Signs and Symptoms of Hormone Imbalance

When one or more hormones fall out of optimal ranges, various symptoms can manifest that negatively impact quality of life. Common deficiency signs related to sex hormones in both men and women include:

Energy and Mood Disturbances

  • Fatigue - Feeling constantly drained and sleepy
  • Depression - Sadness, hopelessness, lack of motivation
  • Irritability - Increased anger, frustration, mood swings

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Cognitive Impairment

  • Memory loss - Forgetting conversations, tasks, appointments
  • Focus issues - Trouble concentrating, "brain fog"
  • Reduced verbal fluency - Struggling to find words

Sexual Problems

  • Low libido - Lack of interest in sex
  • Erectile dysfunction - Inability to gain/maintain erection
  • Vaginal dryness - Pain with intercourse
  • Inability to orgasm - Delayed, absent, or unsatisfying

Hot Flashes and Night Sweats

  • Sudden felt sensation of warmth spreading through the body
  • Profuse sweating, flushing of the skin
  • Interrupted sleep cycles

Hair Thinning and Skin Changes

  • Loss of hair volume and shine
  • Thinning hair across the whole scalp
  • Increased facial hair growth (women)
  • Dry, itchy skin and complexion issues

Overview of Bioidentical Hormone Replacement Therapy (BHRT)

Bioidentical hormones are identical in molecular structure to those naturally produced in the human body. They are sourced from plant compounds and custom-formulated in compounding pharmacies to match a patient's individual hormonal needs and deficiencies.

Bioidentical hormone replacement therapy (BHRT) involves prescribing bioidentical versions of hormones that become depleted due to aging or other medical factors. BHRT restores optimal hormonal balance from the inside out.

The goal of BHRT is the alleviation of deficiency symptoms to:

  • Renew energy, mental clarity, and a sense of well-being
  • Boost sexual health and enjoyment
  • Support better sleep
  • Enhance skin, hair, and muscle tone
  • Prevent chronic diseases linked to hormonal decline

Both men and women can benefit greatly from bioidentical hormone optimization.

Restore energy and wellbeing with bioidentical hormones.

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Common Bioidentical Hormones

There are various bioidentical hormones that can be prescribed based on an individual's lab testing and symptoms.

Testosterone

Testosterone is considered the "male" sex hormone, but women also need testosterone for optimal health. Low testosterone contributes to:

  • Fatigue
  • Depression
  • Low sex drive and arousal issues
  • Muscle loss and body composition changes
  • Cognitive dysfunction - "brain fog," memory lapses

Benefits of testosterone replacement:

  • Increased energy, motivation, and a sense of vitality
  • Elevated mood, reduced anxiety
  • Improved libido, sexual function
  • Healthy heart and blood vessels
  • Stronger bones, more lean muscle mass
  • Sharper mental focus and visual-spatial skills
  • Better sleep quality

Estrogen

The three main types of estrogen are estradiol, estrone, and estriol. Estrogen levels decline sharply in perimenopause and menopause due to ovarian shutdown. Low estrogen causes symptoms like:

  • Hot flashes and night sweats disrupting sleep
  • Vaginal dryness and discomfort
  • Increased anxiety, irritability, and depression
  • Fatigue
  • Heart palpitations
  • Weight gain and fluid retention
  • Loss of skin elasticity

Benefits of Estrogen Replacement:

  • Reduction in the severity and frequency of hot flashes
  • Improved sleep
  • Increased skin thickness, collagen production
  • Decreased stress and emotional instability
  • Relief of vaginal dryness and related pain
  • Prevented bone loss to reduce fracture risk
  • Reduced risk of heart disease

Progesterone

Progesterone plays an important role in the overall health of both men and women. Imbalances contribute to:

  • Anxiety
  • Depression
  • Sleep disorders
  • Brain fog
  • Low libido
  • Fluid retention
  • Weight gain

Benefits of Progesterone Replacement

  • Acts as a neurosteroid to enhance mood and cognitive function
  • Normalizes sleep cycles and quality
  • Restores libido
  • Controls fluid balance
  • Contributes to a healthy weight
  • Offsets estrogen dominance that disrupts cycles
  • Protects emotional stability

DHEA

DHEA (dehydroepiandrosterone) is a precursor to estrogen and testosterone. Our bodies' own production starts declining around age 30. Low DHEA can manifest in symptoms like:

  • Depression
  • Lethargy and lack of motivation
  • Weight gain - increased belly fat
  • Loss of muscle mass
  • Low libido
  • Weakened immunity

Benefits of DHEA Replacement

  • Improved physical stamina
  • Better ability to handle stressors
  • Increased muscle strength
  • Healthy fat burning and body composition
  • Anti-aging immune support
  • Improved mood, sense of well-being
  • Protection against diabetes and heart disease

Diagnostic Testing is Crucial

Since hormone levels fluctuate based on age, gender, chronic conditions, etc., testing is the only way to accurately determine which hormones are out of balance.

