Hormone decline affects all of us sooner or later in life and can have a crushing impact on our ability to thrive. Bioidentical hormone replacement therapy (BHRT) is a safe, proven, and highly effective way to address many of the symptoms that result from hormone fluctuation. At the Knox Wellness Experience in Knoxville, TN, we use only all-natural hormones that are chemically identical to the hormones found in the human body.
Since hormones affect almost every function in the human body, including aging, sexual function, and metabolism, when they start to decline, the effects can be devastating. Many people are fearful of the potential side effects from synthetic hormones, so choosing an all-natural alternative that mimics the body’s own biological processes can be the perfect solution.
What Are Bioidentical Hormones?
Patients often ask us what bioidentical hormones are and why they are better than their synthetic counterparts. We tell them that these all-natural hormones, derived from plants, are the closest match to the hormones produced by the human body. This means that they are absorbed and used by the body in the most efficient and effective way possible.
The term “bioidentical” means that these hormones are literally identical to what your own body produces. They can’t be rejected by the body because they are the same as the hormones that are already being made in your own endocrine system. Biodenticals can also be better customized to treat each patient as an individual. Synthetic hormones offer a standardized, one-size-fits-all solution that is not tailored to alleviate specific health concerns.
Types of BHRT Delivery Systems
When choosing hormone replacement therapy using natural hormones, there are several delivery options. Pellets, injections, topical creams, or dissolving tablets called “troches” are all delivery methods that can be discussed at your consultation. While there is not necessarily one method that is better than another, we evaluate each patient on a case-by-case basis to select the best approach for them.
A Customized Approach
No two patients will be exactly the same in terms of their needs for hormonal rebalancing, which is why the consultation process is so important. We need to get a good idea of the patient’s medical history, the exact symptoms they are experiencing, and any medications they are taking. Only then can we come up with a suitable plan that can precisely address their needs. Natural, plant-based hormones lend themselves very well to this customized approach.
Excellent Safety Record
When used as directed, and under the care of a trained hormone specialist, the risk of adverse outcomes using hormone therapy is extremely low. Bioidentical hormones Knoxville TN have been carefully studied for safety and efficacy. Since each patient is being monitored closely throughout the course of their treatment, if they do feel that the results are not exactly what they want, their dose can be adjusted accordingly.
Long-Term Use
While BHRT is generally used to get a person through the difficult years of menopause or andropause, it is considered safe for long-term use as long as the recipient is being medically supervised. A person on BHRT does not need to abruptly stop their regimen just because they have reached a certain age, especially if they feel great and have been enjoying symptom relief for many years.
If a patient does wish to stop using supplemental hormones, we gradually ease back their dosage and monitor them closely to see if there is a symptom relapse. It is important to not completely stop any hormone replacement program abruptly, and to follow the process recommended by your health care provider.
What Symptoms Can Be Helped by BHRT?
The customized and holistic approach that bioidentical hormones make possible can have an impact on symptoms very soon after the onset of treatment. The symptoms associated with peri-menopause and menopause in women, and andropause in men, can be significantly reduced or sometimes even eliminated entirely with the right course of treatment.
Female Symptoms
The following are examples of symptoms and conditions experienced by women that can be reduced with hormone replacement:
- Mood swings
- Skin problems
- Weight gain
- Lack of sexual interest
- Chronic insomnia and fatigue
- Memory loss
- Hot flashes
- Anxiety
- Depression
- Osteoporosis
Male Symptoms
The following are examples of symptoms typically experienced by men that can be reduced with hormone replacement:
- Erectile dysfunction
- Lack of energy
- Muscle weakness
- Weight gain
- Depression or Irritability
- Poor concentration
- Memory loss
How Treatment Varies for Men and Women
While both men and women can benefit from the use of bioidentical hormones, obviously their prescribed treatment plan will vary. Women will need more estrogen, while men will need more testosterone. The delivery method may also vary between sexes, to take into account factors such as body weight and muscle mass. Regardless of gender, each patient must be monitored closely to make sure they are achieving optimal symtpom relief.
Improvement in Quality of Life
Whether you are a man or a woman, you can expect to experience a significant improvement in your quality of life with hormone replacement if you are noticing any of the symptoms outlined above. While you may only have one or two symptoms at the present time, starting your treatment plan early can help to avoid future complications as these symptoms begin to increase or become more severe with age.
Even one symptom, such as chronic insomnia, can impact other areas of life and increase your risk for certain chronic disease. This is why we recommend starting a hormone replacement plan at the earliest possible stage. If you’re unsure that the time is right, we can run some additional tests to determine your current hormone levels.
When To Start Hormone Replacement
We typically see patients beginning to seek treatment in their 40’s, but it is not uncommon for people to start noticing signs of hormone disruption as early as their 30’s. Hormones in both men and women begin a steady decline at this time, but many people do not notice the effects until they get closer to middle age. Unfortunately, most people don’t get help until their symptoms have become quite severe.
If you are already well into menopause or andropause, it isn’t too late to get help. While it might take longer for the effects of hormone replacement to kick in when you have significant symptoms, you can still expect to see results in a matter of weeks, with a progressive improvement over the months that follow. With some patience and tweaking of your dosage, you will eventually start to feel like you did before hormone decline began to set in.
How Is Dosing Determined?
Determining the ideal dosage for a new patient can sometimes take time, which is why anyone taking bioidentical hormones Knoxville TN should be monitored closely. We work one-on-one with patients to ensure that they are getting the perfect combination of hormones so that their symptoms are minimized as soon as possible.
We are also careful not to over prescribe hormones. This is a case where you can definitely have too much of a good thing! For this reason, we always start at the lowest effective dose possible and work our way up from there. Thanks to the highly customizable nature of BHRT, we will get you to your ideal dosing sooner rather than later.
How Soon To Expect Symptom Relief
Many patients find that within a few weeks of starting treatment, their symptoms have disappeared entirely – but we cannot guarantee this outcome. At each follow-up appointment, your progress will be monitored closely and we can adjust your dosing if needed. If an increase in hormones is required, this will be done gradually with the patient’s response observed throughout.
Finding the Right Hormone Specialist
Deciding that you need to balance your hormones is just the first step – it is very important to do your research to make sure you are working with a reputable health care provider in your area. Finding a clinic that uses high-quality, plant-derived bioidentical hormones Knoxville TN is key. It is also important to make sure their staff have been specifically trained in the latest, safest, and most effective delivery methods.
Start Improving Your Quality of Life Naturally
If hormone fluctuation is affecting your overall health and sense of wellbeing, incorporating bioidentical hormones Knoxville TN into your personal care routine can be life changing. Contact us today at Knox Wellness Experience in Knoxville, TN so that we can book your initial consultation and learn more about this amazing treatment option. We also offer virtual consultations, if this is more convenient.
