Bioidentical Hormone Therapy: Medical Applications

Bioidentical hormones are identical in molecular structure to the hormones that the body produces. These hormones may include estrogen, thyroid, progesterone, testosterone and other hormones. These hormones are used in hormone replacement therapy to replace low or unbalanced hormones in order to combat the associated effects of low hormone levels. Hormone replacement therapy may be used for:

• Low testosterone levels (Low T)
• Premenstrual Syndrome (PMS)
• Menopause
• Infertility
• Endometriosis
• Postpartum depression(PPD)
• Hypothyroidism
• Hypoadrenalism

Why Bioidentical Hormone Therapy

Testing is done to determine if one suffers from low T. Hormone therapy for low T is designed to treat the signs and symptoms of low T, including low libido, hot flashes, sexual dysfunction, fatigue, reduced muscle mass and more. The common symptoms of PMS include mood changes, tender breasts and headaches. It is often diagnosed by keeping a menstrual diary to identify that the symptoms arise with the menstrual cycle. Often, hormone therapy for PMS includes changes with diet and lifestyle. Menopause typically occurs as women approach their 50s. Ovulation and menstruation come to a halt and the generation of progesterone and estrogen decline significantly. As a result, symptoms like mood changes, hot flashes, vaginal dryness and night sweats often occur. To reduce these types of symptoms, bioidentical hormone therapy may be an effective treatment option.

Infertility may be the result of a variety of causes, including inadequate progesterone production. It is this hormone that prepares the uterine wall for the fertilized egg. Research has shown that bioidentical progesterone can increase the body’s progesterone level to assist with conception and carrying a full-term pregnancy. Endometriosis is a condition where the endometrial tissue is found outside of the uterus rather than the inside of the uterus. These cells plant themselves onto other organs in the pelvic area and cause pain and infertility. Depending on the severity of the condition, bioidentical hormone therapy may be an appropriate option.

PPD is characterized by extreme feeling after the birth of a child. New mothers may experience rage, fear, sadness and even psychosis. In the case of PPD, a full assessment is completed, including psychiatric assessment and specific lab evaluations. Depending on the mother’s needs and the extent of PPD, bioidentical hormone therapy may be an effective treatment. Hypothyroidism is a medical condition in which the thyroid is under active. Symptoms generally include weight gain, low basal temperature and fatigue. Treatment may include changes in diet, nutritional supplements and bioidentical hormone therapy. In the case of hypoadrenalism, hormone therapy is used to increased hormone production from the adrenal glands.

Integrated Health Care Centers: Bioidentical Hormone Therapy

At Integrated Health Care Centers, we offer bioidentical hormone therapy for a variety of conditions. We take specific blood tests and have them analyzed for determined hormone levels. We implement a patient specific treatment plan for bioidentical hormone therapy that is designed just for you. Give us a call today at 972-686-7400a and have your hormone levels tested. We look forward to meeting you.