Hormone replacement therapy (HRT) involves using medications containing hormones to supplement low hormone levels in the body. It can provide relief from unpleasant symptoms caused by hormonal imbalance and improve overall health and well-being.
HRT is prescribed when the body is unable to produce adequate amounts of key hormones due to medical conditions, menopause, or aging. The most commonly replaced hormones are estrogen, progesterone, testosterone, and thyroid hormones.
At Balance Wellness Clinic in Bloomfield Hills, Michigan, we specialize in customized HRT utilizing bioidentical hormones - hormones that are molecularly identical to those produced by the human body. Our experienced hormone specialists tailor HRT regimens to your unique needs and health goals.
The first step is diagnosing any hormonal deficiencies through blood tests and evaluating symptoms. Based on the test results and medical examination, our hormone doctors can determine optimal hormone levels for you.
We check the levels of key hormones like estradiol, progesterone, testosterone, DHEA, thyroid hormones T3 and T4, as well as FSH, LH, and cortisol. Deficiencies in any of these hormones can cause debilitating symptoms.
Symptoms indicating potential hormone imbalance:
Timely treatment of hormone deficiencies can prevent the development of more serious conditions like osteoporosis, heart disease, or diabetes down the road.
Bioidentical hormone therapy provides hormones identical to natural hormones produced by the body. It is a safer and more effective option than non-bioidentical synthetic hormones.
Some advantages of bioidentical HRT:
For women, bioidentical estradiol and progesterone can provide safe relief from menopause symptoms without increasing health risks.
For men, boosting deficient testosterone levels can reverse symptoms of andropause, improve strength and stamina, and restore a youthful sense of vitality.
There are multiple options for administering bioidentical hormones:
Our specialists will determine the optimal delivery method for your treatment goals. The regimen can be adjusted over time if needed.
Declining estrogen levels in women due to menopause or ovary removal cause the most bothersome symptoms like hot flashes, vaginal dryness, and disrupted sleep.
Estrogen replacement therapy can provide immediate relief by restoring estrogen to optimal levels. It also has long-term benefits for bone and heart health.
The most biologically identical, well-absorbed form of estrogen is estradiol. We offer estradiol capsules, creams, gels, and patches.
Estrogen is usually combined with progesterone, as taking estrogen alone can increase the risk of uterine cancer. Women who have had hysterectomies don't need progesterone.
It's important to periodically monitor your estrogen levels through blood tests to ensure you are receiving the proper amount.
Aim for estradiol levels between 50-250 pg/mL, depending on the stage of menopause. Higher doses are used at the beginning of treatment to control severe hot flashes. We can slowly taper down the estradiol dose after menopause symptoms subside.
Too much estrogen can potentially increase the risk of blood clots or uterine cancer. Our experienced hormone doctors will ensure your estrogen levels are optimized for your safety and well-being.
Progesterone is critical for balancing the effects of estrogen. It helps regulate menstrual cycles and stabilize the uterine lining.
Declining progesterone production along with estrogen during menopause can cause symptoms such as:
Progesterone cream or capsules can restore optimal levels, relieving these symptoms and protecting uterine health when combined with estrogen.
Micronized progesterone derived from plant sources is bioidentical to the body's own progesterone. We provide both oral and transdermal options.
Levels should be tested regularly and maintained between 2-25 ng/mL long-term. Higher short-term doses may be prescribed to induce menstruation or shed the uterine lining.
Our integrative approach combines progesterone therapy with diet, exercise, and stress management for best results.
Testosterone is crucial for physical and mental health in both men and women. Low testosterone levels cause symptoms such as:
Testosterone replacement therapy can effectively alleviate low testosterone symptoms and promote vitality as we age.
For men, we prescribe bioidentical testosterone creams, gels, pellets, or injections to boost levels based on symptoms and blood tests.
Ideal testosterone levels for men: 500-700 ng/dL.
For women, we use ultra-low dose testosterone capsules or creams to enhance libido, energy levels, and cognitive function while avoiding masculinizing effects.
Ideal testosterone levels for women: 30-70 ng/dL.
Monitoring blood levels is important to find the optimal dosage and avoid any potential side effects. Our experienced hormone doctors will work with you to continually optimize your testosterone therapy.
The thyroid gland produces T3 and T4 hormones that regulate metabolism. Low levels cause debilitating symptoms:
A simple TSH blood test can identify low thyroid function or hypothyroidism. However, TSH levels may appear normal even with low T3/T4 levels.
For this reason, we test free T3, free T4, as well as TSH for accurate diagnosis.
Thyroid hormone replacement is prescribed to restore optimal T3/T4 levels and relieve hypothyroidism symptoms.
Levothyroxine is typically the first line treatment, with additional T3 provided as needed. We offer both synthetic and natural desiccated thyroid options.
