Hormones like estrogen, progesterone, testosterone, and DHEA play a crucial role in our health and wellbeing. As we age or due to medical conditions, we may develop a hormone imbalance or outright hormone deficiency causing unpleasant symptoms:
If left untreated, hormone imbalances can negatively impact one's quality of life and lead to issues like osteoporosis or heart disease down the road.
Bioidentical hormone replacement therapy (BHRT) can help restore optimal hormone levels, greatly alleviating these symptoms and promoting better long term health. With a customized prescription for hormones matched to your body's needs, many patients feel like they are 10-15 years younger within a few months of starting therapy!
Bioidentical hormones are man-made formulations that are structurally identical to the hormones naturally produced in men and women. That means a woman undergoing treatment with a prescription estradiol cream is receiving the exact same molecule her ovaries once produced.
This is in contrast to non-bioidentical versions such as Premarin (derived from pregnant horse urine) that can produce unwanted side effects and don't match human physiology. Common bioidentical hormone medications prescribed include:
Made from plants and customized to the patient's needs, properly prescribed and monitored bioidentical hormone therapy provides the gold standard for safety and efficacy.
The first step is having hormone levels tested, usually by a blood draw. Based on the test results and clinical signs/symptoms, Elite Hormone Therapy physicians can determine if and where a deficiency exists.
We check levels of key hormones like estradiol, progesterone and testosterone as well as FSH, TSH, cortisol and Vitamin D. These assessments allow our practitioners to design a personalized prescription hormone regimen to bring the patient back into balance.
Follow up tests are ordered periodically to ensure proper dosing and monitor patient progress on their treatment plan. In Oakland, we recommend testing labs including Local Lab Oakland and Direct Labs.
Once a customized prescription is written, there are a few routes the bioidentical hormones can be administered:
Capsules, liquids, sublinguals Better for progesterone Works well when stable dose reached
Inserted under skin by doctor Release hormones steadily 24/7 Only replace every 4-6 months
Injection into fat/muscle Higher doses possible Frequency can range weekly to quarterly
We educate patients on all options so they can decide what fits their lifestyle best. The goal is keeping hormones steady around the clock, which often involves a multi-modal approach.
Success with bioidentical HRT also requires looking at lifestyle factors that could undermine treatment:
Our doctors discuss diet, movement, and behavior changes that can help get the most out of therapy. Relaxing locations in Oakland like Lake Merritt, Redwood Park, and the Buddhist Temple can provide refuge from everyday stresses.
We also partner with mental health providers to address emotional issues that arise around aging, changing bodies, and transitioning into this new phase of vitality with hormone replacement.
Bioidentical hormones are not necessarily safer or more effective than synthetic hormones for menopausal symptoms. Large, long-term studies comparing health outcomes of bioidenticals versus synthetics are still needed to determine if one is superior.
Navigating hormone replacement therapy involves complex physiology and can have real risks if not managed properly. Elite Hormone Therapy physicians have over 15 years specialized training and experience in age management medicine, functional and regenerative therapies.
What sets Elite Hormone Therapy apart is our:
Our outstanding providers (NP, PA, MD) are leaders in the field of age management and anti-aging medicine. We incorporate the latest medical research with a functional medicine model that addresses root causes of illness.
In sum - restoring hormone balance with bioidentical hormone replacement therapy can profoundly improve symptoms that accompany menopause, andropause or thyroid issues - enhancing quality of life and long term health.
Elite Hormone Therapy offers cutting edge testing, bioidentical prescriptions, ongoing monitoring and holistic protocols designed to help patients feel and function at their peak, resistant to disease and infused with energy.
If you're experiencing hot flashes, low libido, anxiety, brain fog or other hormone-related problems, we encourage you to set up a consultation today at our welcoming Oakland clinic and discover solutions tailored specifically for you.
