Bioidentical Hormones for Men and Women
Hormones play a vital role in the overall health and well-being of both men and women. Unfortunately, as we age, our bodies produce fewer hormones which results in several unpleasant physical and emotional changes.
For women, the natural decline in reproductive hormones, known as peri-menopause, results in symptoms such as hot flashes, night sweats, irritability, anxiety, mood swings, trouble sleeping, weight gain, thinning hair and skin, low energy, and low libido, among other symptoms.
For men, a natural decline in testosterone can cause symptoms such as low energy, loss of motivation, loss of muscle mass, abdominal weight gain, mood changes, loss of libido, erectile dysfunction, and trouble sleeping. Aside from the obvious physical tolls these symptoms take, they can also leave you feeling insecure and affect your relationships with others.
Bioidentical Is Human Identical
Bioidentical means hormones identical in molecular structure to the hormones we produce naturally. Bioidentical hormone replacement therapy (BHRT) is a form of hormone therapy that replaces the hormones our bodies are no longer producing and restores balance.
Dr. Bruice is a board-certified OB/GYN specializing solely in balancing hormones. He has been working with bioidentical hormones in Colorado since 1998. If you are struggling with the emotional and physical effects of unbalanced hormones, Dr. Bruice is here to help. For bioidentical hormone therapy in Denver and Aspen, call (303) 957-6686 or complete the online inquiry form.
The Role Hormones Play in Our Bodies
Hormones are chemical messengers that move through the bloodstream. They play an important role in regulating essential body functions.
There are two main types of hormones: steroid and peptide. Steroid hormones are derived from cholesterol, whereas peptide hormones are made from amino acids like proteins.
Steroid hormones include the sex hormones estradiol, progesterone, and testosterone. These hormones are important for sexual development, fertility, and the maintenance of pregnancy.
Peptide hormones are essential for growth, development, and reproduction. They include the hormones HGH (human growth hormone), prolactin, and oxytocin, as well as the hormones produced by the thyroid and pancreas.
Hormone levels progressively decline in our mid-thirties. An effective way to combat this decline is with bioidentical hormone replacement therapy (BHRT).
What Are Bioidentical Hormones?
Bioidentical hormones are structurally and chemically equal to the hormones made by our endocrine organs. Our bodies cannot tell the difference between bioidentical hormones and naturally produced hormones. That is why they are often referred to as natural hormones.
Bioidentical hormones are safer for your body compared to synthetic, conventional hormone replacement therapy options. Though BHRT is sourced from plants, they are not plant hormones, they are human-identical hormones.
How Does Bioidentical Hormone Replacement Therapy Work?
BHRT treatment reduces symptoms of hormonal imbalance by supplementing the hormones our bodies are no longer producing at adequate levels. Dr.Bruice believes in replacing the hormones in a physiological manner. Estradiol should enter the bloodstream directly, and it should not be swallowed. Oral estradiol creates a first-pass liver effect which lowers free testosterone and increases the risk of blood clots.
Bioidentical hormones pose no medical danger to the body. They offer protective qualities to the heart, breasts, bones, and urogenital tract. BHRT boosts your ability to fight off the signs of aging, improving your quality of life. If you are ready to feel more youthful and energetic, it’s time to talk to Dr. Bruice about hormone replacement therapy in Denver and Aspen.
Bioidentical Hormones vs. Other Hormone Alternatives
Some people think they can get enough human estrogen from eating plant products like soy or yams. But, we do not have the needed enzymes in our bodies to convert plant hormones into human hormones. Consuming these plant-based hormones does not provide the same benefits as BHRT.
Bioidentical hormone therapy is also different from conventional hormone therapy (HRT). Conventional hormone therapy uses synthetic versions of estrogen and progesterone that are not identical in structure to the hormones produced by the human body.
Before it was possible to make hormones in a lab, the easiest way to extricate hormones was from animals. These foreign or synthetic hormones have a completely different composition than human hormones. When these molecules act on human hormone receptors, they do not fit properly, producing an abnormal effect. This can result in side effects such as weight gain, bloating, and headaches.
How Bioidentical Hormones Can Help Women
As women age, the decline in estrogen levels leads to menopause. Menopausal symptoms include:
- Hot flashes
- Night sweats
- Anxiety
- Irritability or mood fluctuations
- Sleep issues: trouble falling asleep, staying asleep, or waking up not feeling rested
- Weight gain or difficulty losing weight
- Fatigue
- Vaginal dryness
- Loss of libido
- Thinning hair and skin
- Mental fog or difficulty concentrating
Positive effects of bioidentical hormone replacement therapy include:
- Relief from hot flashes and night sweats
- Stable and improved moods
- Improved sleep
- Increased energy levels
- Improved vaginal health and sexual function
- Increased libido
- Enhanced bone mineral density
- Healthier skin and hair
- Sharper memory and cognitive function
If left untreated, hormone imbalance can lead to health problems such as osteoporosis, heart disease, dementia, and vaginal atrophy.
