Hormone levels naturally decline with age, and this can lead to troublesome signs and symptoms that negatively impact quality of life. However, through bioidentical hormone replacement therapy (BHRT), tailored hormone dosages can effectively alleviate deficiency issues.
At Vitality Renewal Clinic in Alexandria, our goal is to help patients regain wellness through expert BHRT protocols from our specialized medical team. We strive to make treatment straightforward and affordable. This article will provide key information about what bioidentical hormones are, why testing and treatment are crucial for deficiency, and how our clinic can help patients in the Alexandria area restore balance.
Bioidentical hormones are man-made formulations that are structurally identical to the hormones naturally made and released by the human body. This includes key hormones like:
These messenger molecules coordinate various processes from metabolism and reproduction to cognition and much more. As we age, production declines leading to potentially disruptive symptoms.
BHRT utilizes lab-created bioidentical compounds to return levels to an optimal range based on the individual. This restores harmony and alleviates issues related to menopause, andropause and thyroid disorders.
Deficiency can onset gradually, so many people endure symptoms for years before seeking help. However, the longer hormone levels remain sub-optimal, the higher the risk for:
In addition, data reveals that certain cancers and heart disease may be more likely with unaddressed hormone imbalance.
Therefore, testing and timely treatment are key. We specialize in comprehensive panels and analysis to uncover deficiencies early as well as create fully personalized regimens to resolve them.
With well over 20 years focused exclusively on hormone therapies, Vitality Renewal Clinic offers exceptional testing capabilities and tailored treatment plans.
Our clinic is directed under Dr. Jane Wells, a board certified OBGYN and leader in the field of age-related hormone optimization and restoration. With additional certified practitioners on staff, our providers stay current on the latest advancements in testing and bioidentical compounds.
We also collaborate with regional specialists including endocrinologists, urologists and cardiologists to ensure whole person care.
We utilize advanced testing techniques that uncover subtle shifts in key hormones well before major issues arise. This includes:
Analysis of biomarkers and genetics allows us to create truly customized plans to resolve imbalances. We also provide follow-up testing to ensure optimal levels are maintained long-term.
With an emphasis on education and collaboration with the patient, our practitioners build fully personalized regiments utilizing bioidentical hormones via:
We also provide nutrition and lifestyle guidance as well as oversight of adjunctive therapies like testosterone restoration for men and thyroid support.
Most importantly, we listen and modify approaches until optimal balance and wellness are restored. We've seen remarkable improvements in energy, sleep, sexual health, emotional health and much more.
For women, declining reproductive hormones like estrogen and progesterone are behind many unpleasant perimenopause and menopause symptoms. However, BHRT can successfully ease issues.
Perimenopause is the transitional phase leading up to menopause typically lasting up to a decade. As ovulation becomes irregular, estrogen and progesterone levels fluctuate often wildly. Menopause marks one year without ovulation.
Common issues stemming from reproductive hormone changes include:
Over the long-term, declining estrogen is also tied to accelerated skin aging, bone loss leading to osteoporosis, and increased heart disease risk factors like higher LDL and triglycerides.
Because of the fluctuating nature of perimenopause, testing is vital for uncovering deficiencies and guiding treatment. Vitality Renewal Clinic utilizes advanced dried urine tests which provide a complete reproductive hormone panel including:
Values are compared against optimal ranges broken down by phase (follicular, ovulatory and luteal). This allows precise balancing.
Based on test findings, we craft regiments utilizing bioidentical estradiol and natural progesterone matched to the menstrual cycle if still occurring. This alleviates acute symptoms while also providing key long-term protective effects.
Results are often profound including elimination of hot flashes/night sweats, renewed energy, better mood, easier weight management, increased lubrication, reduced PMS and much more. Quality of life dramatically improves.
We also support bone, heart and brain health through nutrition, lifestyle approaches and wellness monitoring. Our goal is helping patients thrive through all phases of life.
In men, declining testosterone or “low T” leads to troublesome symptoms that should not be accepted as an inevitable part of aging. However, accurately diagnosing and properly treating deficiency can restore much better health.
Andropause refers to age-related testosterone deficiency in men. Beginning at age 30, levels fall roughly 1-3% annually. Low-normal and deficient ranges negatively impact function and wellbeing.
Symptoms are wide-ranging and may include:
Connected long-term risks also rise significantly like diabetes, cardiovascular disease and earlier mortality.
