Bioidentical Hormones replacement Springfield, IL - Human Antiaging Center

What are Bioidentical Hormones?

Bioidentical hormones are identical in molecular structure to the hormones naturally produced in the human body. They are derived from plant sources and custom-compounded for each patient based on their specific hormone levels and needs. Unlike synthetic hormones, bioidenticals are biochemically equivalent to our endogenous hormones, allowing them to bind to hormone receptors and mimic the function of the body's own hormones.

Some of the most commonly prescribed bioidentical hormones include:

• Estrogen - helps regulate female sexual development and reproductive function. Bioidentical estradiol and estriol are used for hormone replacement therapy (HRT).
• Progesterone - plays a key role in the menstrual cycle and pregnancy. Bioidentical progesterone creams help restore normal hormone balance.
• Testosterone - vital for male sexual and reproductive function. Bioidentical testosterone is used to treat Low T and symptoms like low libido, erectile dysfunction, and loss of muscle mass.
• Thyroid hormone (T3, T4) - regulates metabolism, growth, development. Bioidentical thyroid hormones treat hypothyroidism and related conditions.
• Melatonin - regulates sleep-wake cycles. Bioidentical melatonin supplements help with insomnia and sleep disorders.

Benefits of Bioidentical HRT

Bioidentical hormone replacement therapy (BHRT) offers numerous benefits for both women and men suffering from age-related or post-menopausal hormone decline:

• Relieves symptoms of menopause and andropause - hot flashes, night sweats, vaginal dryness, irritability, anxiety, depression, erectile dysfunction.
• Restores energy levels, sexual function and libido. Improves physical endurance and ability to gain muscle mass.
• Helps maintain bone density, reducing risk of osteoporosis.
• Reduces risk of age-related diseases - heart disease, diabetes, cognitive decline.
• Slows skin aging and promotes youthful skin elasticity. Improves skin texture, reduces wrinkles.
• Enhances mood and emotional well-being. Relieves anxiety, brain fog, and difficulty concentrating.
• Regulates sleep, leading to deeper, more restorative sleep.
• Helps achieve ideal body composition - losing excess body fat while maintaining muscle mass.

In short, properly balanced bioidentical hormones can help both women and men feel healthier, more energetic and youthful well into old age.

Diagnosing Hormone Imbalance

The first step is to get tested for any hormone deficiencies or imbalances. This involves blood and/or saliva testing of key hormones:

• Estradiol, progesterone - for women
• Testosterone, DHEA - for men
• Thyroid hormones T3, T4 - for both

Based on test results, a customized bioidentical hormone therapy plan can be created to restore optimal hormone levels. Follow-up testing is done regularly to monitor progress and make dosage adjustments if needed.

It's crucial to have testing and therapy supervised by a physician specializing in hormone replacement, such as our practitioners at Human Antiaging Center clinic. Self-medicating with bioidenticals can be dangerous, so work with an expert.

Bioidentical HRT Methods and Delivery Systems

There are different methods and delivery systems used for bioidentical hormone replacement:

• Oral - capsules, tablets, sublingual drops/troches. Easy to use but hormones may be metabolized too quickly.
• Transdermal - gels, creams, patches worn on wrists or abdomen. Steady absorption, optimal for estrogen, testosterone.
• Injections - intramuscular shots of testosterone, estrogen or progesterone. Allows precise dosage control.
• Vaginal - creams, suppositories, tablets for conditions like vaginal dryness and atrophy. Localized treatment.
• Subcutaneous implants - small implants placed under the skin that dissolve gradually over months. Steady, hands-off dosing.

The method chosen will depend on patient preferences, required hormones, and achieving optimal blood levels. Our experienced physicians at Human Antiaging Center will determine the best bioidentical hormone therapy tailored for you.

Lifestyle and Nutrition Recommendations

Along with bioidentical HRT, making positive lifestyle changes can further help relieve hormone deficiency symptoms:

• Follow a nutritious diet focusing on lean proteins, healthy fats, vegetables, fruits. Avoid excess carbs, sugar, junk foods.
• Engage in regular exercise - cardio, strength training, mobility workouts. This helps build muscle, improve body composition as metabolic rate increases.
• Reduce stress, practice relaxation techniques - deep breathing, yoga, meditation. High cortisol exacerbates hormone imbalance.
• Get quality sleep of 7-9 hours per night. Lack of sleep disrupts endocrine function.
• Take targeted nutraceuticals like magnesium, zinc, vitamin D3, DHEA which support healthy hormone levels.
• Limit alcohol intake which can impede hormone production. Quit smoking which causes oxidative stress.

With proper testing, diagnosis, treatment protocol and healthy lifestyle habits, bioidentical hormone replacement therapy can truly help men and women thrive through their 40s, 50s, 60s and beyond. Contact Human Antiaging Center today to see how we can optimize your hormone health on an ongoing basis.