems can be affected by this imbalance.