Levels are monitored to determine the proper thyroid hormone dosage, which can take some time to optimize. Lifestyle changes like stress reduction and an anti-inflammatory diet also support thyroid function.
Stress hormones released by the adrenal glands, like cortisol and DHEA, also decline with age and chronic stress, causing:
Testing DHEA-S and cortisol levels can reveal adrenal hormone deficiencies.
DHEA capsules or sublingual drops can boost low levels to improve energy, mood, and mental clarity.
For low cortisol, we offer hydrocortisone tablets to take in the morning and early afternoon when cortisol levels are naturally highest.
Lifestyle changes like stress management, diet, exercise, and high-quality sleep also support healthier adrenal function long-term.
While hormone replacement therapy alleviates deficiency symptoms, we also provide lifestyle guidance to help maximize your results:
Nutrition: An anti-inflammatory diet high in fruits, vegetables, lean proteins, nuts and seeds, whole grains, and omega-3s supports hormone health. Limit sugars, refined carbs, and industrial seed oils.
Exercise: 150 minutes per week of moderate cardio and two strength training sessions maintain fitness and ideal weight as we age. Yoga and pilates are also beneficial.
Stress management: Daily relaxation practices like meditation, deep breathing, sauna, massage, or nature exposure activate the parasympathetic nervous system to counteract chronic stress.
Sleep hygiene: Prioritize 7-9 hours nightly, avoid screens before bed, establish a calming pre-bedtime routine to support restorative sleep.
Social connection: Nurture supportive relationships and do activities you find meaningful and fulfilling. Loneliness and isolation negatively impact health.
Our providers offer personalized lifestyle guidance alongside HRT to help you feel your best.
Optimizing hormones in men provides benefits beyond relieving deficiencies.
Testosterone therapy has been shown to:
By restoring testosterone levels in men to an optimal range, symptoms of andropause fade while energy, mental sharpness, and masculine vitality all improve.
Lifestyle changes that support healthy testosterone levels are also recommended - strength training, stress management, proper sleep, and nutrition.
Optimizing hormone balance with replacement therapy has been shown to slow various aging processes in the body and support longevity.
Benefits include:
By maintaining the ideal levels of key hormones throughout life, we can enjoy vibrant health and an active lifestyle well into our later years.
Lifestyle habits like a healthy diet, regular exercise, stress management, and quality sleep maximize the anti-aging benefits of HRT.
Many patients are thrilled by the positive changes they experience when their hormones are returned to optimal levels. Here are a few examples:
Sandra: "I was lethargic and irritable in perimenopause. Since starting on bioidentical estrogen/progesterone and testosterone, it's like I got my old self back - energetic, strong, and balanced. I feel 10 years younger!"
Michael: "My energy was declining, and I was putting on weight and losing muscle mass. Restoring my testosterone levels reversed all those issues. I feel more motivated, sharper mentally, and I'm back at peak fitness levels for my age."
Emily: "The hot flashes were really disrupting my sleep, and my skin was dry and thinning. Estrogen/progesterone therapy stopped the hot flashes quickly and improved all my other menopause symptoms. My quality of life is so much better now."
David: "I was depressed, tired, and irritable with no interest in sex. Testosterone replacement therapy changed everything. My mood, energy, and sex drive are all back to normal, and I feel like myself again."
These and countless other patients report overwhelmingly positive anti-aging and quality of life benefits from optimizing their hormones under expert supervision.
At Balance Wellness Clinic in Bloomfield Hills, Michigan, our experienced hormone doctors specialize in precision bioidentical hormone replacement therapy for women and men.
We take an integrative approach, addressing lifestyle factors like diet, exercise, stress levels, and sleep patterns in addition to prescribing HRT.
Each HRT regimen is fully customized based on your hormone blood tests, medical history, genetic factors, symptoms, and health goals.
Treatment plans can include:
We partner closely with each patient to ensure HRT is optimally balanced for peak benefits and safety.
You'll feel well-supported throughout your treatment journey with our caring, compassionate approach.
Don't continue suffering from hormonal imbalance. Our proven programs can help you thrive as you age.
Schedule a consultation today with one of our knowledgeable hormone specialists to start your path to better health and well-being.
Hormone replacement therapy with bioidentical hormones can be a life-changing treatment for individuals suffering from hormonal imbalances. By restoring optimal hormone levels, HRT can alleviate a wide range of debilitating symptoms, improve overall health and well-being, and support longevity and healthy aging.
At Balance Wellness Clinic, we take a personalized and comprehensive approach to HRT, ensuring that each patient receives a customized treatment plan tailored to their unique needs and goals. Our experienced hormone doctors, combined with our integrative approach that addresses lifestyle factors, provide a holistic and effective solution for achieving hormonal balance.
If you are experiencing symptoms of hormonal imbalance, we encourage you to schedule a consultation with one of our knowledgeable hormone specialists. Our proven programs can help you thrive as you age, restoring your vitality, energy, and overall quality of life.