At Renew Health Clinic, we use advanced diagnostic testing to measure bioavailable hormone levels and pinpoint specific deficiencies contributing to patients' symptoms.

We also screen patients for common issues that impact hormone metabolism, such as:

  • Blood sugar and insulin resistance
  • Inflammation
  • Mitochondrial dysfunction
  • Micronutrient deficiencies
  • Toxin exposures

Common lab panels we order include:

Panel Purpose
Fasting baseline blood panels Evaluate overall health markers
Genetic tests Assess detoxification and methylation capacity
Stress and sex hormone panels Measure hormone levels
Food sensitivity testing Identify potential food intolerances
Heavy metals testing Check for toxic metal exposures
Nutrient testing Assess vitamin and mineral levels

Based on the results of this comprehensive testing, our clinicians create completely customized and complementary hormone balancing protocols.

Renew Health Clinic BHRT Treatment Approach

The goal of bioidentical hormone replacement therapy is to restore deficient hormone levels back to optimal ranges based on lab testing. This is accomplished through precision prescription of bioidentical hormones and complementary lifestyle and nutritional therapies for foundational support.

At Renew Health Clinic clinic, we take an integrative approach that looks at the whole patient picture - genetics, biochemistry, lifestyle, environmental exposures, etc.

We partner with each patient over months and years to track progress through lab testing and adjustment of protocols to keep hormones balanced.

Getting Started with Treatment

The starting process involves:

  • Review of health history - symptoms, family history, prior treatment attempts, lifestyle factors, etc.
  • Diagnostic lab testing to uncover deficiencies
  • Analysis of test results by our clinicians
  • An appointment to review results, make diagnoses, and discuss customized treatment plan options
  • Obtainment of bioidentical hormones and complementary supplements

Follow-up typically includes:

  • Follow-up lab testing at intervals (6 weeks, 3 months, 6 months, etc.)
  • Adjustments to hormones, doses, delivery methods
  • Additions and changes to nutritional supplements or diet
  • Tracking of wellness metrics - quality of sleep, energy levels, body composition, libido, etc.

We also provide supportive services like nutrition coaching, stress management techniques, and telehealth appointments for accessibility. Our goal is optimal function, health, and quality of life from the inside out.

Restore your energy and wellbeing with bioidentical hormones.

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Types of Bioidentical Hormones and Delivery Methods

There are various FDA-approved and compounding pharmacy bioidentical hormones your clinician may recommend based on your lab testing:

Types:

  • Estradiol
  • Biest (combination estrogen)
  • Progesterone
  • DHEA
  • Testosterone

Delivery Methods:

Delivery Method Description
Oral tablets or capsules Taken by mouth
Sublingual drops Absorbed under the tongue
Topical gels Applied to the skin
Transdermal patches Worn on the skin
Pellets Inserted under the skin
Injections / Intramuscular shots Injected into muscle
Vaginal suppositories Inserted into the vagina

Factors impacting delivery prescription decisions include convenience, sensitivity to hormones, response to prior methods, out-of-pocket expense, and the desired release rate of hormones into tissues and bloodstream.

Finding the optimal type and delivery method combination takes some trial and error based on frequent patient monitoring and feedback. At Renew Health Clinic, we guide patients through this process for long-term hormone balance success.

Lifestyle Recommendations for Best Treatment Results

While bioidentical hormone replacement therapy provides life-changing benefits for hormone-deficient patients, integrating complementary lifestyle approaches helps maximize treatment results. Our providers offer patients tailored guidance regarding:

Nutrition Optimization

Recommendations may include tweaking amounts of dietary:

  • Healthy Fats - For hormone production
  • Fiber - For improved estrogen clearance
  • Fruits and Vegetables - For micronutrients impacting energy
  • Anti-Inflammatory Foods - To reduce causes of functional decline
  • Lean Protein - To support tissue repair

We also utilize advanced nutrition testing to uncover the specific vitamins and minerals patients may require at higher levels. Deficiencies are extremely common due to nutrient-depleted soils.

Proper nutrition helps patients lose weight, regulate blood sugar, support detox pathways, reduce inflammation, and absorb and utilize BHRT effectively. It makes the difference between a good life and a GREAT life!

