For both men and women, hormone imbalances can create frustrating challenges. Bioidentical hormone replacement therapy (BHRT) is an effective solution for the unpleasant side effects that come with changing hormones as we age. It can quickly restore balance in the body and ease the symptoms associated with these hormone changes. Dr. Winnard at One Life Health & Performance in Palm Beach Gardens, FL, is an expert at formulating the most effective, personalized hormone replacement treatment plans for anyone who seeks it.
Does Bioidentical Hormone Replacement Therapy Really Work?
In short, yes. Like most therapeutics, everyone experiences BHRT differently. However, research shows that most patients, on average, feel the full effect of hormone therapy by the eighth week. That being said, many people report getting relief from symptoms within days of treatment, feeling markedly better after two to three weeks. At this point, patients report significantly less anxiety, fatigue, depression, and other uncomfortable symptoms of hormone imbalance.
In addition, research suggests that many people also find more motivation and energy to return to the work or hobbies they love, but avoided once their symptoms began. As they begin to get relief, patients begin to feel the inspiration they needed to introduce more physical activity and healthier habits to their lifestyle. Within days, they begin to sleep better, feel better, and find it easier to cope with daily stressors. Quality of life improves as people adopt healthier habits and introduce more physical activity to their lifestyle.
How Bioidentical Hormone Replacement Therapy Works
Hormone replacement therapy palm beach works by assessing hormone levels in the body and determining what the optimal threshold for these levels are. If any hormones are being underproduced (below their threshold), BHRT either supplements or replaces the hormones altogether. A simple blood test will tell Dr. Winnard whether hormone function is out of balance and what steps he should take to develop a treatment plan.
What Are Bioidentical Hormones?
Bioidentical hormones are molecularly identical to those produced by the body. Bioidentical hormone replacement therapy palm beach is different than traditional hormone replacement therapy palm beach in that it only uses plant-derived hormones, rather than synthetic or animal-derived hormones. This gives it more flexible treatment options and can be adjusted more easily to individual needs. Intermittent testing will allow Dr. Winnard to determine what, if any, adjustments should be made.
Hormones: Understanding the Science
Hormones guide and regulate many vital functions in your body. They catalyze important communication events that instruct organs how to initiate (or cease) functions associated with growth, metabolism, and reproduction. They continuously share information between functional systems, regulating things like eating and sleeping. Hormones are produced by glands that make up the endocrine system, and many things can inhibit their production.
Irregular and persistent hormone imbalances can create unpleasant side effects and present many challenges. Many variables can inhibit or affect hormone production, such as health conditions, chemical interference, and aging. While some hormone changes are normal over the years, too much or too little can have discomforting consequences. This is where BHRT steps in – it can help resolve the persistent and unpleasant symptoms of imbalance.
The Endocrine System
The glands that produce hormones and make up the endocrine system include the hypothalamus, thyroid, reproductive organs, pineal gland, pituitary gland, parathyroid, thymus, pancreas, and adrenal glands. The purpose of these glands is to produce hormones that target different areas of the body and different functional systems. Then they send these hormones out into the bloodstream to reach their targets.
When a hormone imbalance is present, it is typically due to disruptions in the endocrine system that affect the amount of hormone reaching the bloodstream. These disruptions can be caused by aging, health conditions, or chemicals in our environment. Endocrine disruptors are chemicals linked to adverse effects in hormone regulation and are difficult to avoid. They are found in products such as detergents, plastic bottles, toys, and cosmetics.
Why Hormone Changes Occur
Whatever event initiates the decline of hormone production, it catalyzes a negative feedback loop that is difficult to break without intervention. As the endocrine system declines in functionality, the receptors for hormones become less sensitive. This means that fewer hormones in the bloodstream actually reach their destination. This, in turn, further encourages the decline of hormone production, and the cycle spins out of control.
Health conditions can also affect hormone production. The most common endocrine disorder is diabetes. In this condition, the pancreas does not produce the right amount of insulin. Since poor circulation often accompanies diabetes, this can further impair endocrine function since it impairs the ability of hormones to reach receptors that bind them to their intended destinations.
Hormones Specific to Women
Menopause is the number one reason women turn to BHRT. Because of the unique hormones that regulate reproductive functions (progesterone and estrogen), women experience symptoms such as hot flashes, exhaustion, and insomnia when hormone levels decline. The ovaries are responsible for the production of these hormones, and as a woman ages, the ovaries become less efficient. The resulting side effects can be frustrating and actually throw the body into reaction mode, overcompensating for this hormone loss by increasing production of other hormones. This results in further imbalance, bringing many women to explore BHRT.
