Bioidentical hormones are identical in molecular structure to the hormones naturally produced in the human body. They are used in bioidentical hormone replacement therapy (BHRT) to supplement declining hormone levels associated with aging and other medical conditions.
BHRT helps restore optimal hormonal balance, thereby alleviating unpleasant symptoms of hormone deficiency and improving overall health and quality of life. It is customized for each patient based on lab testing of individual hormone levels.
At Rebalance Hormone Health in Howell, MI, we specialize in BHRT using bioidentical hormones to relieve symptoms of menopause, andropause, and other hormone imbalances. We help both women and men feel their best at any age.
The first step is always testing to accurately determine current hormone levels. We use advanced blood, saliva, or urine tests to measure levels of key hormones like estrogen, progesterone, testosterone, DHEA, melatonin, and others.
Monitoring levels over time allows us to finely calibrate each patient's treatment for optimal safety and results. Ongoing testing ensures hormones remain balanced. We also screen for deficiencies of important vitamins and minerals that support hormonal health.
Table 1 shows target ranges for some of the main hormones we test and treat.
| Hormone | Target Range |
|---|---|
| Estrogen | 100-400 pg/mL |
| Progesterone | 1-28 ng/mL |
| Testosterone - Men | 350-890 ng/dL |
| Testosterone - Women | 15-70 ng/dL |
| DHEA | 130-380 mcg/dL |
| Melatonin | 10-60 pg/mL |
Hormone imbalance negatively impacts nearly all aspects of health - vitality, cognition, weight management, sexual function, emotional regulation, sleep quality, and more. Declining hormones are inevitable with age but often start sooner from chronic stress and other modifiable lifestyle factors.
Common signs of low hormones include: fatigue, anxiety, depressed mood, mental fog, trouble concentrating, memory problems, insomnia, hot flashes, night sweats, vaginal dryness, low libido, erectile dysfunction, weight gain, hair loss, and loss of muscle mass and bone density.
These non-specific complaints can dramatically lower quality of life. Restoring balance with bioidentical HRT alleviates sources of suffering and helps patients feel like themselves again.
While hormone imbalance worsens over time, symptoms are often dismissed as normal aging. However, they signify underlying loss of hormonal regulation. Identifying and properly addressing these deficiencies can reverse deterioration and turn back time!
The wide range benefits of BHRT include:
These transformational results optimize wellness and longevity. Patients report feeling healthier and more vibrant than they have in years. BHRT restores lost vitality so patients can fully participate in meaningful activities that enhance purpose and joy.
Table 2 shows the major hormones we commonly prescribe with associated benefits.
| Hormone | Main Benefits |
|---|---|
| Estrogen | Reduces hot flashes, vaginal atrophy; protects heart, bones, and brain |
| Progesterone | Regulates menstrual cycle; aids sleep, memory, and anxiety |
| Testosterone | Boosts libido, energy, muscle mass; elevates mood and cognition |
| DHEA | Bolsters immunity, bone density; alleviates inflammation and joint pain |
| Melatonin | Regulates sleep/wake cycle; anti-inflammatory and anti-oxidant effects |
In both men and women, optimized hormone levels enhance physical, emotional and mental functioning for a better quality of life.
Distinct hormonal patterns underlie health complaints in men and women. Standard lab reference ranges miss subtle deficiencies that still cause distressing signs and symptoms.
We identify and target imbalances specific to each patient for customized treatment plans. Careful clinical evaluation and specialized lab tests provide objective data guiding precise BHRT regimens.
Ongoing follow-up and monitoring ensures continual optimization of hormone levels. We partner with patients to track symptoms and side effects, adjust dosages, and achieve patient-centered goals.
Common conditions we effectively treat with BHRT include:
After thorough lab testing and evaluation, we develop customized bioidentical hormone regimens meeting each patient's unique needs and goals.
We prescribe high quality FDA-approved hormones identical to those naturally made in the body - not synthetic or animal-derived alternatives with greater side effect risks.
Delivery methods include oral pills and capsules, sublingual drops, transdermal creams or gels, vaginal suppositories, injections, and sustained-release pellets inserted under the skin. Each option has pros and cons we carefully consider when formulating individualized plans.