How Bioidentical Hormones Can Help Men
As men age, their dehydroepiandrosterone (DHE) and testosterone levels fall. These hormones play a vital role in muscle growth, bone density, red blood cell production, and sex drive.
The drop in these hormone levels can lead to a host of symptoms, commonly referred to as andropause. The most common symptoms of andropause are:
- Fatigue or low energy
- Loss of motivation
- Mood changes
- Loss of libido
- Erectile dysfunction
- Abdominal weight gain
- Loss of muscle mass
- Sleep problems
Positive effects of bioidentical hormone replacement therapy include:
- Improved energy levels
- Increased motivation
- Fat loss and enhanced muscle mass
- Stable and improved moods
- Increased libido and sexual performance
- Improved strength and bone mineral density
- Improved sleep
How the Bioidentical Hormone Replacement Therapy (BHRT) Procedure Works
During your consultation, Dr. Bruice will review your health history and discuss your symptoms. He will order lab tests to determine your baseline hormone levels. The lab panel consists of estradiol, progesterone, total and free testosterone, thyroid level, DHEA, and human growth hormone testing. Within one week of your appointment, you will receive your lab results and suggested treatment plan.
Approximately two months after you are on the hormones, Dr. Bruice will see you for a follow-up appointment to ensure that your symptoms are subsiding, and you will have your blood drawn again to determine how you are absorbing the hormones.
Between appointments, Dr. Bruice is available to all of his patients by email free of charge should you have any questions or concerns regarding your treatment. For every day that Dr. Bruice sees patients, he spends three days analyzing labs, prescribing, and answering questions from his patients.
This customized approach allows Dr. Bruice to tweak your prescriptions based on how you’re feeling. After your two-month follow-up appointment, you will only need to see Dr. Bruice annually or on an as-needed basis.
Insurance
Unfortunately, insurance companies have recently stopped covering treatment expenses for hormone replacement therapy with Dr. Bruice. We can provide you with a Health Insurance Claim Form (HICF) to submit to your insurer for reimbursement or to apply to your out-of-network deductible.
Bioidentical Hormones in Denver
Experience the difference that personalized care makes. Our approach to hormone treatment is different from other providers. We treat more than the lab value; we treat the symptoms using lab values as a guide. Our ultimate goal is to eliminate uncomfortable symptoms so you can feel your best.
See the best hormone doctor in Denver if you are struggling with the physical and emotional symptoms of hormone imbalance. Dr. Bruice will create a customized treatment plan for your specific needs. Take the first step to feeling comfortable and confident; schedule a consultation today! Call (303) 957-6686 or complete the online inquiry form.
FAQs
What are the signs that you need hormone replacement therapy?
The most common signs of hormone imbalance are:
- Hot flashes
- Night sweats
- Anxiety
- Irritability or mood fluctuations
- Sleep issues: trouble falling asleep, staying asleep, or waking up not feeling rested
- Weight gain or difficulty losing weight
- Fatigue or low energy levels
- Vaginal dryness or atrophy
- Loss of libido
- Thinning hair and skin
- Brain fog or difficulty concentrating
How long does it take to adjust to bioidentical hormones?
You will see an improvement in some symptoms (hot flashes, night sweats, sleep, moods, vaginal dryness) within three weeks, whereas other symptoms (weight gain, libido, hair and skin, mental fog) may take a number of months before you see an improvement.
Do bioidentical hormones help with belly fat?
Bioidentical testosterone helps to burn body fat. Thyroid hormones increase metabolism. Sermorelin and Ipamorelin increase human growth hormone (HGH) levels. HGH burns belly fat as a fuel source for the body. The most effective prescription for burning body fat is Semaglutide.
What are the benefits of bioidentical hormone therapy?
The benefits of BHRT vary from person to person but may include increased energy levels and libido, improved mental clarity, better sleep, and reduced anxiety and depression.
Is bioidentical hormone therapy safe?
Yes, BHRT is safe when used as directed by a qualified medical doctor. As with any medication, there are potential side effects associated with hormone therapy, such as uterine bleeding, bloating, and breast tenderness. Dr. Bruice will discuss any possible side effects during your consultation.