Hormones Specific to Men
Men also experience a decline in reproductive hormones as they age. Thie loss of testosterone can affect men in similar ways – by causing anxiety, fatigue, depression, and low libido. Though some have called this “male menopause,” the correct term is actually andropause and doesn’t affect all men.
How Are Hormone Deficiencies Diagnosed?
If you are experiencing symptoms, your doctor will schedule a physical exam and consultation with you. He or she will ask you about the duration and severity of your symptoms and begin to suggest possible diagnostic tests. Most hormones can be detected with blood tests, and this is likely where your doctor will want to begin.
Forms of Hormone Replacement Therapy
There are several ways to receive HRT. Tablets are the most common and are typically taken once a day. Other common methods include skin patches and gels. However, Quench Wellness specializes in bioidentical hormone replacement pellet therapy for both men and women.
Pellet therapy is an efficient method because it allows for consistency in dosage, as opposed to creams or gels. The pellet is inserted subcutaneously just under the skin, where it provides a constant flow of hormones to the body. The process is quick, simple, and painless with the use of a local anesthetic.
Symptoms
Mood Changes
Most of us experience occasional frustration and irritability that comes with having busy lives and packed schedules. Sometimes it can be difficult to tease out the reasons we may be feeling anxious or even depressed. Often we are quick to dismiss these emotions, but it is important to note that intense mood changes and unrelenting periods of depression are medically concerning. Emotional volatility or debilitating anxiety are not things to dismiss. A consultation with Dr. Winnard can help determine whether hormone changes might be at the root of your symptoms.
Physical Changes
Many people report that symptoms typically associated with hormone imbalance include low libido, anxiety, weight gain or loss, and changes in bowel or bladder habits. If you are at risk for falls or fractures, bone loss is another concern associated with prolonged hormonal imbalance. Our experienced medical team will gather information from you about the history of these changes, and what helps alleviate them. This will help Dr. Winnard develop a personalized treatment plan tailored to your needs.
Fatigue
After a particularly stressful day of work or a mentally exhausting experience in our lives, it’s normal to feel fatigued and drained. However, if you’re feeling this level of exhaustion day in and day out, or constantly fighting to stay awake during the course of an ordinary day, this is a medical concern. These problems are not only disruptive but can also have serious consequences.
Bone Loss
Hormone imbalances can increase the risk of spine degeneration. It can cause a decline in bone density, especially in our vertebrae, which contain discs that act as shock absorbers in our bodies. When these disks begin to thin out and grow less supple, falls and fractures become a bigger risk. BHRT can help lower the risk of osteoporosis and prevent bone loss.
Persistent Symptoms
If you/ve tried everything and alternative methods don’t give you relief, BHRT may be right for you. On average, patients report improvements in symptoms such as insomnia, stress, fatigue, and low libido within two weeks. Many find that BHRT is the key to a sustainable solution to hormonal imbalance, which improves wellness in many areas of their lives.
What Are the Benefits of Bioidentical Hormone Replacement Therapy?
Since bio-identical hormones are not animal-derived or synthetic, they are generally well-tolerated. This treatment is a more “natural” type of hormone treatment because the hormones used are molecularly identical to the ones naturally occurring in the body. There are numerous benefits to this type of treatment.
Two of the most important benefits, however, are that research shows there may be fewer side effects with BHRT and more flexibility in adapting and changing doses than with traditional HRT. This allows for a quicker reduction in symptoms and a smoother return to improved quality of life.
More “Natural” Treatment
Because bioidentical hormones are chemically identical to the ones naturally produced by the body, this treatment is considered a more “natural” approach than traditional hormone replacement therapy palm beach. In addition, synthetic hormones aren’t tolerated as well and are typically manufactured in a limited range of standardized doses. By contrast, BHRT allows for more adaptable dosing. There is some evidence to suggest that bioidentical hormone replacement therapy palm beach results in fewer side effects than traditional hormone therapy.
Stronger Skin, Hair, and Bones
When the body’s hormones are brought into balance, it creates better conditions for your skin, hair, and bones as well. Balanced hormones restore hydration in the skin, normalize bone-building and resorption, and stimulate follicles to grow new hair. The body begins to produce more collagen and elastin, which gives you an overall healthier, more youthful appearance.
Get Help Today
If left untreated, hormonal imbalances can cause unpleasant symptoms and challenge your daily life. Don’t wait to take the next step in finding out if bio-identical hormone replacement therapy jupiter fl is for you. Our experienced team can ease your concerns and are eager to help you put an end to your discomfort. Call Dr. Winnard at One Life Health & Performance in Palm Beach Gardens, FL to schedule your consultation today.
