Bioidentical hormones are identical in molecular structure to the hormones naturally produced in the human body. As we age past our 20s, hormone levels begin to decline, leading to undesirable symptoms that disrupt wellbeing and vitality. Bioidentical hormone replacement therapy (BHRT) can help restore optimal hormone levels, alleviating troublesome symptoms and enhancing health.
BHRT involves prescribing plant-based hormones that are biologically identical to human hormones like estrogen, progesterone, and testosterone. This allows the body to recognize and properly metabolize the bioidentical hormones, since they are exactly the same as what the body produces. BHRT is customized to the unique hormone levels and needs of each individual patient.
Imbalanced hormone levels can produce wide-ranging signs and symptoms. It is important to recognize these issues early and seek treatment before long term health consequences occur.
Estrogen deficiency is most common in perimenopausal and postmenopausal women as estrogen production declines with aging. However, estrogen levels can sometimes dip too low even in younger women due to high stress or hormonal conditions.
Symptoms may include:
If left untreated for years, the long term effects of low estrogen can impact cardiovascular health, bone density loss leading to osteoporosis, and decreased skin collagen resulting in accelerated skin aging.
Falling progesterone levels lead to a range of undesirable effects:
Prolonged progesterone deficiency causes a hormonal imbalance between estrogen and progesterone. Continued estrogen dominance increases cancer risks in organs like the uterus and breasts.
Declining testosterone affects both men and women. Low testosterone can cause:
The physical and mental impacts of low testosterone may significantly reduce quality of life and wellness over time.
Custom-compounded bioidentical hormone replacement therapy offers advantages over traditional synthetic hormone options:
There are various types of FDA-approved bioidentical hormones used in replacement therapy:
- Estriol - Weaker estrogen that relieves menopause symptoms - Estradiol - Stronger estrogen restores bone and urogenital health - Estrone - Important role in postmenopausal women
- Progesterone - Crucial for balancing estrogen effects - Pregnenolone - Precursor of progesterone and other hormones
- Testosterone - Essential for both men and women
BHRT involves personalized prescription of the appropriate bioidentical hormone(s) to biochemically match each patient's needs based on lab testing. This guides precise, customized dosing and delivery method for the individual.
There are multiple delivery methods:
Our knowledgeable practitioners carefully monitor patients on BHRT with follow up lab testing to ensure ideal hormone balance is achieved and maintained. Most women notice an improvement in symptoms within a few weeks of starting treatment. Over time, continuing to optimize hormone levels leads to better health, quality of life and slowing of aging.
The Vital Hormone Clinic clinic has extensive training and expertise specifically focused on bioidentical hormone therapies. Our endocrinologists and anti-aging medicine specialists customize individualized BHRT programs to restore wellness, vitality and optimize patients' health.
We take time to thoroughly understand your health goals and current hormone levels before creating a personalized treatment plan. Ongoing follow up care ensures your hormone doses are continually fine-tuned to keep you feeling your best while meeting evolving needs.
Vital Hormone Clinic offers cutting-edge BHRT modalities including various bioidentical hormone preparations like pills, sublingual drops, topical creams, injectable pellets and more. Our state-of-the-art facility located in Portland provides a comfortable, spa-like environment for your BHRT visits.
If you are experiencing any symptoms of hormone imbalance - such as trouble sleeping, low energy levels, hot flashes, or inexplicable mood changes - we encourage you to schedule a consultation about bioidentical hormones right away. There are risks to waiting too long before correcting hormone deficiency.
The longer hormone levels remain out of optimal range, the higher the risks of:
We commonly see patients who report "not feeling like themselves lately" with frustration over declining health. After customized BHRT gets their hormones rebalanced, most are relieved to feel back to normal again while regaining their health, youthfulness and enjoyment of life.
Take control of your wellbeing. Call Vital Hormone Clinic in Portland to schedule testing and learn more about bioidentical hormone replacement therapy today!
