Hormones are essential chemical messengers that regulate many functions in the human body. They are produced by glands and released into the bloodstream, traveling to tissues and organs to deliver messages that coordinate biological processes.
Common hormones include testosterone, estrogen, progesterone, cortisol, thyroid hormone, insulin, and growth hormone among others. The endocrine system carefully regulates the levels of these hormones in a healthy individual. However, many factors can lead to a hormone imbalance where levels become too high or too low.
Symptoms of a hormone imbalance depend on which hormone is affected but may include changes in energy, sleep, mood, libido, menstrual cycles, fertility, weight, memory and concentration among others. Imbalances can negatively impact quality of life.
The first step is suspecting that a hormone issue may be causing bothersome symptoms. Common signs include fatigue, trouble sleeping, anxiety or depression, reduced libido, menstrual irregularities, erectile dysfunction, difficulty building muscle mass, weight gain, and more.
Blood tests and physical exams can help identify imbalances. Getting tested can point to deficiencies or excesses of key hormones. Working with a knowledgeable healthcare provider is essential for correctly interpreting results.
Ongoing monitoring and testing may be needed to assess treatment effectiveness and adjust doses to optimize hormone levels. Saliva or serum samples over a 24-hour period can provide this crucial data.
Restoring balance to hormones that have become too high or low can produce remarkable improvements in symptoms that significantly impact quality of life. Replacement therapy delivers hormones the body lacks while optimization adjusts levels into more favorable ranges.
For example, testosterone therapy in men with low levels can:
In women, estrogen or progesterone therapy can:
These are just a small sample of the wide-ranging benefits that hormone therapy can provide. Treatment plans aim for an optimal balance uniquely suited to each patient.
There are various forms of hormone therapies:
Bioidentical hormones - These plant-derived hormones match human hormones on a molecular level which can make them more easily recognized and utilized by the body. They closely mimic the body’s natural hormones.
Synthetic hormones - Synthetically made hormones that may have a somewhat different molecular structure. They can still bind to hormone receptors and produce effects in the body.
Delivery methods include:
The optimal choice depends on the hormone, required dosage, cost considerations, and patient preferences.
Hormone therapy can help transgender individuals align their physical characteristics with their gender identity. While expected effects like breast growth or fat redistribution are well-known, a less expected one is that hormone therapy may change transgender women's scent and sweat to smell more feminine over time.
Due to natural fluctuations in hormones, a single blood draw may not tell the whole story. Getting a series of lab tests provides crucial data that shows patterns and trends.
Tests should include key hormone levels plus red and white blood cells counts, prostate markers, metabolic markers, vitamins, and minerals. Tracking symptoms and quality of life is also vital.
This allows precise calibration of dosages over time. The goal is balancing hormones for ideal functioning rather than chasing rigid “normal ranges.”
Adjustments are often needed, especially early on when finding optimal levels. Excellent providers make therapy a collaborative process with patients.
At Vitality Renewal Clinic, we specialize in precision hormone therapy to resolve deficiencies and imbalances. Our integrative approach addresses the whole patient for customized treatment plans.
With our extensive training and two decades of experience, we provide:
We partner with patients to improve symptoms, restore vitality and maximize health spans. Contact us today for a consultation.
After age 30, testosterone begins declining about 1% per year. But some men experience a more rapid, significant drop in levels that leads to noticeable symptoms. This is known as andropause and it parallels menopause in women.
Symptoms may include:
Testing is the only way to confirm low testosterone also called “low T.” A simple blood draw can measure free and total testosterone levels. Testing in the early morning when levels peak provides the most accurate reading.
However, some men maintain normal total testosterone levels but have declining free testosterone which is the active, usable form. Testing this is essential to avoid missing a diagnosis.
Countless men with low T find transformative relief through testosterone therapy. Taking supplements to restore levels can reverse troublesome symptoms.
Benefits include:
In addition, many men report increased motivation, confidence, and enjoyment of activities. Testosterone therapy can powerfully enhance quality of life.
Like menopause for women, andropause represents declining testosterone in men. Low estrogen and progesterone also cause significant symptoms for women during perimenopause and menopause.
Estrogen impacts multiple functions including:
Progesterone also provides widespread benefits:
When these hormones decline, disruptive symptoms like hot flashes, insomnia, and vaginal atrophy can occur. Testing hormone levels is key for developing treatment plans.
Numerous forms of hormone therapy can resolve estrogen and progesterone deficiencies behind menopausal symptoms.
Estrogen therapy helps relieve:
Progesterone therapy alleviates:
Both therapies support long-term health through reducing heart disease risks, strengthening bones, and slowing metabolic changes.
Working with an experienced hormone therapy provider allows developing a customized treatment plan based on each woman’s needs and objectives.
Bioidentical hormones are identical in molecular structure to naturally produced hormones in the human body. This allows receptor binding and ideal utilization.
They are generally sourced from plant compounds. Using bioidentical hormones provides accuracy because the body recognizes these molecules as its own hormones versus synthetics.
Delivery methods for bioidentical hormones include:
Pellet implants placed under the skin provide another unique delivery system. They continually release hormones for months before needing replacement.
Compared to synthetic versions, bioidenticals more closely replicate the body’s natural feedback systems. Levels increase and decrease within optimal ranges. This helps avoid side effects.
Achieving hormone balance involves more than optimization of levels through replacement therapy. Making supportive lifestyle changes enhances results.
Key strategies include:
Improving lifestyle factors takes pressure off the endocrine system for properly balanced hormones. Support groups can also help men and women implement changes.
Implementing hormone therapy introduces many variables that require ongoing fine-tuning like:
Due to this complexity, finding perfect balance is an evolving process with periodic testing and dosage adjustments.
Having realistic expectations prevents frustration. It takes time to find optimal levels of hormones for each unique person. Remaining patient allows making educated tweaks.
The most essential elements for success are working with a knowledgeable, responsive provider and closely monitoring labs and symptoms. Rebalancing hormones rewards people with renewed zest for living.
For Long Island residents considering hormone therapy or currently undergoing treatment, having access to high-quality local resources provides added support.
Below we have listed trusted providers of services that may help create an environment conducive for healing and rejuvenation:
- Vitality Renewal Clinic Lab - Offers comprehensive hormone panels with fast turnaround times - ABC Diagnostics - State of the art facility performing all necessary tests
- Peak Performance Gym - Customized workout plans to build strength and stamina - Serene Yoga Studios - Variety of yoga styles to reduce stress and improve flexibility
- The Good Bowl - Farm to table restaurant with gluten-free and vegan options - Juice Central - Cold-pressed juices using local, organic produce
Spending time focusing on your health enables creating internal balance. Having access to high-quality wellness-promoting resources also facilitates the journey.
