Bioidentical hormones are identical in molecular structure to the hormones naturally produced in the human body. As we age or due to medical conditions, our hormone levels can become deficient, leading to unpleasant symptoms. Replacing deficient hormones with bioidentical versions helps restore optimal balance and relieve issues caused by the deficiency.
Bioidentical hormones used for therapy include estrogen, progesterone, testosterone, DHEA, melatonin, and thyroid hormones. They are plant-derived or custom-compounded in a lab to be as close as possible to our natural hormones.
Getting hormone level testing is important to determine if hormone therapy could help resolve deficiency symptoms. Blood, saliva or urine samples may be used.
The most commonly tested hormones are:
Estrogen deficiency causes hot flashes, vaginal dryness, trouble sleeping, mood changes, bone loss and heart issues in women. Testing estradiol and estrone levels can indicate if estrogen therapy is recommended.
Progesterone works with estrogen to regulate the menstrual cycle and support pregnancy in women. Low levels lead to irregular periods, infertility, and menopause symptoms. Testing progesterone alongside estrogen provides the full picture.
In both sexes, testosterone governs sex drive, energy, bone strength, and muscle mass. Low testosterone leads to fatigue, loss of stamina, low libido, erectile dysfunction, reduced strength and mood issues. Checking total and free testosterone levels can indicate if testosterone therapy could help.
The thyroid regulates temperature, weight, energy, bowel function, skin, mood, memory etc. Low thyroid causes weight gain, hair loss, fatigue, bowel issues, dry skin, sadness, brain fog and forgetfulness. Testing TSH, T4 and T3 thyroid hormones determines if thyroid medication is recommended.
If testing reveals a hormonal imbalance, bioidentical hormone therapy aims to replenish levels back to optimal. This involves:
The delivery method - oral capsules, sublingual drops, pellets, patches, gels or creams - depends on the hormone, dosage needed and patient preference.
Working closely with an experienced bioidentical hormone therapy provider optimizes results from treatment while monitoring for potential side effects. Therapy protocols must be carefully customized and monitored for the individual due to differences in absorption and metabolism between people.
Bioidentical hormone therapy potentially helps women and men whose labs show a hormone deficiency linked to disagreeable symptoms such as:
- Hot flashes, night sweats - Vaginal dryness, pain with intercourse - Bladder urgency, increased infections - Anxiety, irritability, mood swings - Trouble sleeping - Brain fog, memory lapses
- Loss of stamina and endurance - Reduced muscle mass and strength - Low libido (sex drive) - Erectile dysfunction - Depression, sadness, mood changes
- Unexplained weight gain - Constant fatigue, lack of energy - Hair loss, dry coarse hair - Dry, flaky skin - Cold sensitivity - Constipation
Balancing hormones can prevent worsening of deficiency symptoms over time in addition to feeling much improved day-to-day in the present.
Bioidentical hormones are chemically identical to those produced in the human body. However, they are often derived from sources like soy or yams instead of human hormones, allowing them to be mass-produced for pharmaceutical use while still functionally identical.
The longer hormone imbalance persists untreated, the higher the likelihood of related health complications. For example, low thyroid that goes undiagnosed for years places excessive strain on body systems struggling to perform normally with inadequate thyroid hormone. Prolonged estrogen deficiency causes accelerated bone loss eventually leading to osteoporosis later in life.
Therefore, at the first bothersome symptoms suggestive of hormonal decline, it is wise to promptly test levels rather than chalking up issues to “normal aging.” Identifying and rectifying deficiencies early on provides major symptomatic relief relatively quickly and minimizes disease risk linked to untreated hormone imbalance long term.
While hormone therapy is very effective for most, it does not work overnight like medication for say a headache. However noticeable improvements are commonly observed in 4-6 weeks after commencing treatment. Ongoing follow up care ensures proper dosage adjustments unique to the individual. Like thyroid medication, most require hormone therapy long term as our glands gradually produce less, but the renewed sense of health and well being makes this a small price to pay.
Conveniently located in Tarrytown, Butterfly Hormone Center provides cutting edge bioidentical hormone therapies tailored specifically for you and your body’s needs. Our facility offers:
Butterfly Hormone Center was founded by Dr. Cynthia Walker who heads our distinguished panel of hormone therapy specialists. Combined they represent over 30 years’ expertise supporting patients with customized bioidentical hormone replacement protocols.
Butterfly Hormone Center accepts most major insurance plans. Uninsured patients may qualify for special discounted pricing.
Supporting the body’s innate healing abilities through wholesome lifestyle habits amplifies treatment effectiveness:
Eating nutritious whole foods high in vitamins, minerals and antioxidants while limiting sugar, excess carbs, alcohol and caffeine enhances hormone balance. Drink at least 64 oz water daily.
Engaging muscles and bones with strength training and weight bearing activity increases circulation, metabolism, heart health, mood and sleep quality.
Unpleasant symptoms worsen when overwhelmed or anxious. Activities inducing relaxation like yoga, meditation, being in nature, massage etc lower cortisol and benefit overall wellness.
Hormones rely on regular circadian rhythms. Prioritizing 7-9 hours nightly helps normalize hormone function. Limit light exposure at bedtime.
While no panacea, incorporating sensible healthy habits aligns with the body's natural healing wisdom - providing the best shot for therapy success. Our clinic offers guidance identifying manageable lifestyle upgrades most supportive for your personal hormone optimization.
Specialized care centered specifically on hormone health and replacement therapy is Butterfly Hormone Center' niche. We collaborate with other reputable local businesses so patients can access trusted holistic services for maximum support during treatment:
Tarrytown Wellness Center A full service spa and beauty lounge offering therapeutic massage, facials, waxing and other pampering self-care experiences perfect for stress relief.
Live Well Nutrition Nutritionists at Live Well provide personalized eating guidance tailored to your unique nutritional needs, preferences and health goals.
Infinity Fitness Clean, modern fitness center with state of the art equipment,grouper classes and personal training options to regain strength, endurance and lean body mass.
Tarrytown Medical Labs Shares a convenient office complex with us, Tarrytown Medical Labs conducts all blood work, urine analysis ordered by our clinic for close monitoring as you commence therapy.
Butterfly Hormone Center encourages taking advantage of Tarrytown’s natural beauty too! Nearby trails at Patriots park and charming cafes dot the river walk downtown for healthy avenues to relax, reflect and recharge while undergoing treatment.
Restoring depleted hormone levels back to optimal balance relieves otherwise unpleasant deficiency symptoms and safeguards future wellness. Butterfly Hormone Center offers cutting edge bioidentical hormone therapies tailored specifically for you and your body’s unique needs. Contact us today to explore whether treatment is right for you!
