Hormones are essential chemical messengers that regulate many critical bodily functions and processes. When hormone levels become too high or too low, this can lead to distressing symptoms and health issues.
Some common signs of a hormone imbalance include:
Hormone levels can become imbalanced due to various factors, such as:
Aging naturally decreases hormone production. For example, estrogen and testosterone levels decline with age.
Stress raises cortisol, which can suppress hormone production.
An unhealthy diet affects insulin and reproductive hormone balance.
Lack of exercise contributes to hormonal issues like insulin resistance.
If lifestyle changes don't correct a hormone deficiency, hormone replacement therapy (HRT) may be recommended. HRT provides small doses of hormones to restore optimal levels.
Potential benefits of HRT include:
The first step is diagnostic testing to determine which hormones are imbalanced. Common lab tests include:
Once deficiency is confirmed through blood work, bioidentical hormones can be prescribed in physiologic doses.
Beginning treatment involves:
Initial Consultation: Review symptoms, medical history, and lab results to create a customized therapy plan.
Hormone Prescription: Bioidentical hormones are prescribed and compounded in optimal doses for your needs.
Follow-Up Testing: Blood levels will be retested in 4-6 weeks and doses adjusted accordingly.
Routine Monitoring: Hormone levels must be checked routinely to ensure proper dosage.
There are various types of hormone deficiencies that can be effectively treated through HRT.
Testosterone deficiency affects an estimated 2-6% of men over age 30. Symptoms include:
If low testosterone is confirmed with blood work, testosterone replacement therapy (TRT) is administered. TRT can be provided as:
In women over 40, estrogen levels decline due to menopause. This commonly causes:
Estrogen replacement therapy eases uncomfortable menopause symptoms and protect longterm health.
Delivery methods include:
A progestogen is also prescribed with estrogen to prevent uterine cancer from unopposed estrogen.
The thyroid regulates metabolism, energy, mood and weight. An underactive thyroid leads to hypothyroidism, causing fatigue, weight gain, brain fog, and more.
Thyroid hormone replacement resolves hypothyroidism. This includes synthetic T4 medication, with or without synthetic T3.
Treatment can also be provided for deficiencies in:
Hormone therapy can help improve memory and thinking skills in postmenopausal women. A study found that women who started hormone therapy around age 50 performed better on tests of verbal memory and thinking skills like planning and organizing compared to women who had never taken hormones. The benefits were more apparent in women who used hormone therapy for longer periods of time.
If you're experiencing distressing symptoms of hormonal imbalance, prompt diagnosis and treatment is essential. Without treatment, symptoms progressively worsen over time.
Additionally, research shows that the sooner hormone deficiency is corrected, the lower the long term health risks. For example:
That's why it's critical to have your hormone levels checked through lab testing if you suspect an imbalance or deficiency.
Don't delay if you have symptoms - contact the professionals at Balance Hormone Clinic today to take control of your hormones and health! We offer cutting-edge testing and treatment to restore wellbeing and vitality.
At Balance Hormone Clinic in Prospect Park, we specialize exclusively in diagnostic testing and treatment for hormone imbalances. This allows us to provide truly personalized, precision care.
We have an entire medical team dedicated specifically to hormone health, including endocrinologists, pharmacists, and nutrition experts.
Rather than refer you elsewhere, at Balance Hormone Clinic we conduct all testing and develop tailored treatment plans onsite for seamless care.
We utilize advanced diagnostic techniques like comprehensive blood panels and cutting-edge genetic testing where appropriate. This data-driven approach provides key insights for precision treatment.
Our endocrinologists stay at the forefront of emerging research to continually expand our treatment capabilities. We provide therapies other clinics may overlook.
With an onsite compounding pharmacy, we create completely customized hormone prescriptions to suit your unique needs, with continual dose adjustments based on follow-up testing.
Rather than a one-size-fits-all approach, our bioidentical hormones and doses are fine-tuned for optimal restoration of balance.
Addressing aspects like nutrition, movement, stress, and mental health is key for hormonal balance. Our team includes health coaches and dietitians to provide lifestyle guidance tailored to your needs and biology for best treatment results.
We also guide patients towards local resources in Prospect Park for healthy living, like:
Your treatment plan will be based around your specific wellbeing goals so that we can track progress in a meaningful way. We take the time to listen and provide caring support so you feel empowered in your hormone health journey.
Contact us today to learn more or book an initial consultation. Here's to health, hormones and happiness!
