Did you know that nearly 80% of women experience hormonal imbalances at some point in their lives? For many, these imbalances can lead to symptoms like fatigue, mood swings, weight gain, and more, impacting their overall quality of life. Fortunately, bioidentical hormone therapy offers a safe and effective solution to restore balance and enhance well-being.
At The Colorado Center for Health and Longevity, we provide bioidentical hormone therapy and personalized care to residents across Colorado. Dr. Levenson is here to help you regain health with customized treatment plans. Schedule an appointment today to start feeling your best.
Keep reading to explore our step-by-step guide to starting bioidentical hormone therapy and how it can transform your life.
What Are Bioidentical Hormones?
Bioidentical hormones are chemically identical to the hormones naturally produced by the human body. Made from plant-based sources, these bioidentical preparations replicate certain hormones like estrogen, progesterone, and testosterone. They are often used in bioidentical hormone replacement therapy to relieve menopausal symptoms, correct hormonal imbalances caused by aging, or address health conditions.
Unlike traditional hormone replacement therapy, compounded bioidentical hormones are tailored to individual needs, offering a personalized approach.
Bioidentical Hormones Benefits
- Improved energy levels
- Enhanced mood
- Better sleep
- Relief from menopause symptoms, such as hot flashes, vaginal symptoms, and reduced libido
- Personalized approach tailored to specific hormonal therapy needs
- Helps restore hormonal balance and optimize overall well-being
While biodentical hormone replacement therapy can relieve menopausal symptoms, it's important to note that compounded preparations, including biodentical estrogens and micronized progesterone, may carry the same risks as traditional hormone therapy, such as increased risk of adverse events like blood clots or invasive breast cancer. Regular monitoring is essential to ensure safety and effectiveness.
Steps to Starting Bioidentical Hormone Therapy
Step 1: Scheduling Your Initial Consultation
During your first consultation, a healthcare provider will review your symptoms, medical history, and health goals to determine if bioidentical menopausal hormone therapy is right for you. Understanding your history helps pinpoint menopausal symptoms and hormonal imbalances.
Tests like blood work, saliva, or urine panels may be done to assess hormone doses and levels accurately. This ensures hormonal therapy is tailored to your needs and reduces the risk of adverse events associated with synthetic hormones or conventional hormone therapy.
Step 2: Personalized Treatment Planning
Compounded bioidentical hormone therapy provides a tailored approach to match your specific needs. Treatment is customized based on test results, medical history, and menopausal symptoms such as menopause-related vasomotor symptoms.
This personalized method helps balance hormones, reduces unpleasant symptoms, and promotes optimal wellness. Compared to traditional hormone treatments, compounded formulations offer greater flexibility to address unique hormone replacement needs.
Step 3: Treatment Initiation
Once the personalized treatment plan is finalized, prescriptions are filled through trusted compounding pharmacies. These pharmacies create compounded formulations that match your specific hormonal therapy requirements.
Popular Delivery Methods Include:
- Pellets: Tiny compounded hormones, smaller than a grain of rice, are placed under the skin in the lower abdomen or buttocks. They release hormones steadily, helping the body adjust over time.
- Capsules: A common and easy-to-use option for bioidentical menopausal hormone therapy.
- Topical creams or gels: Applied directly to the skin for efficient absorption, commonly used to relieve symptoms like vaginal dryness.
- Patches: Convenient for consistent hormone release throughout the day.
Advice for starting therapy: Begin as directed by your healthcare provider. Monitor your progress regularly and discuss any changes, such as the return of unpleasant symptoms, to ensure effective and well-tolerated hormone replacement therapy. Because each individual responds differently, ongoing communication with your provider is key to success.
Step 4: Monitoring Your Progress
Follow-up care is essential to ensure biodentical hormone replacement therapy remains effective and meets your individual needs. Regular monitoring allows adjustments to hormone doses based on how your body adjusts, ultimately improving menopausal symptom relief and overall well-being. Open communication with your provider helps identify any issues early and keeps your treatment on track.
Pellets, for instance, need to be replaced periodically to ensure steady hormone levels. Women typically require replacements every four months, while men may need them every six months. Your provider will guide you based on your specific hormonal therapy needs.
By following this comprehensive guide, you can confidently begin your bioidentical hormone replacement therapy with a clear understanding of the entire process. With proper monitoring and a personalized approach, compounded bioidentical hormone therapy can provide effective menopausal symptom relief and help restore balance to your life.
Move Forward on Your Journey to Balanced Health
Bioidentical hormone therapy offers a personalized approach to addressing hormonal imbalances, helping you regain vitality and improve your quality of life. The Colorado Center for Health and Longevity is here to guide you through every step of this transformative process.
Schedule an appointment with The Colorado Center for Health and Longevity today to learn more about bioidentical hormone therapy and how it can benefit you. Dr. Levenson is dedicated to helping you achieve optimal health and well-being. Contact us to begin your journey toward a healthier, more balanced you.