Stress Management Techniques

Unmanaged emotional stress takes a major toll on hormonal balance, physical health, and aging. Our providers discuss various evidence-based techniques with patients, such as:

  • Journaling
  • Meditation
  • Yoga
  • Gratitude Practice
  • Nature Immersion
  • Mindfulness
  • Talk Therapy

Lowering stress hormone output from the adrenal glands allows other hormones like progesterone and testosterone to remain higher. Mastering stress also boosts immune health, neurochemistry of mood, cardiovascular function, and more.

Physical Activity

Regular exercise tailored to patients' needs and abilities offers widespread benefits:

  • Helps balance blood sugar and insulin sensitivity
  • Promotes circulation
  • Boosts energy and mental focus
  • Protects heart health
  • Strengthens bones and muscles
  • Assists with healthy weight management

The key is finding activities enjoyable enough to maintain consistently without overexertion. Possibilities range from leisure walking to aerobics dance classes to strength training. We offer accountability clinics and access to workout videos.

BHRT for Men's Health and Vitality

Men produce testosterone and other androgens predominantly in the testes. Levels peak during adolescence and early adulthood, then slowly decline approximately 1% per year after age 35-40. However, lifestyle factors like weight gain, stress, medications, and toxins can accelerate depletion.

Low testosterone causes symptoms like:

  • Loss of vitality, drive, and competitive spirit
  • Increased body fat, reduced muscle mass
  • Brain fog, memory issues, mood disorders
  • Plummeting libido - erectile dysfunction
  • Higher risk of cardiovascular illness

Research confirms physiologic testosterone restoration in men over 35-40 with deficiency can reverse symptoms that plague aging while helping prevent chronic lifestyle diseases.

Benefits include:

  • 15-20 pound loss of body fat
  • 12-15 pound increase in muscle mass
  • Improved motivation, verbal skills, competitive drive
  • Better mood - reduced anxiety, irritability
  • Greater genital sensitivity, performance
  • Increased insulin sensitivity, protecting from diabetes
  • Healthier cholesterol ratios, safeguarding the heart
  • Improved sleep quality and deeper REM
  • Slowed progression of neurocognitive disorders

Male patients also commonly benefit from balancing DHEA, thyroid, and other hormones detected as suboptimal on testing.

Ultimately, BHRT allows men to feel like VITAL versions of themselves again - while supporting healthy longevity free of disability and dependence.

New Hampshire's Premier BHRT Clinic

Located conveniently in Greenland, Renew Health Clinic specializes in precision bioidentical hormone replacement therapy for men and women. Our experienced medical providers offer a level of testing, diagnosis, treatment, and ongoing management that is unmatched.

What sets Renew Health Clinic apart?

  • Extensive proprietary diagnostic testing - not just the basics
  • Meticulous analysis of labs by specialized clinicians
  • Hour-long initial consult visits to educate patients
  • Custom compounded BHRT prescriptions based on deficiencies
  • Follow-up testing every 6 weeks until optimized
  • Ongoing prescription adjustments based on patient feedback
  • First-class customer service coordinating all aspects of care
  • Hybrid telehealth and office visits for maximum convenience
  • Acceptance of insurance coverage for testing and treatments
  • Concierge services and amenities

We also stand out from anti-aging chains by taking an integrative rather than a one-size-fits-all approach. Each bioidentical hormone protocol is completely individualized to the patient's needs and lifestyle. Nutrition, exercise, stress, toxin exposures, full-body system function, and genetics are all addressed.

Ultimately, our goal is to help patients look, feel, and function like youthful, vibrant versions of themselves again (and for decades to come) through precision balancing of deficient hormones.

Conclusion

Hormonal imbalances can significantly impact various aspects of health and well-being, including energy levels, mood, cognitive function, sexual health, and overall quality of life. Bioidentical hormone replacement therapy (BHRT) offers a safe and effective solution to restore hormonal balance and alleviate the symptoms associated with hormone deficiencies.

At Renew Health Clinic, we provide comprehensive diagnostic testing, personalized treatment plans, and ongoing monitoring to ensure optimal results. Our integrative approach addresses not only hormone imbalances but also factors like nutrition, stress management, and physical activity, which can contribute to overall well-being.

If you're experiencing symptoms of hormone imbalance or simply seeking to optimize your hormonal health, we encourage you to contact Renew Health Clinic. Our experienced medical providers are dedicated to helping you achieve a revitalized and vibrant life through precise bioidentical hormone replacement therapy.

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