Bioidentical Hormones replacement Sylacauga, AL - Balance & Renew Clinic

What are Bioidentical Hormones and Why are They Important

Bioidentical hormones are hormones that are identical in molecular structure to the hormones naturally produced by the human body. As we age, hormone levels can become imbalanced, leading to unpleasant symptoms. Replacing these hormones can provide relief and restore optimal functioning.

Why Hormone Levels Decline

There are several reasons why hormone levels tend to decline with age:

• Natural decline in function of endocrine glands like the adrenals, thyroid, pancreas and ovaries/testes
• Increased stress causing adrenal burnout
• Poor diet lacking key nutrients needed for hormone production
• Environmental toxins disrupting endocrine function

Symptoms of Hormone Imbalance

When your hormones are out of optimal ranges, symptoms can include:

• Unexplained weight gain
• Diminished sex drive
• Depression, anxiety, irritability
• Hot flashes, night sweats
• Fatigue, lack of motivation
• Difficulty sleeping

The Case for Bioidentical HRT

Bioidentical hormone replacement therapy (BHRT) can restore levels of key hormones, providing relief from unpleasant symptoms and restoring vitality. Advantages over synthetic hormones include:

• Identical chemical structure to human hormones
• Individualized dosing matching your needs
• Fewer side effects
• Better safety profile

Hormone Deficiency Issues and Diagnostic Processes

There are a variety of hormones that can become imbalanced with age. At Balance & Renew Clinic, we test levels of key hormones to develop targeted treatment plans.

Main Hormones We Test And Treat

The main hormones we often find deficient include:

• Estrogen - deficiency can cause hot flashes, vaginal dryness, mood issues
• Progesterone - regulates menstrual cycle and estrogen effects
• Testosterone - boosts libido, energy, muscle mass, mood
• Thyroid hormone - regulates metabolism, weight, mood, energy
• DHEA - precursor for estrogen/testosterone, improves immunity

Diagnostic Testing

We use advanced diagnostic testing to evaluate individual hormone levels, including:

• Blood tests measuring circulating hormones
• Salivary tests assessing bioavailable hormones
• Symptom questionnaires evaluating deficiency signs

This comprehensive testing provides the insight needed to develop truly personalized treatments.

Challenges of Accurate Testing

Some factors that can interfere with accurate lab results include:

• Samples drawn at wrong time of menstrual cycle phase
• Failure to avoid certain foods/medicines prior to testing
• Testing limited markers like total testosterone rather than free

We help patients prepare properly for diagnostic tests to ensure meaningful results.

An Overview of Bioidentical Hormone Therapies

There are a variety of bioidentical hormone preparations available to match your individual needs at our clinic.

Estrogen Therapy Considerations

For correcting estrogen deficiency, we may recommend:

• Bi-estrogen cream restoring estradiol/estrone balance
• Oral capsules if more convenient for your lifestyle
• Postmenopausal emphasis on estriol for tissue rebuilding
• Perimenopausal focus on estradiol stability

Progesterone - A Key Hormone

Progesterone works synergistically with estrogen, with roles in:

• Regulating menstrual cycle
• Supporting pregnancy
• Mood support and anxiety relief
• Aiding sleep quality

We offer both oral capsules and transdermal creams.

Benefits of Testosterone Therapy

Testosterone therapy in men and women helps counter symptoms like:

• Low libido and sexual dysfunction
• Depression, fatigue and mental fogginess
• Loss of muscle mass and bone density

We prescribe testosterone creams, pellets or injections based on your needs.

Thyroid and Other Hormones

Beyond sex hormones, we also address deficiencies in:

• Thyroid hormone regulating metabolism and energy
• DHEA for immune and growth factor support
• Melatonin and other hormones for improved sleep

Comprehensive hormone balancing provides total wellness support.

Bioidentical HRT Therapy Protocol Basics

We follow precise protocols at Balance & Renew Clinic to ensure optimal safety and results from bioidentical hormone replacement therapy (BHRT).

Initial Consultation Overview

Your therapy journey starts with a comprehensive clinical evaluation including:

• Review of health history and symptoms
• Physical examination as needed
• Discussion of diagnosis, risks/benefits of treatment options
• Ordering initial laboratory testing

This key first step guides development of your individualized plan.

Follow-Up Testing and Monitoring

Ongoing follow-up is vital to successful BHRT, involving:

• Test results review - verifying hormone levels
• Feedback on early symptom changes
• Dosage titrations to reach optimal balance
• Follow-up testing after 6-8 weeks on regimen
• Annual wellness exams to maintain effective therapy

We partner closely each step of the way.

Typical Regimens and Delivery Methods

Starting regimens and delivery methods may include:

• Oral progesterone capsules several times daily
• Bi-estrogen and/or testosterone cream application daily
• Arm implant for sustained testosterone delivery
• Thyroid medication adjustment as needed

We individualize combination approaches to unique needs.

Balance & Renew Clinic Sylacauga Clinic - Your Local BHRT Experts

When considering your hormone therapy provider, trust and expertise are key. Balance & Renew Clinic sets the standard for bioidentical hormone care.

Our Expertise and Specialized Services

Reasons patients choose us include our:

• Board certified practitioners
• Specialized continuing education
• Decades of experience with BHRT
• Cutting-edge therapies like peptide treatment
• Ongoing patient advocacy engagement

You want a clinic focused specifically on hormones.

State-of-the-Art Sylacauga Facility

In addition to expertise, we offer:

• Brand new purpose-built clinic opened 2022
• Latest testing equipment like DEXA scans
• In-house compounding lab ensuring quality
• Comfortable amenity-rich patient rooms
• Convenient free parking and virtual visits

We invested in a space designed for your needs.

Lifestyle and Wellness Recommendations

BHRT works best alongside healthy lifestyle efforts targeting:

• Improved nutrition and supplementation
• Regular physical activity
• Stress reduction and mental health
• Detoxification and improved sleep

We offer resources and referrals to local practitioners able to provide support in these areas.

Nutrition and Supplement Recommendations

Improving gut health and diet can augment hormone therapy. We advise:

• Eliminating inflammatory foods like gluten and dairy
• Focusing on organic fruits/veggies, healthy fats
• Targeted use of probiotics, vitamins, adaptogens

Consider seeing Sylacauga nutritionist Marci Jenkins for specialized eating plans.

Referrals for Fitness, Stress Reduction

We also recommend:

• Joining Sylacauga Community Fitness with personal training options
• Serenity Yoga Studio for group meditation classes
• Cascade Wellness Spa for massage and relaxation therapies

Supporting lifestyle factors amplifies your results.