Starting doses are gradually increased based on patient feedback until optimal levels and symptom relief are achieved. Follow-up is crucial to ensure hormones remain balanced while meeting changing needs over time.
We monitor patients for potential side effects and make dosage adjustments as needed. While bioidentical hormones have an excellent safety profile, risks can arise from improperly formulated or dosed regimens. Our specialized expertise ensures optimal treatment with BHRT.
Table 3 provides an overview of the common bioidentical hormones we prescribe with usual dose forms and major considerations.
| Hormone | Formulations | Key Considerations |
|---|---|---|
| Estrogen | Oral tablets/capsules; transdermal gels/creams; vaginal ring | Breast tenderness, swelling, menstrual changes, clots |
| Progesterone | Oral capsules; sublingual drops; vaginal gel; IM injection | Sedation, fluid retention, headache |
| Testosterone | Transdermal gels/creams; IM injections; sublingual drops | Acne, hair growth, aggressiveness (rare) |
| DHEA | Oral capsules | Facial/body hair growth; oily skin |
| Melatonin | Oral tablets/capsules | Daytime grogginess |
We continually reassess patients and adjust bioidentical hormone replacement plans accordingly for sustained safety and efficacy.
BHRT works best alongside healthy lifestyle modifications targeting known hormone disruptors like stress, inadequate sleep, blood sugar swings, nutritional deficiencies, environmental toxins, and inactivity leading to excess body fat and inflammation.
We provide personalized lifestyle counseling emphasizing evidence-based hormone-protective behaviors:
Adopting these positive habits optimizes hormone therapy results by counteracting factors driving imbalance in the first place. Sustainable behavior changes extend benefits long-term.
We also directly treat common conditions exacerbating hormone deficiency like thyroid disorders, inflammation, and insulin resistance. Our integrative approach addresses the root lifestyle, nutritional and psychosocial drivers fueling imbalance alongside bioidentical replacement.
Yes, bioidentical hormones have an excellent safety profile when properly dosed and monitored by an experienced hormonal health specialist like our practitioners at Rebalance Hormone Health. Unlike synthetic hormones, their identical molecular structures are well-recognized and processed by the body.
FDA-approved bioidentical hormones undergo extensive research and quality assurance. Compounded mixes lack standardized formulations so potency varies between pharmacies. We only prescribe high quality hormones with demonstrated safety and efficacy.
Most patients report initial improvements in energy, sleep, mood, hot flashes, sexual function, mental clarity, and additional symptoms within the first month. Maximal benefits accrue over 3-6 months as hormones normalize within ideal ranges.
Absolutely! Declining testosterone causes distressing signs like fatigue, weight gain, low libido, erectile dysfunction, mood instability, and loss of muscle mass. Carefully dosed testosterone replacement alleviates these concerns and substantially improves men's health and vitality.
Coverage varies between providers. Many plans cover lab testing and a portion of treatment costs when medically necessary. We provide detailed receipts patients can submit for reimbursement. Certain services may qualify for Health Savings Account (HSA) or Flexible Spending Account (FSA) payments.
At Rebalance Hormone Health in Howell, MI, our experienced medical providers specialize in precision bioidentical hormone replacement tailored to each patient's unique needs.
We partner with patients to: - Perform advanced diagnostic testing - Identify customized treatment plans - Provide ongoing monitoring and follow-up
Our goal is restoring hormone balance to optimize wellness and reverse the effects of aging and disease. We help patients look and feel their best regardless of age!
To learn more or schedule a consultation, reach our friendly staff.
Bioidentical hormone replacement therapy offers a safe and effective solution for addressing the widespread symptoms and health issues caused by hormone imbalances. By restoring optimal hormone levels, BHRT can significantly improve energy, mood, cognitive function, sexual health, weight management, and overall quality of life for both women and men. At Rebalance Hormone Health, our experienced providers take an individualized approach, carefully evaluating each patient's needs through comprehensive testing and developing customized treatment plans with high-quality bioidentical hormones and lifestyle guidance. With our integrative approach and commitment to ongoing monitoring, we strive to help patients achieve hormonal balance and reclaim their vitality at any age.
