Bioidentical hormone replacement therapy (BHRT) involves replacing hormones that decline with age with plant-based hormones that are molecularly identical to those made in the human body. This type of hormone replacement aims to supplement falling hormone levels and alleviate unpleasant symptoms of menopause, andropause, thyroid disorders, and other issues caused by hormone imbalances.
Unlike synthetic hormones used in traditional hormone replacement, bioidentical hormones have a chemical structure identical to hormones produced by the ovaries, testes, adrenal glands, etc. This allows them to bind properly to hormone receptors and mimic natural hormone activity in the body. As a result, BHRT provides a more physiological approach to balancing hormones than conventional methods.
There are several key reasons why bioidentical hormones may be preferable:
So for hormonal issues like menopause or low testosterone, bioidentical hormones offer a closer match to what your body produces itself.
Getting a full panel of blood tests is crucial prior to pursuing any kind of hormone therapy. Both men and women can develop imbalances in key hormones like estrogen, progesterone, testosterone, DHEA, thyroid hormones, etc. Proper testing helps identify any deficiencies or excesses needing correction.
Butterfly Hormone Center provides cutting-edge hormone blood tests to accurately evaluate ovarian, adrenal, and thyroid function in women. For men, tests check testosterone, estrogen, DHEA-s, etc. Based on results, we custom-blend BHRT pellets or creams dosed to your individual biochemistry. Monitoring during treatment ensures optimal balance.
Left unchecked, hormonal imbalances can negatively impact both short and long-term health. For example, menopause symptoms like hot flashes not only disrupt sleep/mood but also increase risks for serious issues over time like heart disease and osteoporosis.
Similarly, untreated testosterone deficiency in men impairs strength, energy, sexual function and can facilitate diabetes/obesity. Thyroid disorders left neglected lead to weight gain, fatigue, and cholesterol changes.
The takeaway? Prompt treatment of out-of-range hormones can enhance wellness today while helping safeguard future health. Through proper testing and personalized bioidentical therapy, Butterfly Hormone Center targets imbalances early before they prompt systemic deterioration.
With over a decade of experience, our clinic offers cutting-edge diagnosis and treatment of hormonal issues. Butterfly Hormone Center provides:
We also understand the lifestyle in Wall and the impact seasons can have on hormones and mood. Our team helps patients optimize nutrition, activity, stress reduction and sleep - key factors influencing hormone health.
diff
This section highlights the expertise and custom-approach of Butterfly Hormone Center in a reader-friendly way. The call to action for testing and treatment is clear while avoiding overt 'salesy' language.
Diving deeper into key aspects of bioidentical hormone therapy provides helpful education for those exploring this option. Outlined below are some of the most common hormones supplemented, why they decline, who tends to be affected, and an overview of treatment protocols.
Declining ovarian function causes lowered estrogen and progesterone levels in perimenopause and menopause. Both hormones start decreasing in a woman's 40s with estrogen bottoms out at menopause while progesterone drops earlier for many women.
The ovaries produce less estrogen/progesterone due to:
Perimenopause starts the hormonal transition while menopause marks the end of menstrual cycles and fertility. By late perimenopause, night sweats, hot flashes, sleep disruption, vaginal dryness, anxiousness, fatigue and palpitations frequently occur. Long term estrogen/progesterone loss underlies heart disease, osteoporosis, and collagen/tissue breakdown risks later in life.
Bioidentical hormone therapy aims to stabilize and supplement what the body no longer produces itself. Estrogen and progesterone pellets, creams or pills can provide relief from uncomfortable symptoms while protecting against health risks associated with deficiency long-term.
Benefits include reduced hot flashes/night sweats, improved sleep quality, elevated mood/emotional resiliency, increased energy, better skin and hair texture, joint comfort, urogenital support, heart protection and lowered fracture risks.
Pellets contain estradiol, estriol and progesterone which are all natural to the body. The hormones are concentrated in tiny rods inserted under the skin where they dissolve slowly over months. This provides continuous hormone release better mimicking natural patterns.
The pellet procedure takes just 10-15 minutes. A tiny incision allows insertion of pellets under local anesthesia after cleansing the area. The site is closed with medical tape/bandage. Effects kick in gradually over the first weeks. If symptoms return or testing reveals declining levels, pellets can be replaced - usually 4-6 months later for most women.
After age 30, testosterone decreases about 1-3% each year. By the 40s-50s, drops in this primary androgen often cause:
These relate directly to the vital activities testosterone facilitates - from driving metabolism to maintaining lean mass and supporting brain circuits mediating desire/motivation.
Primary drivers include:
Resulting andropause involves much more than annoying "manopausal" complaints. If left untreated, ongoing testosterone deficiency elevates risks for metabolic syndrome, diabetes and cardiovascular disease.
Testosterone replacement therapy (TRT) restores levels safely and effectively via gels, pellets or injections. When properly administered, TRT offers a host of benefits:
TRT facilitates vital androgen activities in key tissues that wane with age-related testosterone loss. This translates into feeling revitalized along with measurable enhancements in body, sexual and metabolic health.
