Hormone deficiencies affect both men and women as they age. Declining hormone levels lead to unpleasant symptoms that negatively impact quality of life. Bioidentical hormone replacement therapy can restore optimal hormone levels, relieving symptoms and allowing patients to thrive again.
Bioidentical hormones are identical in molecular structure to the hormones produced naturally by the human body. Made from plant sources, these hormones are customized to match a patient's needs and biochemistry. Replacing deficient hormones with bioidentical versions is a safe, effective way to resolve unpleasant symptoms of hormonal imbalance.
There are several key hormones that tend to become deficient, leading to increased symptoms over time. Understanding the role of each hormone provides insight into associated symptoms.
Estrogen is essential for physical and mental health in women. This hormone regulates a woman's reproductive cycle and influences the health of blood vessels, bones, heart, brain, pelvic muscles, and more.
Estrogen deficiency is most common during perimenopause and menopause, as the ovaries produce less estrogen naturally. It can also occur due to removal of the ovaries, pituitary gland issues, or other health conditions. Symptoms include hot flashes, night sweats, vaginal dryness, irregular periods, mood changes, trouble sleeping, and difficulty concentrating. Low estrogen levels also raise the risk for osteoporosis and heart disease.
Progesterone works together with estrogen to regulate the menstrual cycle. This hormone relaxes smooth muscles in blood vessels and contributes to thyroid hormone action.
Deficient progesterone leads to a longer, heavier flow during periods, worsens PMS, contributes to infertility, causes moodiness and trouble sleeping. There is also an increased risk of estrogen-driven cancers when progesterone is low.
Testosterone is fundamental for physical, mental and sexual health in both men and women. Testosterone regulates libido, bone mass, fat distribution, muscle mass and strength. This hormone also impacts mood, motivation, self-confidence and cognitive function.
In men, low testosterone causes fatigue, erectile dysfunction, loss of muscle mass, weight gain, depression, and difficulty concentrating.
Women experience similar symptoms, along with emotional lability, vaginal dryness, and decreased sense of wellbeing when testosterone is deficient.
The thyroid gland produces hormones that control metabolism. Low thyroid function, also called hypothyroidism, causes tiredness, weight gain, feeling cold, muscle cramps, constipation, dry skin, and hair loss. Left untreated, thyroid deficiency can increase cholesterol levels and raise the risk for heart disease.
DHEA, or dehydroepiandrosterone, is a precursor hormone produced by the adrenal gland. DHEA levels naturally decline with age. Deficiency relates to loss of bone mineral density, joint pain, cardiovascular disease, immunological disorders, mood disorders and reduced sexual function.
Bioidentical hormone replacement provides an array of benefits that relieve deficiency symptoms and enhance wellbeing.
Customized bioidentical hormones replicate the body’s natural hormones. Because these hormones are identical on a molecular level with what the body produces, they are metabolized efficiently.
Patients report increased energy, improved sleep, enhanced mental clarity, balanced moods, increased muscle mass, easier weight management, and greater overall sense of health and wellness on bioidentical HRT.
Sexual symptoms greatly improve for both men and women. Libido rebounds, erectile dysfunction resolves, and vaginal tissues regain moisture and elasticity.
Cardiovascular markers like blood pressure, cholesterol ratios, and triglycerides often shift into more optimal ranges with bioidentical HRT. This directly relates to reduced risk of developing heart disease.
Bone mineral density stabilizes or improves on bioidentical hormones, leading to strong, fracture-resistant bones. This reduces the risk of developing osteoporosis.
For women, bioidentical estrogen and progesterone prevent symptoms of menopause while protecting health. Estrogen deficiency increases a woman’s risk for cardiovascular disease, osteoporosis and impairment of certain cognitive skills. Bioidentical hormone therapy alleviates menopausal symptoms and minimizes associated health risks.
The first step is diagnostic testing to identify deficient hormones. Because hormone balance is complex, levels need to be evaluated relative to other hormones for accurate assessment.
Blood, saliva or urine can be tested. Baseline sex hormones, thyroid hormones, DHEA and markers of metabolic function provide insight into deficiencies impacting health and vitality.
Symptom questionnaires also help assess hormone balance, as many issues relate directly to deficiencies. Your healthcare provider will complete a detailed health and symptom history to understand the effects of imbalanced hormones.
Ongoing reassessment of hormones and symptoms allows fine tuning of bioidentical hormone dosing to reach optimal balance unique to you. We collaborate closely until hormone levels are stabilized, symptoms resolve, and you feel your best again.
Unlike conventional hormone therapy, bioidentical hormones are tailored to match a person's natural hormone profile. Studies show that when dosed and monitored properly, they relieve menopausal symptoms with few side effects. However, optimal regimens are still being investigated due to complex hormonal interactions.
After testing identifies deficient hormones, customized treatment begins. The goal is restoring hormone balance by replacing bioidentical versions of hormones at reduced levels. This resolves unpleasant symptoms and protects long term health.
We create individualized hormone prescriptions meeting your unique needs and biochemistry. Precise dosing reaches optimal, mid-range hormone levels to resolve deficiency symptoms without overtreatment.
