Bioidentical hormone replacement therapy "bioidentical hormone replacement" is a cutting-edge approach to treating hormonal imbalances and deficiencies. It involves using custom-compounded bioidentical hormones - hormones that are molecularly identical to those produced naturally by the human body - to restore optimal hormone levels. This differs from traditional hormone replacement, which uses synthetic hormones with slightly different molecular structures.
At The Hormone Hub in Ann Arbor, we specialize in bioidentical hormone replacement for both men and women. Our experienced practitioners take the time to understand your unique hormonal needs and craft a personalized treatment plan to get your levels balanced and help you feel your best.
Hormone levels begin to decline naturally as we age. For women, perimenopause and menopause result in a significant drop in estrogen and progesterone. Men experience a more gradual decrease in testosterone beginning in their 30s.
In addition to natural aging, other factors like stress, poor nutrition, lack of sleep, and certain illnesses can cause hormone levels to plummet prematurely. The onset of unpleasant symptoms alerts many to their hormone imbalance.
Balancing hormones with bioidentical hormone replacement can produce life-changing benefits:
In short, optimal hormone levels promote better health and an improved quality of life. The regenerative power of bioidentical hormones can help you look and feel your best.
Bioidentical hormones are structurally identical to the hormones produced naturally in the body. They are custom-formulated in a compounding pharmacy using plant-derived hormones that replicate endogenous human hormones like estrogen, progesterone, testosterone, and DHEA.
Synthetic hormones like those found in traditional hormone replacement medications are chemically altered in a lab to produce different molecular structures. Examples include Premarin, Provera, and testosterone cypionate. The altered structure of synthetic hormones can produce side effects and make them less effective than naturally identical bioidenticals.
Bioidentical hormones are chemically identical to those produced naturally in the body. However, some experts caution that while they may be safer than synthetic hormones, more research is still needed to fully understand their long-term effects and optimize use. The efficacy and safety profile can vary based on the hormone, dose, and route of administration.
At The Hormone Hub, our bioidentical hormone doctors take an integrative, patient-centered approach to treatment:
Our goal is to help you look and feel your absolute best by restoring hormone balance in a safe, effective manner. We utilize only high quality bioidentical hormones and the latest compounding techniques.
If you're experiencing unpleasant perimenopause, menopause, or andropause symptoms, bioidentical hormone replacement may be right for you. The first step is scheduling lab testing and a consultation at our Ann Arbor clinic.
We recommend testing key hormones like estradiol, progesterone, testosterone, DHEA, cortisol, T3, T4, and FSH. This establishes baseline levels and pinpoints any imbalances to address. The Hormone Hub offers comprehensive hormone testing for both women and men.
Initial 90-minute consultations are relaxed, informative visits focused on understanding your health goals. We'll review your lab results, symptoms, medical history and lifestyle factors. This enables us to create a personalized therapy plan to optimize your hormone levels.
Ongoing monitoring ensures your levels are balanced properly for the best results. Follow up visits allow us to make dosage adjustments as needed. We partner with you for the long term to sustain hormone balance and good health.
For women, custom-compounded bioidentical estradiol and progesterone are frequently prescribed to:
Balancing estradiol and progesterone is essential for optimizing women's health and wellbeing after reproductive ages. We also address thyroid, adrenal, and other hormone needs for complete hormone optimization.
The most common hormone imbalance for men involves falling testosterone levels. Also known as andropause or low T, this causes symptoms like:
Through lab testing and clinical evaluation, our doctors can identify andropause. We then develop customized testosterone replacement regimens to restore vitality and optimal function. Bioidentical testosterone therapy is life-changing for many men over 40.
We provide lifestyle guidance and nutrition counseling to help you maximize the benefits of bioidentical hormone therapy. Key recommendations include:
Nutrient-dense whole foods: emphasize vegetables, fruits, lean proteins, healthy fats
Stress management: address sources of stress and practice relaxation techniques
Regular exercise: aim for 150 minutes per week, including strength training
Quality sleep: prioritize 7-9 hours nightly, establish good sleep hygiene
Healthy relationships: cultivate social and community connections
Smoking cessation: quit smoking and limit alcohol intake
Targeted supplements: we may suggest supplements to support hormone balance
Addressing factors like nutrition, sleep, exercise, and stress works synergistically with bioidentical hormone therapy for optimal wellbeing.
When searching for a qualified bioidentical hormone therapy provider, you want an experienced, trusted specialist. The Hormone Hub meets the highest standards of care:
Contact us today to learn more and schedule your initial consultation. We look forward to helping you restore hormone balance, health and vitality!
For women, hot flashes, night sweats, vaginal dryness, insomnia, weight gain, low libido, and mood changes can signal hormone issues. Men may experience erectile dysfunction, muscle loss, fatigue, anxiety, or concentration problems.
We offer comprehensive testing to measure levels of estradiol, progesterone, testosterone, DHEA, cortisol, thyroid hormones, FSH, and other hormones. Testing provides an accurate baseline before starting therapy.
We offer bioidentical hormones in convenient forms like oral tablets, sublingual drops, topical creams, injectable pellets, and vaginal suppositories based on your needs and preferences.
Most patients report an improvement in symptoms within 1-2 weeks. Optimal benefits are observed after 3-6 months of balanced hormone levels. Ongoing monitoring helps sustain long term results.
There are few side effects when hormones are correctly balanced. However, we carefully monitor you for signs of hormone levels being too high or low and adjust dosages accordingly.
This varies, but many patients benefit from long term hormone replacement therapy to maintain optimal wellness throughout perimenopause, menopause or andropause. We partner with you to meet your changing needs.