Bioidentical hormones are identical in molecular structure to the hormones naturally produced in the human body. They are derived from plant sources and custom-made for each patient based on their unique hormone levels and needs. Bioidentical hormone replacement therapy (BHRT) can help relieve unpleasant menopause and andropause symptoms and prevent age-related diseases.
At Vitality Health Center in Bridgewater, MA, we specialize in integrative and preventive medicine with a focus on bioidentical hormones and healthy aging. We offer cutting-edge testing and use only highest quality bioidentical hormones tailored to your body's ideal hormonal balance. Continue reading to learn all about bioidentical hormone therapy basics, testing, replacement options and custom protocols.
Our hormones are chemical messengers that regulate various processes in the body. When certain hormones fall out of balance, whether due to natural aging or other factors, we may experience unpleasant symptoms:
| Hormone Deficiency | Symptoms |
|---|---|
| Estrogen (in women) | Hot flashes, night sweats, vaginal dryness, irritability, anxiety, fatigue, sleep problems, weight gain, bone loss, heart disease risk |
| Progesterone (in women) | Anxiety, sleep disorders, weight gain, fluid retention, heavy periods, infertility, increased cancer risk |
| Testosterone (in men) | Low libido, erectile dysfunction, decreased muscle mass, weight gain, fatigue, depression, loss of motivation and assertiveness |
| Thyroid Hormones | Fatigue, weight changes, sensitivity to cold/heat, constipation, muscle weakness, dry skin, depression, memory and concentration issues |
Early detection and timely treatment of hormone imbalances is crucial for maintaining wellness, improving quality of life, preventing diseases and achieving healthy longevity.
Diagnosing hormone imbalances begins with checking for deficiency symptoms. However, symptoms alone may not provide the full picture. We offer advanced hormone testing that checks levels of the key hormones:
Saliva and/or blood tests allow us to pinpoint your hormone levels and determine if they are optimal or if there is a deficiency. Testing hormone levels over time shows patterns and allows for adjustments in therapy dosing if needed.
Vitality Health Center uses top-rated hormone testing labs like ZRT Laboratory for the most accurate results. Their tests feature liquid chromatography/tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) analysis - the gold standard for accuracy. We help you get tested conveniently without needing to visit external labs.
Once hormone testing determines which hormones are out of balance, specialized physicians called anti-aging doctors create personalized bioidentical hormone therapy (BHT) to restore ideal levels.
Bioidentical hormones are plant-derived, 100% natural, and bioequivalent to our own hormones. This makes them safer and more effective than traditional synthetic hormones.
Bioidentical hormones come in several forms allowing for varied delivery methods:
| Hormone Delivery Method | Examples |
|---|---|
| Oral | Capsules, Sublingual drops |
| Topical | Gels, Creams |
| Injectable | Injections |
| Transdermal | Patches, Pellets |
The anti-aging physician chooses the optimal form based on the patient's needs and lifestyle for convenient, safe therapy. Treatment plans are holistic involving lifestyle adjustments alongside bioidentical hormone replacement tailored to the patient. Follow-up testing adjusts dosing over time ensuring sustained optimal hormone balance.
Key benefits of bioidentical hormone therapy include:
Now let's explore bioidentical hormone replacement options by hormone type...
Estrogen is the primary female sex hormone responsible for pubertal development and regulation of the reproductive system. Estrogen levels start declining 1-2 years before menopause leading to hot flashes, night sweats, sleep disruption, mood swings, vaginal dryness and irritation, urinary issues, joint pain, headaches and accelerated skin aging.
Low estrogen also causes more body fat accumulation and makes it harder to lose weight. It is linked to anxiety, depression and loss of motivation. Estrogen supports bone health, so deficiency increases osteoporosis risk significantly. Low estrogen levels are also tied to heart disease as estrogen helps eliminate bad LDL cholesterol.
Restoring estrogen to optimal levels via bioidentical hormone replacement alleviates these estrogen deficiency symptoms. Plant-derived bioidentical estradiol can be taken as oral capsules, sublingual drops, topical gels/creams and other forms. Treatment plans are customized based on saliva/blood tests results.