Bioidentical estrogens are commonly prescribed when levels are low. These plant-derived hormones match human estrogens molecule for molecule to safely relieve deficiency symptoms.
Estradiol is the strongest estrogen and most common deficiency. Biest is a combination estriol/estradiol hormone blend providing balance. Both are bioidentical estrogen options to relieve menopausal symptoms, stabilize moods, help sleep, resolve hot flashes, support heart health and prevent osteoporosis.
Estrogen is available as oral tablets, sublingual drops, topical gels or creams, vaginal inserts or pellet implants placed under the skin. Together we determine the optimal form and dosage to meet treatment goals and preferences.
Men and women both benefit from replacing deficient levels of bioidentical testosterone. Symptoms greatly improve including mood stability, mental clarity, enhanced libido, increased muscle mass and strength along with easier weight management and sense of wellbeing.
Bioidentical testosterone therapy normalizes levels to resolve erectile dysfunction and fatigue while building strength for men. Women reclaim stamina, sexual interest and health.
There are several bioidentical testosterone preparations including gels, creams, pellets, oral troches, and intramuscular injections. Pellet therapy provides steady hormone levels but must be inserted every 3-6 months. Topical gels or creams allow daily application reaching consistent testosterone levels. Injections or troches work rapidly but hormone peaks and dips require strict protocols. Together we determine your optimal treatment regimen.
Here are examples of other common hormone therapies:
Progesterone – Restores healthy hormone interplay with estrogen. Improves sleep, stabilizes moods, alleviates PMS symptoms. Options include progesterone capsules, sublingual drops, topical gels or creams. Many women use cyclic dosing to mimic the monthly hormonal patterns.
Thyroid – Replaces deficient thyroid hormone levels improving fatigue, supporting healthy weight, reversing mood issues and restoring health. Available as oral tablets or sublingual drops. Brand options include Nature-Throid or compounded sustained release T3/T4.
DHEA – This adrenal hormone precursor enhances tissue sensitivity to other sex hormones in both men and women. Associated with anti-aging effects and improved overall wellbeing. DHEA is replaced using a sublingual tablet or topical cream at bedtime when levels are low.
Vitamins and Nutrients – Certain vitamin deficiencies relate directly to imbalanced hormone levels. We often recommend targeted nutritional support including vitamin D, magnesium, zinc, and adaptogenic herbs. Specific dietary adjustments can also optimize hormone balance.
Hormone health impacts every aspect of wellbeing. Deficiencies worsen over time, so it is essential to diagnose and treat imbalances early for best response. The longer a deficiency goes unaddressed, the more symptoms intensify and health risks escalate over time.
Restoring balance promptly not only relieves current symptoms but also protects the body long term. For example:
We emphasize the importance of early detection because the sooner deficient hormone levels are corrected, the faster wellbeing rebounds. Diagnostic testing gives us objective data demonstrating your hormone status. Ongoing follow up allows adjusting bioidentical therapies to meet changing needs over the years.
We partner closely until optimal balance resolves deficiency symptoms, restores health markers, and enhances your sense of wellbeing each day.
Our clinic offers cutting edge therapies to identify and treat hormone deficiencies for men and women. We emphasize precision testing, bioidentical hormone replacement, lifestyle optimization and collaborative patient care.
As naturopathic doctors we identify root causes of imbalances – not just symptoms. Comprehensive training in hormone therapies allows us to provide complete restorative care.
We are experts in bioidentical hormone replacement, having safely treated thousands of patients. Our specialized training includes:
We also provide guidance to enhance response to treatment. Recommendations address nutrition, supplements, fitness and other lifestyle factors influencing hormone health.
Optimal Hormone Wellness Center offers a collaborative approach focused on your priorities and participation each step of the way. We answer all questions, fully explaining therapeutic options and protocols. Each patient receives our undivided attention.
We are your partners in care until hormone balance is restored, symptoms have resolved, and an enhanced sense of health and vitality is achieved.
The climate and amenities in Miramar create an inviting environment to restore hormone health. With average winter temperatures in the mid 70’s to 80’s Fahrenheit, it is comfortable being outdoors year round. Abundant public parks, waterways and walking paths allow integrating healthy movement into everyday life.
The winter dry season from November through April brings abundant sunshine perfect for early morning or late afternoon outdoor activity. Cooler months offer a refreshing respite from Miami’s summer heat.
Miramar’s central location provides easy access to raw food restaurants, health food stores, medical labs for testing, therapeutic massage studios, acupuncture clinics and both private and municipal exercise facilities to support hormone balancing lifestyle choices. The neighborhood’s optimal setting will enhance progress during therapy.
Hormone balance is foundational for health and vitality. Imbalances lead to unpleasant symptoms that worsen over time, negatively impacting quality of life. Identifying and correcting deficient hormone levels can resolve symptoms and protect wellbeing long term.
Our precision hormone testing accurately assesses deficiencies. Customized bioidentical hormone replacement regimens restore optimal levels unique to you. We also provide nutritional and lifestyle guidance to enhance response to treatment. Ongoing fine tuning helps sustain balance as life brings new challenges.
We look forward to partnering together on your path to renewed health and wellness. Call today to schedule an in depth consultation about bioidentical hormone replacement therapy.
