Is bioidentical Replacement right for me?

Bioidentical hormone replacement is appropriate for any man or woman of any age who is experiencing fluctuations of or absence of hormones.  This includes teenagers through the elderly.  Although women typically experience more overt symptoms, especially during perimenopause and menopause, middle- aged and older men may also have hormonal fluctuations. 

Women at this age will notice the following changes or abnormalities: periods may be irregular or very heavy.  Others may experience mood fluctuations with pre-menstrual syndrome, acne, weight gain, and or trouble sleeping. Some are diagnosed with PCOS at this age. 

Women may see the same symptoms as above.  In addition, a woman may see frequent spotting in between periods, or the color changes with large amounts of black or brown blood.  Women may also have difficulty getting pregnant or maintaining a pregnancy.  Breasts may become very tender or fibrocystic. 

In addition to what is mentioned above, women may start to experience greater difficulty falling asleep or staying asleep. Several months may pass between periods.  Increased mood swings or frequent crying, hot flashes and/or night sweats.  Decreased motivation or drive, including decreased libido.  Sex may become painful or dry with vaginal atrophy. Women see more frequent urinary tract infections and incontinence with coughing, sneezing, or exercise.   Hair, skin and nails become more brittle with increased abdominal weight. People experience Increased depression or anxiety, memory loss or poor recall with decreased muscle mass or decreased exercise endurance. This eventually leads to osteopenia (increased bone loss), increased glucose and lipid levels, and increased blood pressure.

People are rarely ever absent of hormones, but during this time of life, hormone levels can be so low, that they may feel completely gone. You have reached menopause if you have not had a period for more than 1 year. Hormones are protective against chronic diseases, and they provide a higher quality of life.  Once the body is no longer producing youthful hormones, degeneration begins to set in:  weight gain, osteoporosis, decreased muscle mass, fatigue, wrinkles, increased cholesterol and plaque buildup in the arteries and brain leading to heart disease, stroke, and dementia. Other frequent symptoms include an increase in stress incontinence and urinary tract infections. Some begin to lose their vitality for life due to a lack of energy, and for many, there will be a conversational shift.  The focus changes from sharing what they enjoy, to more frequent conversations about their aches, pains, and doctor visits due to an overall increase in inflammation.  Bioidentical hormones are protective and reduce the chance of disease development. 

My goal is to help you maintain your health throughout your adult life.  Many spend years investing in their financial retirement, but they fail to invest in their health.   Without your health, there is no retirement.   Invest in your health to enjoy your retirement! 

For men, testosterone peaks in the early 20’s and then slowly declines over a long period of time, making it less noticeable.  However, stress and lifestyle factors will affect the speed of decline, so timing can be different for each individual.  However, lower levels of testosterone are associated with chronic disease, starting with increased abdominal weight.  This leads to inflammation and fatigue.  Eventually, diseases such as diabetes, heart disease or stroke, and dementia develop.  Please see the list of associations listed under the hormone tab.  Testosterone is protective, and therefore it is important to have a consistent, optimal level daily.  

My goal is to help you maintain your health throughout your adult life.  Many spend years investing in their financial retirement, but they fail to invest in their health.   Without your health, there is no retirement.   Invest in your health to enjoy your retirement!