Bioidentical hormone replacement therapy (BHRT) can help both men and women suffering from age-related hormone decline. It involves using hormones that are molecularly identical to those produced naturally by the human body to restore optimal hormonal balance. This article from Renew Health Clinic provides a comprehensive overview of bioidentical hormones, their benefits, diagnostic procedures, and treatment options available in Abington, Pennsylvania.

What are Bioidentical Hormones?

Bioidentical hormones are man-made hormones that have the same molecular structure as hormones produced by the human body. The most commonly prescribed bioidentical hormones are estrogen, progesterone, testosterone, DHEA, and melatonin.

Unlike synthetic hormones used in conventional hormone replacement therapy, bioidentical hormones are customized based on each patient's needs and hormone levels. This makes them ideal for providing long-term relief from symptoms associated with hormonal imbalance while posing little to no risk of side effects.

Table 1. Comparison of Bioidentical, Synthetic, and Natural Hormones

Bioidentical Synthetic Natural
Molecularly identical to hormones made by the body Different structure than endogenous hormones Produced by endocrine glands
Custom-compounded based on patient's needs One-size-fits-all dosing Levels decline with age
Effectively relieves hormone deficiency symptoms with minimal risks Higher incidence of side effects Gold standard for hormonal balance

Some key benefits of bioidentical hormone therapy provided by Renew Health Clinic include:

  • Relieves symptoms like hot flashes, night sweats, vaginal dryness, etc.
  • Lessens mood swings, anxiety, depression
  • Improves sleep quality
  • Restores energy levels and vitality
  • Preserves bone and muscle mass
  • Sharpens cognitive abilities and memory
  • Normalizes weight and cholesterol
  • Enhances libido and sexual performance

Our Services

Diagnosing Hormone Imbalance

The first step in BHRT is diagnosing whether a person is suffering from age-related hormone decline or imbalance.

Our hormone specialists at Renew Health Clinic conduct comprehensive lab testing analyzing key hormone levels in your blood, including estrogen, progesterone, testosterone, DHEA, and more. Saliva tests can also indicate circulating free hormone levels.

Based on the test results and clinical evaluation of symptoms, our doctors determine if BHRT is recommended, which hormones are deficient, and the ideal dosing tailored specifically for you.

We identify deficiency of key hormones by an in-depth evaluation of the following symptoms:

Low Estrogen or Progesterone Levels

Symptoms: Hot flashes, night sweats, vaginal dryness, anxiety, headache, irregular periods, heavy bleeding, fertility issues

Diagnostic Tests: Estradiol, Progesterone, FSH, LH blood tests; saliva estrogen and progesterone tests

Low Testosterone Levels

Symptoms: Loss of libido, erectile dysfunction, reduced muscle mass, fatigue, depression, irritability, weight gain

Diagnostic Tests: Free and total Testosterone blood levels

Low DHEA Levels

Symptoms: Depression, anxiety, fatigue, weakened immunity, loss of lean mass, bone mineral density decline

Diagnostic Tests: DHEA-S, cortisol blood tests

Low Melatonin Levels

Symptoms: Difficulty falling and staying asleep, chronic fatigue, anxiety, irritability

Diagnostic Tests: Saliva melatonin test, DHEA and cortisol testing to assess circadian rhythm

Careful diagnosis and close monitoring throughout treatment are key to successful hormone balance restoration and long-term relief from deficiency symptoms.

Restore your hormone balance with bioidentical therapy.

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Bioidentical Hormone Treatment Options

After deficient hormones are identified, Renew Health Clinic doctors determine the most effective BHRT delivery method for your needs:

Creams or Gels

Best for low estrogen in women and low testosterone in men seeking gradual absorption. Custom compounded creams/gels are precisely measured and applied topically daily.

Oral DHEA

For patients with low DHEA, oral bioidentical DHEA capsules are easy to take but may metabolize too quickly in some individuals. May require blood tests to adjust dosage accordingly.

Sublingual Drops

Sublingual hormone drops (placed under the tongue) provide rapid absorption for quick relief in patients with low estrogen, progesterone, or testosterone. Must be applied 2-3 times daily.

Injections & Pellets

Both methods deliver consistent hormone dosing and are considered the gold standard for major hormonal decline. Testosterone injections/pellets for men are longer-acting (1-3 weeks/3-5 months, respectively).

Vaginal Creams & Tablets

For postmenopausal women with moderate to severe vaginal dryness or discomfort. Applied vaginally provides local relief while minimal estrogen enters the bloodstream.

Once the right delivery method is determined along with optimal dosage, most patients report significant relief from deficiency symptoms soon after starting treatment.

Still, our doctors will continue to assess your progress and make dosage adjustments as needed based on symptoms, blood, or saliva tests during follow-up visits. Monitoring is critical for achieving long-term homeostasis corrected to the levels of your youth.

Restoring Wellness With Bioidentical HRT

Balancing your hormones with customized bioidentical hormone replacement under physician supervision offers life-changing wellness benefits. Most patients report optimal improvements within 6 months of starting treatment.

