Hormones like estrogen, progesterone, and testosterone regulate many critical bodily functions. When our hormone levels decline or become imbalanced from aging, stress, poor diet, toxins, or other factors, we may develop unpleasant symptoms that impact our quality of life. Getting tested to identify hormone imbalances and pursuing treatment under a doctor's supervision can often relieve these issues.
At Second Spring Hormone Clinic in Jackson, we specialize in bioidentical hormone replacement therapy (BHRT) to correct hormone deficiencies and imbalances. Keep reading to learn the basics of BHRT and why it may benefit you. We'll also provide tips to make the most of your treatment.
Bioidentical hormones are identical in molecular structure to the hormones produced naturally in the human body. This allows them to bind properly with receptors and simulate natural hormonal activity.
Common bioidentical hormones used in replacement therapy include:
In contrast, non-bioidentical hormones contain slightly altered structures and may not regulate bodily processes as efficiently or comfortably. Many doctors and patients report better outcomes from bioidentical hormone therapy.
Our clinic custom-compounds bioidentical hormones to match each patient's needs. We test blood levels of hormones and metabolites to determine optimal dosage and preparation.
Then we work closely with specialty pharmacies to prepare personalized prescriptions, adjusting the proportions of estrogen forms, progesterone, testosterone or DHEA until each patient feels their best.
Because no two patients have the exact same needs, this personalized approach provides excellent and highly targeted results. Read on to learn the many benefits of balanced hormones through BHRT.
Bioidentical estrogen and progesterone therapy provides immense relief for menopausal symptoms that disrupt quality of life for many women. Common issues treated include:
Around 80 percent of menopausal women suffer uncomfortable or severe hot flashes and night sweats. BHRT containing biest (estradiol and estriol estrogen forms) and progesterone often significantly reduces these symptoms within weeks.
The freedom of fewer hot flashes provides renewed energy and better sleep for a healthier, happier lifestyle.
Declining estrogen commonly causes vaginal tissue to grow thinner and drier. This atrophy leads to irritation, painful intercourse and increased infection risk.
Low-dose estrogen applied as a cream directly to vaginal tissues reverses atrophy quickly and safely. For optimal comfort, we can compound this with soothing herbs.
Estrogen helps maintain strong bone density, so dropping levels after menopause accelerate bone loss--raising the risk of osteoporosis over time.
BHRT containing biest and progesterone slows bone loss and even helps build bone density when started soon after menopause.
The estrogen drop after menopause coincides with a sharp rise in heart disease among women. Estrogen helps keep blood vessels flexible and enhances "good" cholesterol while lowering "bad" cholesterol and triglycerides.
Research indicates BHRT initiated before about age 60 helps protect cardiovascular health--especially when using transdermal patches rather than oral preparations.
Hormone changes trigger mood swings, anxiety and depressive feelings for some women. Providing the body balanced bioidentical estrogen, progesterone and testosterone as needed stabilizes emotions. This alleviates distress to renew enjoyment of everyday life.
In summary, BHRT tailored specifically for each woman provides safe, natural relief from multiple menopause symptoms through customized blends of bioidentical hormones.
Men also experience declining testosterone levels with aging, dubbed male menopause or “manopause.” This testosterone deficiency worsens fatigue, muscle loss, weight gain, erectile dysfunction and cognitive issues.
BHRT for men uses bioidentical testosterone applied via gels, injections or pellets to restore optimal levels. Treatment benefits include:
Low testosterone leaves over 50 percent of men ages 50 feeling extreme fatigue. Normalizing levels with bioidentical testosterone reverses exhaustion to improve productivity and enjoyment of everyday activities.
Declining testosterone allows belly fat deposits to expand while reducing lean muscles mass. Restoring youthful hormone concentrations with BHRT supports maintaining a healthy weight more easily through balanced metabolism and calorie burning.
Many men are alarmed to experience worsening memory, focus and quick thinking as early as their 40s due to waning testosterone. BHRT quickly lifts “brain fog” for improved cognition and productivity.
Testosterone powers libido, firm erections and climax strength in men. Restoring optimal levels alleviates erectile dysfunction to enable satisfying intimacy again. Good testosterone status also promotes proper bladder control and urine flow.
