Bioidentical hormones are identical in molecular structure to the hormones naturally produced in the human body. As we age, hormone levels decline causing unpleasant symptoms of hormone deficiency like fatigue, weight gain, hot flashes, low libido, anxiety, and more. Bioidentical hormone therapy can help replenish declining hormones, relieve deficiency symptoms, and promote better health and vitality.
Bioidentical hormones are commonly prescribed to treat symptoms related to menopause and andropause (male menopause). They can provide life-changing relief from troublesome symptoms that interfere with quality of life. When administered properly at adequate doses, research shows bioidentical hormones are safe and effective.
At Butterfly Hormone Center in Tellico Plains, we specialize in customized bioidentical hormone therapy to replenish your unique hormone needs based on symptoms and hormone testing. Read on to learn all about bioidentical hormones, common deficiency symptoms, who can benefit, assessment and testing, risks and side effects, our approach to treatment, and additional recommendations to achieve optimal results.
Bioidentical hormones are man-made hormones that are very similar in molecular structure to those produced naturally in the body. The main bioidentical hormones prescribed include:
These bioidentical hormones are synthesized from plant sources and are similar enough to human hormones to properly bind hormone receptors and activate them. However, they are not completely identical to endogenous human hormones. The term bioidentical implies hormones have the same effects as our naturally occurring hormones.
Custom-compounded bioidentical hormones can be made to match the unique hormone profile and ratios present when hormone levels are optimal. Doses can be adjusted based on each patient's needs.
FDA-approved bioidentical hormone preparations are also available. These are standardized doses rather than customized mixes. They come in oral tablets, patches, gels and pellet implants. These may be easier to access and covered by insurance plans.
Bioidentical hormone therapy can provide relief for any man or woman experiencing uncomfortable symptoms of hormone deficiency that interfere with wellbeing and quality of life.
Some examples include:
Bioidentical hormones can provide safe and effective relief for these troubling symptoms when prescribed properly and administered at adequate levels based on the patient's needs.
If your hormones are out of optimal balance, whether due to natural age-related decline or other causes, you may experience symptoms that negatively impact quality of life.
Estrogen deficiency is most common in perimenopause and menopause. Symptoms may include:
Progesterone plays many roles in women's health. Declining levels lead to issues like:
In menopause, estrogen and progesterone both gradually decline. Some impacts:
Testosterone levels also drop steadily with age in both men and women. Symptoms include:
DHEA depletion causes symptoms like:
Relieving symptoms of hormone deficiency can enhance quality of life tremendously. Our goal is to help patients feel healthy, vibrant and back to their best selves with bioidentical hormone therapy.
Bioidentical hormones are not necessarily safer or more effective than synthetic hormones for menopausal symptoms. Large, long-term studies comparing health outcomes of bioidenticals versus synthetics are still needed to determine if one is truly superior.
While bioidentical hormones can provide great relief for deficiency symptoms, they may not be appropriate for every individual.
You should not use bioidentical hormone therapy if:
Butterfly Hormone Center will carefully screen each patient to determine if bioidentical hormones are a safe and appropriate option. An initial consultation and physical exam is required before prescription.
The first step is an initial assessment to determine if your symptoms indicate a possible hormone imbalance. We will:
If hormone deficiency appears likely based on reported symptoms, we will check hormone blood tests to confirm and assess current levels.
To diagnose hormone deficiency and customize effective treatment, the following blood tests may be ordered to establish baseline hormone measurements before therapy begins:
Saliva tests and urine tests cannot accurately determine hormone levels. Follow-up blood tests during treatment ensure adequate, safe dosing.
Butterfly Hormone Center collaborates with local laboratories that patients can conveniently access for tests. Accurate hormone testing is essential for results.
Butterfly Hormone Center offers bioidentical hormones via creams, oral tablets, pellets or patches. Pellet implants provide the most precise dosing but availability is limited in the Tellico Plains region at this time.
We determine the best delivery method and doses for your unique needs. Protocols differ based on symptoms and test results but may include:
Testosterone creams applied daily to thin skin areas like wrists or inner arms. Effects felt in 1-3 weeks once optimal levels achieved.Oral testosterone tablets taken daily. Requires liver metabolism.
Testosterone pellets inserted under the skin every 3-6 months via minor office procedure. Eliminates daily dosing.
Estrogen progesterone therapy
Creams applied to rotating skin sites daily/weekly.Oral progesterone capsules at night for PMS symptoms or infertility.
Continuous combined oral tablets for postmenopause (no more periods).
Thyroid
Thyroid hormone tablets to resolve deficiencies. Most effective when weight is stable.
Follow-up blood tests are needed to ensure optimal levels for relief of deficiency symptoms. Contact us anytime with questions or concerns.
Bioidentical hormone therapy effectively relieves deficiency symptoms when dosed appropriately for the individual. However complementary lifestyle measures can enhance a treatment program:
We suggest checking out these great local establishments to support your treatment program:
Labs:
Healthy Eats:
Fitness:
Nature:
Relaxation:
Butterfly Hormone Center is conveniently located at 123 Main Street next to the historic Tellico County Courthouse. We offer free 30 minute introductory consultations to see if bioidentical hormones are right for your. Call today to learn more and schedule your confidential appointment.
Men and women going through andropause or the menopause transition often suffer from symptoms for months or even years before seeking help. Without treatment, symptoms of hormone deficiency tend to worsen over time impacting work performance, relationships and quality of life.
Mood changes like depression or anxiety may initially be dismissed as normal responses to life stresses like career woes or marital problems. But hormonal imbalance could be the true underlying cause. Over time, untreated depression can negatively impact all aspects of health.
Sexual intimacy often declines due to low hormones. But couples may blame their problems on other issues until dysfunction or relationship damage occurs.
Thyroid disorders frequently accompany menopause as metabolism slows. When thyroid function drops, fatigue and weight gain result. The problem compounds when thyroid medications are prescribed without checking sex hormones.
In men, untreated low testosterone drives loss of energy, strength and muscle tone which can increase diabetes and heart disease risks.
Osteoporosis risk escalates for women lacking estrogen, causing bone fractures later in life. We now know heart disease rates are lower when hormones are replenished.
Schedule a consultation today if your deficiency symptoms are bothersome and non-responsive to rest and self-care. Our exceptional physicians and nurses can diagnose issues accurately and create tailored treatment plans using bioidentical hormones you trust. Contact Butterfly Hormone Center in Tellico Plains to start feeling youthful and vibrant again!
