Bioidentical hormones are identical in molecular structure to the hormones produced naturally in the human body. As we age, our hormone levels decline causing unpleasant symptoms. Replacing these declining hormones with bioidentical versions can help eliminate deficiency symptoms and improve quality of life.
Some key points about bioidentical hormones:
Taking bioidentical hormones under medical supervision can safely and effectively treat hormone deficiencies.
There are several key hormones that are commonly replaced with bioidentical versions as we age. These include:
Declining estrogen levels in women causes issues like hot flashes, vaginal dryness, increased anxiety, fatigue and more. Bioidentical estrogen helps restore hormonal balance relieving these symptoms.
Progesterone plays a vital role in women's health. Supplementing with bioidentical progesterone supports functions like mensuration, fertility, mood, sleep quality, bone health and more.
Testosterone levels peak in early adulthood then slowly decline. Low testosterone in both men and women causes issues like low libido, erectile dysfunction, depression, weight gain, and loss of muscle mass.
Thyroid issues become more common with age. Low thyroid function causes fatigue, weight gain, dry skin, hair loss, feeling cold, and mood disturbances. Optimizing thyroid hormone levels alleviates these symptoms.
Hormone Harmony specializes in customized bioidentical hormone replacement tailored to your unique needs.
Bioidentical hormone replacement therapy provides many evidenced-based benefits:
The root cause of unpleasant menopause symptoms is hormone imbalance. Bioidentical estrogens and progesterone help restore balance reducing issues like:
In men, boosting testosterone alleviates:
Optimizing thyroid levels treats ongoing fatigue, stubborn weight gain, dry skin and hair, and mood disturbances.
Hormone Harmony specializes in relieving hormone deficiency symptoms for improved wellbeing.
Bioidentical hormones play important protective roles in women's health. Estrogen supports heart health and strengthens bones preventing issues like osteoporosis. Starting HRT early optimizes these protective effects.
Progesterone is also cardioprotective - balancing estrogen's effects on the cardiovascular system.
There are important connections between sex hormones and cognitive functions like memory and verbal skills.
Optimizing hormone levels, especially estrogen, helps support ongoing cognitive health and reduces Alzheimer's disease risk.
Vaginal dryness, painful sex, urinary issues, and recurrent UTIs significantly reduce quality of life.
Bioidentical estrogens are highly effective for treating genitourinary issues - restoring tissue integrity and lubrication.
Age-related testosterone and estrogen decline reduces sex drive and satisfaction in both men and women.
Many patients report significantly improved libido and sexual satisfaction on HRT - restoring intimacy and relationship satisfaction.
Imbalanced estrogen and testosterone levels cause increased anxiety and depression for many.
HRT aimed at restoring hormonal balance improves mood, reduces anxiety, and enhances overall mental wellbeing.
There are complex interactions between sex hormones and metabolic factors like body fat distribution and insulin sensitivity.
Optimizing hormone levels helps support a healthy metabolism - preventing weight gain and reducing diabetes risk.
The bothersome symptoms caused by hormone imbalance significantly reduce enjoyment of life for many as they age. Restoring balance improves energy, mood, cognitive function, relationships and an overall sense of wellbeing.
Most patients report greatly improved quality of life in many areas with properly managed HRT.
Like any medical therapy, there are some risks associated with bioidentical HRT that should be carefully considered:
Estrogen therapy slightly increases the risk of blood clots in some individuals. Managing this risk requires carefully evaluating patient histories and selecting the lowest effective doses.
Progestogens may also heighten this risk somewhat so combined therapy requires close medical supervision.
At Hormone Harmony your clotting risk is thoroughly evaluated and the safest regimens implemented to ensure minimal risks.
There has been concern that estrogen HRT could increase breast cancer risk. However, evidence now shows this is likely only an issue with synthetic hormone use not bioidentical therapy.
Carefully managed bioidentical HRT does not appear to increase breast cancer risk and may even have a protective effect according to recent research.
Testosterone therapy has demonstrated prostate safety in multiple studies with no increased cancer risk shown.
HRT should be avoided in some patients - those with severe liver conditions, uncontrolled high blood pressure, clotting disorders, uncontrolled diabetes, and certain hormone sensitive cancers.
That is why every HRT patient undergoes advanced testing at Hormone Harmony to rule out any underlying health issues prior to starting therapy.
Like any medical therapy, continuing care and oversight is crucial on HRT. Follow up testing helps ensure optimal dosing to avoid side effects and monitor for potential issues should they arise.
