The body’s hormones control most of the bodily functions from digestion, growth, immune function, mood, appetite, and even libido. When hormones drop or become unbalanced, people often start noticing unpleasant symptoms like hot flashes, night sweats, weight gain, memory loss, and sleep issues.
Using bioidentical hormone replacement therapy can be a more natural and effective way to help the body get back in balance. At the Dempster Clinic, we offer bioidentical therapy in Toronto. We can help you come up with a treatment plan specific to your needs.
Hormones and Optimal Health
Both women and men need the proper amount of sex hormones for optimal health. Women naturally produce higher amounts of estrogen and progesterone, while men naturally produce more testosterone. When the body’s hormones are balanced, they assist in various physiological functions, including:
- Regulating mood
- Keeping bones strong
- Building and maintaining lean mass
- Distributing fat
- Reducing fat storage
Men and women need the proper amount and balance of hormones to stay healthy and fit. When there is a hormone imbalance, the body is knocked out of homeostasis, and symptoms crop up. Luckily, there is a natural solution that is effective and safe.
What are Progesterone and Estrogen?
The female hormone progesterone has many benefits to the body, including easing anxiety, promoting memory, and helping to prevent the overgrowth of certain types of cells. The prevention of the overgrowth of cells can also help prevent some breast and uterine cancers, as well as endometrial problems. Progesterone also may improve the quality of sleep.
Estrogen has an effect on many functions of the body, including cognitive health, bone health, and the cardiovascular system. There are three main types of estrogen: estradiol, estrone, and estriol (along with many estrogen metabolites). Estrogen enables the ovaries, vagina, breasts, and uterus to function optimally. The levels of estrogen in the woman’s body fluctuate as they complete their cycles.
What is Bioidentical Hormone THERAPY Replacement?
Bioidentical hormone replacement therapy is used for both men and women if their hormone levels become unbalanced or drop. However, the most common use is to ease symptoms of menopause and perimenopause.
Other conditions that can be improved by bioidentical hormone replacement therapy can include:
- Adrenal Fatigue
- Insulin Resistance
- Thyroid Disorders
- Fibromyalgia
- Osteoporosis
- Endometriosis
- Sleep disorders
Bioidentical hormones are hormones that are chemically identical to ones the body naturally produces. They are derived from plant compounds that have the exact molecular structure as those found in the body. Progesterone and estrogen are commonly replicated hormones used in the treatment plan.
There are various forms of delivery of the hormones, including pellets, creams, patches, gels, and injections. Creams and gels are rubbed directly on the skin and then absorbed into the bloodstream, while the pellets are generally placed under the skin. The most common way to administer bioidentical hormone therapy is topically via cream/gel.
Bioidentical Hormone Therapy Benefits
Bioidentical hormone therapy can majorly impact how you feel and function daily. Most of the women and men notice a significant improvement in mood and energy but also an increase in lean muscle mass while reducing fat. With proper diet and exercise, it’s easier to lose weight and keep it off.
With bioidentical hormone therapy, the benefits can be felt as soon as a few days to a few weeks. Peak absorption happens within 4-5 weeks. Hormones are often reassessed within a number of weeks to ensure the proper dosage is being administered. The optimal level generally is reached within 3-4 months.
Disease Prevention with Bioidentical Hormone Therapy
Hormone imbalances may start to occur in men and women as early as their mid-thirties, some even earlier! Bioidentical hormone replacement therapy can improve vitality, energy, and libidio as well as alleviating other symptoms. An effective hormone therapy plan can not only mitigate the uncomfortable symptoms, but also may help reduce the risk of some diseases, such as:
- Cholesterol abnormalities
- Alzheimer’s Disease and dementia
- Type II diabetes
- Cardiovascular Disease
When the body’s hormones are in balance, many of the other systems of the body are as well. It’s important to have lab testing including blood, urine and/or saliva testing done to examine the individual’s levels. With those results, a proper treatment plan can be made.
Are Bioidentical Hormones Safe?
Bioidentical hormones are safe as they bind to the hormone receptor sites just as your natural hormones do, so they reduce the probability of side effects. The type and amount of hormones you need depends on the individual’s hormone health history, symptoms, and lab testing results. As always, it is essential to work with a practitioner trained in bioidentical hormone replacement therapy to ensure treatment is safe and effective.
The largest and most-cited study was a 15-year research study conducted by the National Institutes of Health to address major health issues causing mortality in post-menopausal women. The study found that women given synthetic estrogen (HRT) were more likely to suffer with heart disease factors, including high cholesterol, obesity, diabetes, and high blood pressure. The problem with the study is that the researchers didn’t use bioidentical progesterone and estrogen and instead used synthetic hormones that don’t have the same chemical structure as the ones the body naturally produces.
Call Us Today to Talk BIOIDENTICAL HORMONE THERAPY
If you’ve been suffering with uncomfortable symptoms linked to hormonal imbalances, wait no further. Give us a call today and we can discuss bioidentical therapy in Toronto. We’ll help to get you on the road back to optimal health. We’re happy to help you every step of the way!