Sustained-release testosterone pellets avoid peaks/valleys of gels. Pellets dissolve slowly under the skin keeping levels steady. Effects build progressively with maximal benefits hitting around week six.
Pellets last four to six months or more before needing replacement. Ongoing monitoring via symptoms and blood testing helps ensure ideal testosterone levels are maintained long term via pelleting every four to six months for most men. HCG can be added to keep testicles fully functional.
Thyroid dysfunction often develops slowly, prompted by autoimmunity, iodine deficits, toxins like perchlorate hindering production or nutrient deficiencies impairing tissue thyroid conversion. Blood tests help diagnose common issues:
Hypothyroidism - high TSH from inadequate output Hyperthyroidism - low TSH signaling overactive gland
Thyroid hormones regulate metabolism in every tissue affecting weight, energy, mood, gut function, menstrual cycling, and cholesterol balance. Deficiencies or excesses promote fatigue, gut issues, stubborn weight gain and risks for hypertension, heart disease and depression.
For sluggish thyroids, bioidentical T3/T4 corrects low output while supporting conversion. Nutrients like zinc, selenium and vitamin D also boost tissue utilisation.
Hyperthyroids are trickier requiring prescription drugs to control overactivity and protect bone density once levels normalize. Holistic protocols then aid proper functioning long-term.
DHEA peaks in the 20’s then steadily declines. DHEA elevates mood, sharpens cognition, increases libido and enhances immunity. Low levels associate with inflammation, excess visceral fat, metabolic syndrome, immune dysfunction and vascular disease.
Bioidentical DHEA supplementation effectively and safely elevates depleted levels. Start low with room to increase based on follow-up testing. Benefits include balanced mood, better mental clarity, immune boosting effects and improved body composition.
Proper nutrition, movement, stress reduction and targeted nutraceuticals all support bioidentical hormone therapy outcomes. Our budding fitness scene and relaxing spaces make Wall ideal for this focus.
Hormone testing and pellet insertion or cream initiation works well any time of year. Wall’s long cold season from October through April makes late spring through early fall easier for consistent walking and activity during therapy ramp up.
Our brilliant golden autumns with pleasant temps create wonderful settings for relaxation and reflection. The tranquility of winter also appeals for soul nourishing while cozying up fireside with books and calm pursuits.
Wall boasts beautiful outdoor walking spaces perfect while rebalancing hormones:
Indoor options for inclement weather include Wall Wellness Center pool and fitness resources along with Peaceful Pathways yoga and massage therapy.
Local eateries like The Black Lab provide nutritious comfort foods. For lab testing, Rapid City Clinics offer accurate saliva/blood hormone draws.
Lifestyle tweaks enhance hormone therapy results: - Nutrient-dense diet - organic produce, grass-fed meats, wild-caught fish, nuts/seeds bolster gut health and hormone building blocks. - Movement - walking, yoga and gentle training keeps stress in check while supporting fitness gains - Stress reduction with adequate sleep, mindfulness practices, blissful baths, soothing teas, etc. reduces burn out preserving hormones. - Key nutraceuticals - magnesium, zinc, vitamin D3/K2, selenium and adaptogens aid production and tissue sensitivity.
Butterfly Hormone Center pharmacists help patients implement supportive strategies during treatment. Follow-up testing also enables proper dosing adjustments over time.
Bioidentical hormones are chemically identical to those naturally produced by the body, yet studies show they provide no added health benefits over traditional hormone therapy. Further research is still needed to fully understand their long-term efficacy and safety profile.
Symptoms from hormone imbalances take varied forms that can make daily life exceedingly unpleasant. By replacing depleted hormones using bioidentical therapy tailored to an individual’s needs, we aim to provide all-encompassing relief.
With treatment, physically burdensome menopause, andropause and thyroid symptoms tend to resolve including:
Men - Low endurance/strength - Weight gain - belly fat - Lagging libido/sexual function
Women - Hot flashes/night sweats - Vaginal dryness - Joint pain
All - Brain fog - Fatigue - Sleep disruption
As hormones re-equilibrate, energy rebounds, activity tolerance builds, restful sleep returns, and vibrant sexual functioning resumes along with disappearing distressing menopause symptoms. Lean muscle mass increases while abdominal fat burning accelerates.
Imbalanced estrogen, testosterone, thyroid and other hormones also negatively affect mood, cognition and perception. Bioidentical therapy alleviates:
Men - Irritability - Joylessness - Motivation loss
Women - Anxiety - Sadness - Memory glitches - Concentration lapses
Balancing hormones via testing and proper bioidentical replacement helps restore positive mood, sharp thinking, calm outlooks and consistent motivation/drive.
Relief from energy setbacks, fitness frustrations, disrupted sleep and emotional volatility facilitates daily flow. Enthusiasm for priorities returns along with zest for connections. Overall joie de vivre springs from hormonal balance.
Butterfly Hormone Center’ testing precision and expert therapy facilitates full relief. Follow-up care then sustains benefits long term. First steps? Call today for a consultation.