Here is what men and women can expect with properly managed BHRT:

  • More energy, stamina, and sharper mental clarity
  • Increased muscle strength and cardiovascular fitness
  • Better mood balance and motivation
  • Deeper, longer sleep
  • Relief from menopausal symptoms
  • Improved stress resilience
  • Healthy weight management
  • Enhanced libido and sexual function
  • Younger-looking skin, hair, and nails
  • Stronger bones and joints
  • Disease prevention and longevity
  • Renewed joy, passion, and zest for life!

Important Aspects of BHRT Treatment

Bioidentical hormone therapy provided by our highly-trained hormone specialists at Renew Health Clinic in Abington incorporates key elements to ensure safe, effective treatment:

  • Personalized dosing based on your lab tests and symptoms
  • Monitoring with consistent follow-up blood/saliva tests
  • Purest USP-grade hormones and quality compounding
  • Aromatase inhibitors if needed to block excess estrogen
  • Prescription-grade nutrient formulas for enhanced support
  • Diet and exercise guidance tailored to your needs
  • Stress management, sleep tips, and wellness plans
  • Acupuncture, massage, and other holistic therapies

We closely track your symptoms and progress to make proactive adjustments. The goal is maintaining youthful hormone balance naturally over the long term without producing excess levels.

Patients under routine care with our clinic enjoy optimized wellness, clinical guidance, and convenient access to our doctors and nursing staff from the comfort of home.

Restore hormonal balance with bioidentical therapy.

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Why Choose Abington for Bioidentical HRT?

Nestled along the scenic wooded shores of Lake Abington, just 16 miles away from downtown Minneapolis, the charming small town of Abington is an idyllic and convenient home base for your BHRT treatment.

Abington boasts a thriving economy, top-ranked public school system, and vibrant local culture - earning recognition by Money Magazine as one of America's "50 Best Places to Live." The summer months here revolve around beautiful Lake Abington and its famous giant cruise boats.

Stretching 22 miles in length, featuring over 100 miles of wooded shoreline dotted with restaurants and resort hotels, Big Tonka becomes a veritable spectacle of sailboats and leisure activity in the nicer months.

Yet fall and winter offer their own special allure - whether bundled up for a horse-drawn sleigh ride across the frozen lake or warming up after ice fishing in one of the local taverns.

The favorable year-round climate, pristine surroundings, and high quality of life make Abington, PA, an exceptional place to call home. Our personalized bioidentical hormone therapy programs empower residents with a safe, sustainable blueprint for remaining biologically and mentally vibrant here for years to come.

Renew Health Clinic is anchored in the heart of vibrant downtown Excelsior bordering Lake Abington. We pride ourselves on genuinely caring relationships and optimal clinical results - welcoming new patients like family into our practice.

Rediscover your healthiest, most energized, and fulfilled self through properly balanced hormones optimized to your individual needs!

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Are bioidentical hormones FDA approved?

A: The FDA regulates individual hormones like estrogen and testosterone, but does not approve custom compounded BHRT therapy. Still, bioidentical hormones have decades of clinical use showing safety when properly dosed and monitored.

Q: When is the best age to start hormone therapy?

A: Symptoms rather than age should drive initiation of treatment, but general guidelines are early 30s for DHEA, late 30s-40 for testosterone in men, and late 40s-early 50s for estrogen and/or testosterone in women. Starting sooner leads to better health in later years.

Q: What are the main health risks with bioidentical hormones?

A: There are minimal risks of major side effects like blood clots or stroke in patients without predisposing conditions when doses restore normal hormone levels. We monitor patients closely to avoid oversupplementing any hormones.

Q: Will medical insurance cover bioidentical HRT?

A: Some components like testing, physician consults, or generic hormones may be covered, especially if patients have documented deficiency diagnoses. Otherwise, out-of-pocket payment is required since therapy is customized. Cost depends on what's specifically prescribed.

Q: Is lifelong therapy necessary?

A: Treatment duration depends on the patient's clinical progress and hormone test results over time. We've found patients who establish healthy lifestyle habits while on HRT can reduce dosing required to maintain balance. The goal is to optimize hormone levels naturally.

Q: Are there integrative therapies that can support hormone therapy?

A: Yes, absolutely - we offer patients customized nutrition plans, fitness recommendations, targeted nutraceuticals, stress adaptation techniques, and acupuncture that complement HRT to enhance response. An integrative approach is ideal. Hopefully, these answers help explain some basics around bioidentical hormone replacement. Please reach out with any other questions - we are happy to guide you!

Conclusion

Bioidentical hormone replacement therapy offers a safe and effective solution for restoring optimal hormone balance and relieving the symptoms of age-related hormonal decline. At Renew Health Clinic in Abington, our experienced hormone specialists provide personalized BHRT treatment plans tailored to each patient's unique needs. With our comprehensive diagnostic testing, customized hormone formulations, and integrative approach to wellness, we empower our patients to achieve renewed vitality, improved overall health, and enhanced quality of life. Start your journey toward hormonal balance and vibrant living by scheduling a consultation with our dedicated team today.

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