At Hormone Harmony, every patient works directly with experienced clinicians providing ongoing care fine-tuned to your unique physiology and changing needs over time.
Since hormone declines slowly over many years, deficiency symptoms also emerge gradually. Patients often suffer for extended periods before seeking help.
Identifying and promptly treating hormone deficiencies is crucial for protecting long term health and quality of life.
While symptoms provide clues, objective blood testing conducted at specific times is essential for accurate diagnosis. Required tests depend on sex and include:
Thyroid testing is also important for men - TSH, free T4 and free T3.
Once past menopause, women no longer cycle or ovulate so hormone testing is simpler:
Hormone Harmony offers state-of-the-art sex hormone testing with fast, convenient results to identify hormone deficiencies early.
Bioidentical hormones are not always safer or more effective than synthetic hormones for menopausal symptoms. Large, long-term studies are still needed to fully understand the risks and benefits of bioidentical hormones compared to traditional hormone therapy.
Every Hormone Harmony patient receives fully customized therapy tailored to their unique physiology and lifestyle. We never take a "one size fits all" approach to HRT.
After analyzing your test results and medical history, your clinician will design an individualized regimen just for you. We carefully select the best delivery methods and dosage forms while considering your preferences.
You'll also receive lifestyle recommendations personalized for optimizing your hormone therapy results and long term wellness. We may suggest dietary changes, targeted nutraceuticals, stress-reducing activities or other interventions aligned to your needs and goals.
Ongoing monitoring ensures your therapy remains optimized over months and years as your needs change during aging. We adjust protocols when necessary based on follow up testing.
At Hormone Harmony, your HRT journey is a collaborative partnership between you and your clinician, uniquely tailored for safety and efficacy throughout the aging process.
As a top Victoria hormone therapy clinic, Hormone Harmony adheres to strict protocols ensuring patient safety and consistent clinical excellence.
Our clinicians possess advanced training in endocrinology, functional and regenerative medicine surpassing national competency standards. Ongoing professional development keeps skills current.
You directly collaborate long term with your personal clinician instead of briefly seeing different providers. This fosters an in-depth partnership supporting your evolving needs.
We thoroughly research the latest medical evidence before implementing new therapies. You can trust treatments are grounded in published research not conjecture or financial incentives.
We utilize top-tier diagnostics labs like ZRT for hormone testing. Samples are easily collected at home then couriered to the lab. Results are conveniently accessible via secure online portal.
Unlike most clinics that lack resources for follow up, we monitor your treatment progress with appropriate retesting. This minimizes risks and proves therapy efficacy.
Your clinician facilitates specialist referrals andcoordinates care with your other healthcare providers when helpful. We function as experts within your health network.
At Hormone Harmony, every service and protocol focuses on delivering exceptional individualized care that adheres to top clinical guidelines and patient safety standards.
Conveniently located in Victoria, Hormone Harmony offers a discreet, welcoming environment perfect for discussing sensitive health issues.
Visits take place in comfortable private offices allowing ample time for asking questions. You also have direct access to your clinician outside visits via secure messaging, text or telephone.
We facilitate orders from high quality compounded pharmacies with reliable prompt delivery across Vancouver Island. Or pick up your prescriptions locally in Victoria.
As a Victoria based clinic focusing exclusively on hormone therapies, Hormone Harmony provides personalized service tailored the needs of local residents.
Victoria's temperate climate helps make bioidentical hormone therapy more comfortable than elsewhere in Canada. Our milder winters reduce harsh weather triggered symptoms like joint pain or low mood. Summers here lack the intensity causing symptoms in extremely hot or humid environments.
Abundant greenery and lush gardens provide tranquil backdrops during therapeutic neighborhood strolls. meandering along the lovely coastline and breathing fresh ocean air boosts relaxation while clearing mental fatigue.
Victoria's famously pleasant climate and gardens foster overall wellness while keeping deficiency symptoms at bay.
We help patients optimize results from their hormone therapy by making lifestyle changes that reduce stress and promote healing. Victoria offers abundant resources we frequently recommend to support your HRT journey:
Lab Testing
Fitness & Activities
Healthy Dining
We help connect patients to Victoria's many exceptional resources supporting overall mind-body wellness during HRT.
This promotional material gave a helpful overview about bioidentical hormone replacement therapy and how Hormone Harmony can help people in Victoria struggling with age related hormone decline. Reach out today to see if our services might be right for improving your health, wellbeing and quality of life.
