Hormone deficiency or imbalance is extremely common, especially as we age. Declining hormone levels lead to unpleasant symptoms that negatively impact quality of life. Replacing these vital hormones through bioidentical hormone replacement therapy (BHRT) can provide immense relief.
Bioidentical hormones are identical in molecular structure to the hormones naturally produced in the human body. BHRT utilizes these natural hormones to restore optimal balance and functioning.
At Optimal Hormone Health Center in Sedona, our physicians specialize in BHRT using cutting-edge diagnostics and protocols to customize treatment based on each patient's unique needs. We help patients look and feel their best through expert hormone optimization.
Hormone levels fluctuate throughout life due to various factors. Some common reasons patients experience deficient hormone levels include:
Symptoms arise when hormone concentrations dip below optimal ranges, negatively impacting bodily processes. Though symptoms depend on which hormones are imbalanced, some general effects of overall deficiency include:
If you relate to these issues, BHRT may provide solutions. Our clinicians can order lab testing to evaluate individual hormone levels and pinpoint where Optimization is needed.
Optimal Hormone Health Center provides comprehensive bioidentical hormone therapy tailored to each patient's needs for balancing hormones and improving symptoms. Our 5-star care model includes:
We prescribe custom compounded hormones in personalized doses, routes of administration, and cycles based on each patient’s physiology and goals.
Options include:
We partner with patients long-term to sustain balanced hormones and vigor. Lifestyle changes like improved sleep, reduced stress, targeted nutrition and regular activity amplify the benefits of BHRT.
Key Takeaway: Our goal is to restore wellbeing through expert diagnosis and truly custom compounded hormonal therapies. We listen, educate, then formulate protocols specifically matched to each patient’s needs and preferences.
There are many facets to understand about bioidentical hormone replacement. Here we explore key topics around BHRT so patients can make educated decisions about their care.
“Bioidentical” means the molecular structure is identical to endogenous human hormones. They are custom formulated in a compounding pharmacy using plant-derived hormones that perfectly match hormones naturally made in the body.
Since bioidentical hormones biochemically identical to what the body produces, receptors recognize and utilize them effectively, resulting in excellent symptom relief with minimal side effects.
Synthetic hormones have slightly altered molecular structures compared to innate human hormones. This makes them less usable by hormone receptors.
Common examples are birth control pills and conventional hormone replacement therapy containing synthetics like Provera or Premarin derived from pregnant horse urine. These do not properly fit receptors, so side effects and inadequate symptom relief are common.
For optimal results, Optimal Hormone Health Center always prescribes genuine bioidentical hormones tailor-made for each patient from pure raw ingredients.
Every patient has unique requirements, so we offer a full spectrum including:
Estrogen: Restores collagen, hydration, elasticity to skin and tissues. Relieves hot flashes, insomnia, anxiety, brain fog. Types prescribed may include estradiol, estrone, and estriol depending on needs.
Progesterone: Balances estrogen effects in uterus and breasts. Restores healthy monthly menstrual cycling. Crucial for bone density.
Testosterone: The most abundant sex hormone in men, but also vital for women. Boosts energy, sex drive, strength and endurance. Builds lean muscle mass.
Thyroid (T3/T4): These metabolic and growth-regulating hormones help control body temperature, weight, cholesterol, gastrointestinal function and much more. We prescribe bioidentical T3/T4 as part of treatment plans when indicated by testing.
Other hormones like DHEA, melatonin, growth hormone, and cortisol may also be used to target specific symptoms or deficiencies.
Restoring hormones to optimal levels provides enormous benefits including:
Symptom relief: Dramatically improves symptoms like fatigue, low libido, hot flashes, night sweats, etc.
Better sleep: Supports deeper, more restful sleep.
Enhanced mood: Balanced hormones enhance mood, ease anxiety and irritability.
Increased vitality: More energy, stamina and mental clarity.
Healthy weight: Proper hormones facilitate easier weight loss and boost metabolism.
Skin and hair improvement: Bioidentical estrogen and collagen supplements enhance skin and reduce hair thinning.
Stronger bones: Estrogen and testosterone prevent osteoporosis and fractures.
Bolstered immunity: Hormonal balance strengthens immune function.
