Understanding Hormone Decline And
Bioidentical Hormone Replacement
It is broadly accepted by the medical and scientific communities that a number of hormones decline with aging, and that these declines can result in many of the symptoms and manifestations of aging. For women, menopause is the result of the precipitous decline in estrogen and progesterone production. For men, andropause is the result principally of a decline in testosterone levels. The other hormones that decline and are well-documented include growth hormone and the adrenal hormone DHEA. The decline in these hormones starts much earlier and is more gradual. Our bioidentical hormone replacement therapy is designed to counter these declines with therapeutic level of hormone replacement.
What is the purpose of each of the key hormones?
Estrogen
- Protects against osteoporosis, heart disease, memory loss, colon cancer, incontinence and tooth loss
- Enhances sleep, emotional well-being, mental acuity and focus, attention span, communication ability, vision, hearing, taste, touch, smell, digestion, libido and skin tone
- Relieves menopausal symptoms and depression
Progesterone
- Has a calming effect and enhances mood
- Increases energy and libido
- Relieves menopausal symptoms
- Decreases risk of endometrial cancer and may help protest against breast cancer
- Protects against osteoporosis and heart disease
Testosterone
- Builds muscles and promotes muscle tone
- Increases energy and libido
- Enhances sense of well-being
- Helps strengthen bone
DHEA
- Helps protect against heart disease, osteoporosis, diabetes, cancer, memory loss and lupus
- Can increase and enhance energy levels, libido, memory and immunity
- Protects against the effects of stress
- Helps to prevent wrinkles and dry eyes
Cortisol
- Helps in responding and coping with stress, trauma and infection
- Increases energy and metabolism
- Helps regulate blood pressure
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Reduces allergic and inflammatory response
Bioidentical Hormone Replacement Therapy (BHRT) Program
What are Bioidentical Hormones? Bioidentical hormones, also known as natural hormones, are substances that have the same chemical structure as the hormones that are produced by the human body, and they also create the same physiologic response. Hormones are NOT drugs. They are naturally occurring substances that are found in all humans since the time of conception. BHRT replaces hormones at a "physiologic" level that is not harmful to the body. Physiologic levels never exceed what the individual has already been accustomed to in his or her younger years.
Are Bioidentical Hormones FDA Approved? We use FDA approved bioidentical hormones (natural hormones) whenever possible; however, when a dosage or strength that the patient requires is not commercially available, we use a compounding pharmacy to prepare an individualized prescription. Compounding pharmacists must comply with the regulation of the state boards of pharmacy, and they have access to the highest grade bulk ingredients as well as state-of-the art equipment used to accurately prepare hormone preparations. Close monitoring of the patient by PWC helps to promote maximum benefits and safety.
Who needs BHRT? Men and women who suffer from PMS, menopausal symptoms, andropausal symptoms, loss of sex drive, chronic fatigue, insomnia, anxiety, depression, headaches, weight gain, persistent pain, or many other common conditions could benefit from our BHRT program. Learn more about the symptoms and benefits of our BHRT programs for men and women by clicking one of the links below.