In summary, expert physicians specializing in male hormones understand that testosterone deficiency should not be considered an inevitable result of aging. Through personalized testosterone-based BHRT, most men can continue thriving physically, mentally and sexually for years to come.
Bioidentical hormones are not necessarily safer or more effective than synthetic hormones for menopausal symptoms. Plant-derived bioidentical estrogens and progesterone have a chemical structure identical to the hormones naturally made by the ovaries, but their safety and efficacy profile is still being researched.
Wondering if you should have your hormone levels checked? Ask yourself these questions:
- Do you suffer hot flashes or night sweats? - Is your vagina irritated with intercourse or urine leakage? - Do you feel tired, stiff, achy muscles and joints? - Are you struggling with stubborn weight gain? - Do you have trouble focusing or remembering details? - Are you stressed, anxious, sad or irritable without cause?
- Do you feel exhausted, weak muscles or sore joints? - Have you gained belly fat and feel the “middle age spread”? - Is your sexual desire or function declining? - Are you making more bathroom trips or leakage? - Do you struggle remembering names, words or events? - Do you get irritated or down more often than you used to?
If you answered "yes" to two or more of these, you may benefit from testing key hormone levels, including estrogen, progesterone, testosterone, thyroid and DHEA. Identifying deficiencies or imbalances provides the first step toward renewing your best health and wellness through expertly prescribed BHRT.
We take great pride in providing thoughtful, customized care based on advanced hormone testing and science-backed treatment options. Here's what to expect:
A 1-hour initial consultation provides ample time to listen and understand your health goals while gathering your health history. We'll discuss symptoms, medical conditions, medications plus lifestyle factors like nutrition, stress, sleep and exercise.
Bloodwork or saliva testing is usually ordered to measure baseline hormone levels since many deficiency symptoms are vague and common to other issues like poor sleep or thyroid problems.
At your 1-hour follow-up visit about two weeks later, we'll discuss test results and discern the most likely underlying causes for any issues uncovered.
An individualized treatment plan is then created that may include diet/lifestyle changes, specific lab testing, medications other than hormones and of course custom-compounded BHRT targeting ideal levels of estrogen, progesterone, testosterone, etc.
Follow-ups at one month and periodically afterward allow monitoring treatment effectiveness and adjusting prescriptions accordingly. Our goal is for you to feel notably better within 1-2 months to regain max vitality and health.
You'll have our direct phone numbers and email addresses for communicating any new or persistent symptoms between visits. We're always available to answer questions about treatment plans or discuss side effects. Your comfort on this journey is our top priority!
In summary, no two people share the exact same hormone needs or responses to treatment, so we believe excellence in care stems from carefully listening to your unique situation. We'll continually adapt treatment until you report feeling your personal best once deficiencies are corrected!
Hormone balance provides the foundation for vitality and wellness, but certain lifestyle factors also influence how you feel overall during BHRT:
Eating a balanced, nutrient-dense diet fuels the body properly. And natural plant foods contain beneficial "phytoestrogens" that help temper estrogen levels. We'll offer personalized nutrition advice to make the most of treatment.
Getting sufficient low-impact activity like walking, yoga or swimming supports fresh energy production, restful sleep and even mood stability. Jackson's mild climate year-round makes it ideal for consistent outdoor exercise.
We'll suggest optimal local walking routes, workout studios or water sports based on your needs and preferences.
Unrelieved strain on the body from mental worry or emotional issues can hinder hormone balance. Counseling, group support, breathing practices, meditation and/or prayer provide healthy stress relief we may recommend.
Spending free time with uplifting people instead of alone best fuels the spirits. If interested, we can share great local opportunities to enjoy arts, music, learning, volunteer work or spiritual growth with like-minded residents.
In summary, the welcoming community and abundance of natural recreation found in Jackson enhance quality of life uniquely well for Second Spring Hormone Clinic patients. Our comprehensive BHRT plans help restore hormone deficiencies while our location supports positive lifestyle factors--together giving you the best possible outlook.
We feel privileged to serve the health needs of Jackson men and women through expertise in hormonal wellness and aging. Please reach out with any questions about your symptoms or our integrative services to help you thrive long-term!