Overall wellbeing and quality of life!
There is abundant research validating the safety and efficacy of physiologic doses of bioidentical hormones. The risks of hormone deficiency usually far outweigh the risks of BHRT. Optimal Hormone Health Centerians minimize risks by:
Evidence shows bioidentical hormones have favorable safety profiles compared to synthetic or conventional hormones when used properly under medical supervision.
Optimal Hormone Health Center customizes unique treatment protocols catered to each patient's parameters including:
Hormones required based on symptoms and testing
Optimal dosage to resolve deficiency without excess
Route of administration: Oral, sublingual, topical creams/gels, pellets, patches, or injections
Cycling schedules, if needed, tailored to the patient’s goals
Protocols are fine-tuned over time depending on clinical response and follow up lab testing. Lifestyle improvements are also recommended to support hormone balance.
Below we outline general Optimal Hormone Health Center treatment protocols by gender for some of the most commonly prescribed hormones.
Estrogen - Start with lowest effective dose, increasing gradually as needed - Response checked at 3 months with possible lab testing - Route of administration based on patient factors - Cycling protocols can mimic menstrual cycles
Progesterone - Natural micronized progesterone capsules commonly used - Taken days 14-28 of estrogen cycling - Helps avoid estrogen excess and normalize periods
Testosterone - Boosts libido, energy levels, bone density - May use gels, pellets, injections, or sublingual forms - Start with 300-450 mcg/day working up to ~1000 mcg/day
Testosterone - Improves mood, libido, vitality, body composition - Injections, gels and pellets can be used - Doses around 150-200 mg per week are common
Thyroid - Corrects low metabolism and energy - T4, T3 or combination therapy - Start with low doses, titrate based on labs/symptoms
Other Supportive Therapies - Nutritional optimization - Stress moderation techniques - Fitness recommendations
Protocols are always personalized then monitored to sustain optimal wellbeing and safety.
Bioidentical hormones are not necessarily safer or more effective than synthetic hormones for menopausal symptoms. However, some women report preferring them because they more closely mimic the body's own hormones. More research is still needed on their long-term risks and benefits.
We educate patients on certain lifestyle upgrades that amplify the benefits of BHRT:
Nutrition: We provide specific diet guidance because nutrition powerfully influences hormones. Optimizing intake of healthy fats, high-fiber carbohydrates, detoxifying foods, and micronutrients can augment treatment. Certain supplements like DHEA or melatonin can also be helpful.
Exercise: Regular aerobic and strength training activities help regulate hormones plus reduce body fat which converts sex hormones to unhealthy metabolites. We offer particular fitness recommendations most supportive of hormonal balance.
Stress reduction: High uncontrolled stress elevates cortisol which deranges optimal hormonal function. We teach stress moderation practices like mindfulness, yoga, or spending time in nature. Living in relaxing Sedona with its beautiful trails and scenery provides built-in opportunities to lower stress.
Good sleep habits: Quality sleep is essential for hormonal health. Priority sleep hygiene strategies like limiting electronics before bed, establishing a consistent sleep routine, and making the bedroom cooler and darker can profoundly improve sleep quality to support BHRT protocols.
Key Takeaway: Crafting lifestyle habits to align with hormone optimization therapies results in feeling amazing. Our clinicians personalize nutrition, exercise, stress-balancing, and sleep advice to help each patient actualize their peak vitality.
At Optimal Hormone Health Center, our mission is restoring wellbeing in Sedona residents struggling with hormone imbalance. We excel at:
- Careful evaluation of medical history and symptoms - State-of-the-art diagnostic laboratory testing - Determining which hormone levels are suboptimal
- Prescribe lowest effective doses of bioidentical hormones - Personalize administration routes and cycling schedules - Formulate treatments matching each patient’s unique needs
- Monitor progress and safety through follow up appointments - Repeat lab testing to ensure ideal hormone optimization - Make dosage adjustments based on patient response - Address any questions or concerns
- Guide nutrition, exercise, sleep and stress reduction - Recommend helpful local resources in Sedona - Offer ongoing education and support
We invite you to meet our outstanding clinicians and state-of-the-art facility. Discover how expert bioidentical hormone replacement can help you thrive!
