All About Bioidentical Hormone Replacement Therapy

It is no secret bodies change with age. You may feel yourself slowing down, experiencing a general loss of vitality, strength, and even cognitive function.  Some people have trouble falling and staying asleep.  Many of these changes are symptoms of a decrease in hormones occurring naturally with age.  Bioidentical hormone replacement therapy is a simple, natural way to treat this decline in hormone production.

What are hormones?

Hormones are chemical messengers affecting daily functioning.  These messengers are secreted by endocrine glands and travel in the bloodstream to target tissues and cells with specific surface receptors. Think of receptors as locks and hormones as the keys that unlock them.  These hormones are metabolized, activated, or inactivated, in the liver. Optimal hormone function requires the hormone (key), nutrients to activate the hormone (key) and a functional active receptor (lock).

Daily functions that are affected by hormones are growth and development, cognitive function, mood regulation, sexual/reproductive health, and metabolism.  A hormonal imbalance can affect the way the gut processes food, as well as overall health and wellbeing.

Before looking at how bioidentical hormones improve health, let’s identify each endocrine gland, location, the hormones produced there and hormone function.

Endocrine glands:

Hypothalamus– located at the base of the brain where it secretes hormones regulating the hormones secreted by the pituitary gland, in addition to controlling sleep, temperature, appetite, blood pressure and water balance.

Pineal body-located in the middle of the brain producing melatonin, helping the body know when it is time to sleep.

Pituitary-pea sized gland located below the brain controlling the function of other endocrine glands with the secretion of adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH), which stimulates the adrenals to secrete cortisol and growth hormone (GH), regulating growth and metabolism.

Thyroid and parathyroid- located in front of the neck below the voice box, regulating metabolism and calcium balance.

Adrenal gland- sits on top of each kidney producing and releasing corticosteroid hormones and epinephrine maintaining blood pressure and regulating metabolism.  One major component of the steroid hormones produced here is cortisol, the fight or flight hormone. Cortisol has many functions; controls the use of fats, proteins, and carbohydrates, suppresses inflammation, regulates blood pressure, increases blood sugar and can also decrease bone formation.

Pancreas-located in the abdomen behind the stomach plays a role in digestion, and hormone production.  Hormones produced here are insulin and glucagon which regulate blood sugar and somatostatin which prevents the release of insulin and glucagon.

Ovary-in females these almond shaped organs are located on both sides of the uterus producing estrogen and progesterone.  Fat tissue produces small amounts of estrogen, and the adrenal glands also produce a small amount of estrogen and progesterone.

Testes-located in a pouch outside the body in males producing testosterone and sperm.  The adrenal glands also produce a small amount of testosterone in both sexes. Hormones are incredibly complex and important.  An imbalance in these vital hormones may lead to uncomfortable symptoms, greatly affecting quality of life.  This imbalance often leads people to seek treatment to alleviate discomfort and improve their quality of life.

We offer a personalized, bioidentical hormone treatment plan.  The hormones utilized most often in this plan are estrogen, progesterone, and testosterone.

What exactly is bioidentical hormone replacement therapy (BHRT) and how can it help you?

Hormones are produced and secreted in small, specific amounts creating a delicate internal balance.  This balance is necessary for proper bodily functioning.

Even the smallest increase or decrease in hormones can lead to an imbalance, setting the stage for disease. Hormones in the endocrine system function in what’s called a feedback loop, meaning an alteration in production of one hormone affects production of the other hormones, creating imbalance.

BHRT utilizes hormones that are chemically identical to the ones produced naturally in the body and are derived from plant compounds.  These hormones are designed to mimic the functioning of the body’s regular hormones making them a safer alternative to traditional synthetic hormones.

BHRT can be used to treat men and women experiencing hormonal imbalance.

Symptoms of hormonal imbalance may include:

• Hot flashes
• Night sweats
• Weight gain
• Mood swings
• Memory loss
• Brain fog
• Issues staying and falling asleep
• Low libido
• Loss of muscle mass
• Fatigue
• Hormonal acne
• Frequent headaches
• Heavy, painful menstrual cycles

Optimizing hormones is the goal of BHRT.  Optimal hormone levels along with proper diet and nutrition, improve the symptoms listed above along with overall health and prevent disease.   The amount of time it takes to see results varies between each person ranging from 2 weeks to several months.

BHRT is one of the main pillars of functional medicine.  After a thorough medical evaluation utilizing health questionnaires along with blood and saliva testing, an individualized plan is created to help you achieve your wellness goals.

If you or anyone you know is suffering from any of the symptoms listed above, we can help!  Don’t let a hormonal imbalance keep you from living your best life.

Call us at 877-381-4200 to see if BHRT is right for you.  Schedule your consultation today!