Hormone therapy involves supplementing hormones that are deficient. It can significantly improve well-being when levels of key hormones fall too low.
Hormones like testosterone, estrogen, progesterone and more play crucial regulatory roles in the body. When deficient, wide-ranging symptoms can occur affecting energy, cognition, weight, sleep, sex drive and beyond.
Fortunately, restoring balance is possible thanks to innovations in hormone replacement. Read on to learn more about causes of deficiencies, signs to watch for, the many benefits of therapy and why timely treatment is so important.
The first step is determining if hormone levels are truly deficient. At Balance Health Center, our clinicians utilize advanced blood panels and saliva tests to accurately evaluate hormone status. We screen for deficiencies in hormones like:
Based on clinical evaluations and testing, our practitioners expertly determine if hormone therapy is advisable.
There are several reasons why hormone deficiencies can occur, including:
In many cases, lifestyle adjustments can help improve hormone status to an extent. However, when clinically deficient, hormone therapy offers the most dramatic benefits.
Being attuned to possible signs of a hormone imbalance is crucial for identifying deficiencies early. Symptoms associated with common deficiencies include:
Estrogen deficiency
Testosterone deficiency
Thyroid deficiency
The wide variety of signs makes diagnosing precisely what is lacking complex. Our Balance Health Center physicians have specialized expertise in hormone balance and thoroughly evaluating symptoms.
Once a deficiency is identified, the good news is treatment can yield dramatic improvements in many areas. Patients in our care frequently describe benefits like:
With balanced hormone levels, having more sustainable daily energy is commonly reported. Enhanced endurance for everything from workouts to daily chores can completely transform quality of life.
Another key benefit is balancing mood. Hormonal deficiencies - especially testosterone and estrogen - are linked to depressive symptoms, anxiety, and reduced self-confidence. Correcting levels alleviates mood issues.
Proper hormone balance helps patients achieve a healthy body composition and weight. Deficiencies of key hormones often show up as bothersome abdominal/hip weight gain. Replacement helps normalize metabolism.
Building strength with aging is very attainable with testosterone therapy, which stimulates enhanced muscle protein production. Patients consistently report feeling stronger and lifting heavier after starting treatment.
Uninterrupted deep sleep is crucial for health. Common hormonal imbalances like low testosterone, melatonin and growth hormone disrupt restorative sleep. Balancing these hormones helps many patients sleep better.
Deficiencies of hormones like testosterone and estrogen frequently show up as significantly decreased sex drive. Patients often describe "feeling like myself again" when it comes to libido after beginning therapy.
Given the wide-ranging benefits for well-being, seeking timely treatment for hormone deficiencies is key. The longer imbalances persist, the more entrenched suboptimal health can become.
There are definitive links between uncorrected hormone deficiencies and higher incidence of conditions like diabetes, heart disease, dementia, and osteoporosis. Optimizing levels helps reduce these elevated risks.
While normalizing blood levels of hormones is crucial, it's ultimately the downstream benefits patients feel that matter most. Resolving bothersome symptoms to enjoy life again should be the focus.
There are general target ranges for hormones, but optimal balance is unique for each patient. Other factors like genes, health status, and lifestyle are all inputs our practitioners factor in when determining ideal hormone therapy dosing.
When it comes to hormone replacement, it pays to work with specialists. At Balance Health Center, our singular focus is hormone health. We offer:
Our approach always begins by conducting those critical tests to accurately identify deficiencies. Symptom analysis combined with the latest testing paints a complete picture.
We prescribe customized treatment plans, including appropriate hormones, medications, and delivery methods. Doses are continually adjusted based on patient feedback and follow-up testing to arrive at your unique optimal balance.
We recognize every patient responds differently, which is why follow-up is so important. Expect regular check-ins as we work together to ensure your treatment plan is providing maximum benefits.
Beginning hormone replacement marks an exciting step towards feeling your best again. To set the stage for the best results, here are helpful recommendations:
It typically takes at least 3 months for full benefits of therapy to emerge. Be patient and focus on tracking symptoms and communicating with your clinician.
Good sleep, nutrition, stress management, and appropriate exercise help hormone therapy work best. Take inventory of lifestyle factors to address.
Keep notes on symptom changes and remain observant of new signs to communicate with your practitioner during follow-up. This ensures proper adjustments.
Be diligent about adhering to your prescribed therapy regimen and follow-up testing. Consistency is key for hormonal balance.
At Balance Health Center, we're committed to your hormone health for the long run with expert testing, treatment, and support. If you're experiencing symptoms suggestive of a potential hormone imbalance, take the first step and visit our clinic for an assessment. Our specialized teams work sensitively with each patient to help resolve deficiencies and help you feel your best again.