Hormone imbalances can negatively impact quality of life. When hormone levels fall too low, deficiency signs emerge. Fortunately, hormone therapy (HRT) can safely and effectively treat deficiencies. This informative guide from Vitality Renewal Clinic covers the basics of hormone health in Westminster.
Hormones are chemical messengers released by glands to regulate body functions. Key hormones like testosterone, estrogen, progesterone and more impact many areas including:
When hormones fall out of optimal ranges, you may experience unwelcome deficiency signs.
Hormone production naturally declines with age, especially during perimenopause, menopause and andropause. Deficiencies also result from:
Symptoms emerge slowly, so deficiencies often go undiagnosed for years. The longer imbalances persist, the higher the risk of complications like depression, heart disease, osteoporosis and dementia.
Deficiency signs differ between key hormones but may include:
Low testosterone: Low libido, erectile dysfunction, reduced muscle mass, fatigue, depression
Low estrogen: Hot flashes, night sweats, vaginal dryness, bladder issues, irregular periods
Low progesterone: Anxiety, insomnia, irregular periods, infertility
Low DHEA: Low libido, energy and stamina, mood changes
Low thyroid: Fatigue, weight gain, feeling cold, constipation, hair thinning
Since hormones communicate, an imbalance in one hormone can spiral, impacting many others. That’s why accurately diagnosing and addressing deficiencies is so essential.
For decades, synthetic hormones were used in hormone therapy. Today, the medical field favors prescribed bioidentical hormones which match natural hormones more closely for improved safety and results.
Bioidentical hormone therapy (BHRT) restores deficiencies using plant-based hormones chemically similar to native human hormones. BHRT is customized based on each patient’s unique hormonal needs and deficiency symptoms.
- Relieves deficiency symptoms - Safe with lower risks than synthetics - Improves mood, sleep and cognition - Restores health, vitality and quality of life
When administered correctly under medical supervision, bioidentical HRT offers life-changing benefits. Patients report feeling decades younger, mentally sharper and renewed optimism about the future.
BHRT is prescribed for both women and men. The most common therapies include:
Testosterone Therapy - The leading treatment for low testosterone (low T). Restores sexual health, energy, strength, endurance, muscle tone, drive and mood in aging men.
Estrogen Progesterone Therapy - The leading therapy for menopause. Relieves hot flashes, night sweats, sleep disruption, vaginal atrophy and supports heart, bone and brain health in women.
DHEA Therapy – DHEA supplementation to improve energy, libido, immunity, mood, strength and metabolic factors.
Thyroid Hormone Therapy – Balances thyroid hormone levels to relieve hypothyroidism or hyperthyroidism symptoms.
Here is an overview of how Vitality Renewal Clinic start patients on hormone replacement protocols tailored to the patient:
Initial Consultation – During an initial 60 minute consult, our hrt specialist takes a complete medical history, discusses symptoms, performs an exam if needed, and orders lab testing to accurately verify hormone deficiencies.
Diagnostic Testing – We utilize advanced hormone blood panels and saliva tests to measure free/bioavailable levels of key hormones for precision diagnostics. Testing is performed at top accredited independent labs.
Custom Treatment Plan – Once results are in, our practitioners analyze the patient’s hormone optimization needs and blueprint a customized replacement protocol including bioidentical hormones, dosage, timing and duration.
Follow-Up & Monitoring – Patients return for periodic follow-up visits to evaluate progress, perform bloodwork and finetune the treatment plan as needed to keep hormones balanced and deficiency symptoms fully relieved.
Vitality Renewal Clinic practitioners emphasize open communication and informed consent, fully educating patients while collaboratively developing the protocol. Our goal is to get each patient feeling their best quickly and safely!
The longer hormone deficiencies go undiagnosed and untreated, the greater the risks of unwelcome complications impacting daily living and long term health. That’s why timely testing and treatment are so vital.
Vitality Renewal Clinic offers prompt testing, accurate diagnosis and customized treatment plans using bioidentical hormone therapy under medical supervision to quickly restore wellbeing and vitality from the inside out – helping patients look better, feel better and live life to the fullest once again!
Hormone therapy works best alongside key lifestyle measures for full benefits:
Eat a nutrition-dense diet high in produce, lean proteins, complex carbs and healthy fats. Certain foods boost hormone-production while decreasing inflammation.
Engage muscles with strength training and cardio exercise. Westminster offers scenic spots for walking like Westminster City Park and open trails. Local fitness centers like the Westminster Recreation Center also provide classes and equipment for exercise.
Chronic stress elevates cortisol which inhibits hormone production and accelerates aging. Make time for relaxing hobbies like light yoga, meditation, music or art. The Avani Spa offers massage and treatments for self-care.
Aim for 7-9 hours nightly. Avoid electronics before bed, establish a calming pre-sleep routine and make sure your bedroom is cool and dark.
When hormone balance is restored alongside supportive lifestyle measures, patients report their best physical health, mental acuity and emotional wellbeing in years, often decades!
Hormone therapy can help improve bone health in transgender women. Studies show that hormone therapy helps increase bone mineral density, reducing the risk of osteoporosis. This benefit was unexpected since testosterone is important for bone health in men, but estrogen seems to play a comparable role for bone health in transgender women undergoing hormone therapy.
Vitality Renewal Clinic clinics specialize exclusively in precision testing, diagnosis and medical management of hormone deficiencies. Our hrt endocrinologist and specialized healthcare team translates complex endocrinology into simplified, personalized protocols using cutting edge bioidentical hormone treatments to relieve deficiency symptoms, restore wellness and reclaim quality of life.
Vitality Renewal Clinic is passionate about hormone health and empowering patients to take control, reclaim wellness and embrace life fully on their terms. Everything we do is focused on helping patients look good, feel good and live life to the fullest once more!
To learn more or schedule your initial consultation, visit our website or call our office today. Here's to your future hormone health and happiness!