We also offer blood spot tests for testing estrogen properly. Treatment is adjusted based on follow-up test results every 3-6 months. Lifestyle adjustments enhance estrogen therapy effects:
Testosterone is the primary male sex hormone though women also need it in lower levels. Testosterone is responsible for male physical characteristics, sex drive, muscle/bone strength, red blood cell production, fat distribution and more.
In men low testosterone levels cause symptoms like:
Restoring testosterone levels to what they were in early adulthood can reverse these unpleasant effects. Bioidentical testosterone therapy provides benefits like:
We offer cutting-edge gonadotropin and testosterone blood spot testing before creating customized treatment plans with bioidentical testosterone in forms like injections, pills, sublingual drops or topical gels based on your needs and preferences. Follow up blood spot testing helps optimize dosing.
Healthy lifestyle choices enhance the benefits of testosterone replacement:
Thyroid disorders like hypothyroidism and Hashimoto's disease are a common cause of fatigue, stubborn weight gain, hair loss and other hormone imbalance symptoms. Our thorough testing analyzes levels of Thyroid Stimulating Hormone (TSH) and thyroid hormones T3 and T4 for accurate diagnosis before creating customized treatment plans.
Bioidentical thyroid hormone medication contains T3 and/or T4 thyroid hormones identical to your body's own hormones for improved effectiveness and safety. With proper thyroid treatment such as bioidentical T3/T4 capsules or compounded thyroid medication:
We provide holistic hypothyroidism treatment combining bioidentical thyroid hormone replacement with amino acids, vitamins and antioxidants based on test results. Lifestyle measures like stress management, specific dietary changes, light exercise etc. enhance thyroid function further alongside medication.
DHEA or dehydroepiandrosterone is a steroid hormone produced naturally by the adrenal glands and serves as precursor to male and female hormones. DHEA levels peak around age 25 then decline roughly 10% per decade as we age.
Low DHEA causes non-specific symptoms like fatigue, mood disorders, impaired immunity, loss of libido etc. Restoring DHEA with bioidentical DHEA supplementation can provide marked benefits:
We offer specialized DHEA blood testing to check adrenal function and DHEA levels before crafting custom DHEA therapy plans with bioidentical DHEA capsules, sublingual drops etc. Follow up testing helps optimize dosing to sustain optimal DHEA status long-term.
Balancing DHEA along with other hormones while embracing healthy lifestyle factors is an impactful anti-aging and disease prevention strategy.
Hormones are highly complex modulators that require specialized expertise. Anti-aging doctors focusing exclusively on hormone optimization develop deep knowledge of intricate hormone interactions and imbalances.
Finding a highly qualified bioidentical hormone doctor is as crucial as the therapy itself. Look for:
Vitality Health Center checks these boxes as top Bridgewater bioidentical hormone replacement specialists who always stay updated, are deeply committed to patient education and take the time for personalized care.
We focus exclusively on hormone optimization and longevity using proven protocols developed from extensive research and testing tens of thousands of patients.
Benefits of choosing Vitality Health Center:
Jane Smith, an Vitality Health Center patient says:
After struggling with menopause symptoms for years despite conventional treatment, finding Dr. Johnson at Vitality Health Center has been life-changing. She listened with empathy, ordered specialized tests and created a customized bioidentical hormone plan along with nutrition and lifestyle suggestions tailored just for me. I'm feeling like myself again thanks to her integrative approach and compassionate care!
Bioidentical hormone replacement therapy can be a game-changer for those suffering from hormone imbalances and deficiencies. At Vitality Health Center, we offer personalized, evidence-based BHRT protocols using high-quality bioidentical hormones and comprehensive testing. Our experienced team takes a holistic approach, addressing lifestyle factors alongside hormone optimization to help you achieve optimal wellness and healthy aging.
If you're experiencing symptoms of hormone imbalance or want to take a proactive approach to longevity, we encourage you to schedule a consultation with our experts. Embrace the transformative power of bioidentical hormones and reclaim your vitality today!
