Bioidentical hormones are hormones that are structurally identical to those produced naturally by the human body. As we age, our hormone levels can decline, causing unpleasant symptoms. Bioidentical hormone replacement therapy (BHRT) involves supplementing these declining hormones to restore hormone balance and vitality.
At New Beginnings HRT Clinic clinic in Ft. Wayne, we specialize in customized bioidentical hormones for both men and women. Bioidentical means the hormones have the same molecular structure as those made in your body, unlike synthetic versions which can produce undesirable side effects. We use bioidentical versions of testosterone, estrogen, progesterone, DHEA and other vital hormones.
Bioidentical hormone therapy offers many benefits lacking in traditional hormone replacement options:
As the term “bioidentical” suggests, these hormones are identical replicates of native human hormones, making them easier for the body to recognize and utilize.
BHRT is completely customized to match your individual hormone needs and deficits. We don’t take a “one size fits all” approach.
By restoring optimal hormone levels, most patients report increased energy, improved sleep, enhanced libido, weight loss, and an overall greater sense of wellbeing.
Made from plant extracts, bioidentical hormones seem to have less risks than conventional hormones. There is little evidence they increase cancer or heart disease. Our physicians monitor your health closely regardless.
BHRT is available in a variety of easy dosing methods from pills and patches to creams and pellet implants for steady hormone delivery. We provide training on proper administration.
Balancing your hormones is crucial at any age. However for peri/menopausal women and andropausal men, BHRT can minimize unwelcome aging effects, helping you stay active and healthy.
The first step is identifying any hormone deficits through comprehensive lab testing. Saliva, blood, and urine tests allow us to measure reproductive and adrenal hormones along with key biomarkers. Testing is quick and convenient.
Based on the lab results, our physicians can pinpoint which bioidentical hormones you may benefit from and at what doses. We recheck labs periodically to ensure your hormones are properly balanced, making dosage tweaks as needed.
While both men and women can develop hormone imbalances at almost any age, there are typical age patterns:
Most women start perimenopause in their 40’s as reproductive hormone production begins to decline. Breastfeeding, hysterectomy, medications or other factors can also trigger changes.
Menopause marks 12 consecutive months without a period. This loss of menstrual cycles indicates falling estrogen/progesterone levels often causing symptoms like hot flashes, sleep disruption, weight gain, vaginal atrophy etc.
BHRT customizes combinations of bioidentical estrogen and progesterone to alleviate discomforts, promote bone/heart health, reduce fracture risks, and enhance moods.
After age 30, most men experience a gradual testosterone decline of 1-2% per year. Low testosterone, or “low T,” has been linked to fatigue, irritability, depression, reduced muscle mass, weight gain, low libido, erectile dysfunction, poor concentration, and “brain fog”.
Andropause describes this age-related slowing of testicular function causing low T combined with elevated estrogen levels. Not all men have noticeable symptoms but may benefit from testosterone replacement.
At New Beginnings HRT Clinic, we offer testosterone replacement therapy (TRT) using bioidentical testosterone to safely restore optimal levels thereby reducing troublesome symptoms of andropause for middle-aged and senior men.
Bioidentical hormones are not necessarily safer or more effective than synthetic hormones for menopausal symptom relief. However, some women report preferring them because they more closely mimic the body's own hormones. More research is still needed to fully understand the risks and benefits of bioidenticals.
The following are examples of the many bioidentical hormones available for customized treatment plans based on your lab results and health goals:
Bioidentical estrogens like estriol and estradiol are used to reduce hot flashes, vaginal atrophy, urinary issues, joint pain, headaches, sleep disturbances, heart concerns and osteoporosis associated with perimenopause and menopause. Estrogen helps moderate serotonin, norepinephrine and acetylcholine influencing mood, cognition and memory especially when balanced with progesterone.
Bioidentical progesterone works synergistically with estrogen to regulate menstruation and ovulation. It promotes calm mood by activating GABA receptors. Progesterone also facilitates thyroid hormone function and bone building. Declining levels during perimenopause and menopause cause a range of troublesome issues that bioidentical replacement can ease.
Bioidentical testosterone treats low T helping middle-aged and older men minimize concerns like fatigue, mental fog, irritability, muscle loss, weight gain, low libido, erectile dysfunction and depression. Pellet implants allow sustained testosterone delivery. TRT requires regular bloodwork to ensure optimal dosing and check prostate health.
Dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) is made by the adrenal glands and then converts into other key hormones. Oral doses can boost lagging DHEA levels to help reduce bone/muscle loss and improve immunity, skin quality, libido, physical performance, mood and cognition especially in older individuals. DHEA also helps regulate cortisol levels.
Thyroid, growth hormone, oxytocin, cortisol and other hormones integral to health and aging can also be replaced or balanced where needed using bioidentical versions tailored to your physiology. Ask our staff about specialty hormones that may enhance your treatment.
Crafting an individualized bioidentical hormone therapy plan is a stepwise process overseen by our experienced practitioners:
We begin with an extensive review of your signs/symptoms, medical conditions, family history, medications and lifestyle to understand factors influencing your present hormone status. Any pertinent diagnostic records are evaluated. This establishes the baseline factors guiding your treatment.
Next specialized lab tests assess blood, salivary fluid and urine biomarkers associated with pituitary, gonadal and adrenal gland production of key hormones. TestingSpot affiliated labs ensure convenience and accuracy. Results are carefully interpreted relative to optimal reference ranges based on age and gender.
Your hormonal deficiencies, excesses and imbalances are identified from the lab analyses. Our physicians then select appropriate bioidentical hormone types and delivery methods to restore balance. Pellet implantation, oral, sublingual, injectable, rectal and topical products allow customization.
Hormone levels require periodic rechecking to ensure your dose and regimen remain optimal, especially during the first year of replacement therapy. Follow up tests may be needed quarterly. We also monitor health stats like blood pressure, body composition, lipids etc to verify your response to treatment is on track. Adjustments are made as needed.
Nutritional and lifestyle changes can profoundly impact hormone health and function. Our experts provide personalized recommendations regarding diet, supplements, sleep habits, stress management, sexual practices, fitness programs and other behaviors supporting your treatment program for best results.
There are good reasons not to delay seeking treatment for hormone imbalance symptoms you may be experiencing:
By accurately diagnosing your hormone deficiencies through testing and then developing a customized bioidentical hormone replacement regimen early on, the potential benefits are maximized while keeping risks low under medical supervision.
Our clinic's close-knit team of dedicated hormone therapy providers offer personalized care based on the latest scientific advancements:
We also work collaboratively with CarePartnersHealth psychiatric and counseling services to address the mood, cognition and behavioral aspects often influenced by imbalanced hormones. Our coordinated care teams strive to help patients achieve full wellbeing.
Let our hormone health experts help you reclaim your vitality!