Testing is vital to properly diagnosing “low T” which requires both signs/symptoms along with confirming bloodwork.
We utilize advanced LC/MS-MS testing which provides a complete male panel including:
Diurnal variation is also accounted for through both early morning and late afternoon blood draws to ensure accuracy.
For men with well-documented deficiency, we offer thorough testosterone restoration options including weekly injections, daily transdermal gels and subcutaneous pellet implants lasting 3-6 months.
Follow-up testing ensures levels are optimized, not just normal. And we carefully monitor for potential side effects.
Results are very positive with most men reporting increased energy, libido and erectile quality, easier fat loss and lean muscle gains from exercise, better mood and cognition and reduced disease risk factors. It is extremely rewarding to see low T patients get back to thriving again.
Bioidentical hormones are not necessarily safer or more effective than synthetic hormones for treating menopausal symptoms. Although marketed as "natural," the risks and benefits of bioidentical hormones are still being researched.
The thyroid gland produces key metabolic hormones T4 and T3 which regulate processes like fat burning, body temperature and much more. When levels decline and become imbalanced, numerous unpleasant signs and symptoms can result. Proper testing and bioidentical thyroid supplementation is key to resolving deficiency.
Hypothyroidism means underactive function resulting in lower T3 and T4 levels. In contrast, hyperthyroidism refers to an overactive gland increasing thyroid hormones. Imbalance in either direction causes problems.
Hypothyroidism can cause symptoms like:
Hyperthyroidism typically results in anxiety/agitation, heart palpitations, excess sweating, insomnia and unintentional weight loss.
Many providers rely solely on TSH to evaluate thyroid function. However, this pituitary hormone does not show actual circulating free T3 and free T4 levels which is crucial.
We run complete panels including:
Genetic testing related to detoxification issues and medication metabolism provides insight on supplementation options as well.
For low thyroid function, we utilize bioidentical T4/T3 combination medication at the exact dosing to resolve symptoms without overstimulating. This brings metabolism back into balance, increases energy, relieves mood concerns and restores thyroid function.
For those with hyperthyroidism, various therapies help calm thyroid activity and reduce levels back to an optimal range. Ongoing monitoring ensures treatment effectiveness.
Bioidentical HRT works best alongside key lifestyle measures for both men and women. We provide guidance to help patients achieve the greatest wellness results.
Following a Mediterranean style anti-inflammatory diet high in healthy fats like olive oil and avocado makes hormones like testosterone and thyroid hormones work more efficiently. Limiting excess carbs and incorporating smart supplement choices also helps balance function.
We offer cutting-edge testing like blood chemistry, micronutrient and GI microbiome panels to provide precise nutrition guidance during therapy.
Hormonal changes increase cortisol and may exacerbate anxiety, depression or emotional blunting. We help patients identify mindset adjustments while also providing medications or nutraceuticals when beneficial. These support optimal mental wellness during treatment.
Quality sleep is when the body produces key hormones, detoxifies and restores health. We identify strategies from better sleep hygiene habits to medications if required to enable patients to achieve restorative sleep.
With a mild climate much of the year, Alexandria offers inviting areas to walk and enjoy fresh air including Huntley Meadows and Green Springs park with over 1500 acres combined to explore. Visitors also enjoy strolling the shops and restaurants located in historic Old Town Alexandria as well.
For exercise, there are many high quality training gyms and boutique fitness studios available throughout including:
Health testing is convenient Alexandria as well at locations like Quest Diagnostics which offers direct access lab testing with no doctor orders required.
For relaxation, there are wonderful spas in Alexandria like Spa Shiki featuring therapeutic massage, facials and body treatments for rejuvenation.
Vitality Renewal Clinic also provides allied care coordination with specialists regarding cardiovascular, bone, metabolism and wellness support to ensure comprehensive healing during hormone therapy.
In Conclusion
We hope this article clarifies the vital role of key hormones for wellness as well as the restoration power of properly dosed bioidentical hormone replacement therapy (BHRT). Through advanced testing and truly tailored protocols, Vitality Renewal Clinic has helped thousands of Alexandria area patients resolve deficiency and dramatically improve their quality of life.
If you are struggling with troubling symptoms related to hormone imbalance, contact our office today to see if BHRT is right for you. Here our caring medical providers can uncover underlying issues and real solutions so you can get back to truly thriving again!
