Hormone imbalance can cause various signs and symptoms that negatively impact quality of life. Common symptoms in both men and women include:
Women may also experience hot flashes, night sweats, vaginal dryness, irregular periods, weight gain and thinning hair.
Men can have declining muscle mass, weight gain, fatigue, low libido, erectile dysfunction and loss of body hair.
If you are experiencing any of these symptoms, bioidentical hormone replacement therapy (BHRT) may help provide relief.
Bioidentical hormones are man-made in a lab, but have the exact same molecular structure as the hormones naturally made in the body. This allows them to bind to receptors and mimic the action of hormones produced by the ovaries or testes.
Some examples of bioidentical hormones include:
These hormones are available in FDA-approved, pharmacy-grade concentrations and dosages.
Benefits of bioidentical hormones:
If low hormones are left untreated, it can lead to more severe symptoms that worsen over time. These include risks like:
The good news is that many age-related diseases are preventable with early intervention using bioidentical hormones.
At Balance Hormone Clinic, our goal is to diagnose and treat hormone imbalances before long term damage occurs. We use cutting edge testing and personalized treatment plans to help patients regain optimal wellness.
What sets Balance Hormone Clinic apart from other clinics is our commitment to:
Our medical director, Dr. Jane Doe, is a nationally recognized expert in age management medicine with over 15 years experience using BHRT to help patients thrive.
We accept most major insurance plans. Flexible financing options are also available.
Bioidentical hormones are not strictly identical to the hormones naturally made in the human body. They are synthesized from plant sources to be structurally similar, but there can be slight molecular differences that may impact how a person's body responds over long-term use.
The process of beginning bioidentical HRT typically involves:
Initial consultation - review medical history, symptoms, needs and treatment goals
Lab testing - comprehensive panels check hormone, vitamin and nutrient levels
Follow-up visit- examine results, make personalized treatment plan
Hormone replacement - bioidentical hormones prescribed in gels, pellets, patches, creams or injectables
Monitoring - follow-up tests and appointments to ensure optimal levels and results
Adjustment - modify medications and doses as needed over time
At Balance Hormone Clinic, we make the process as seamless as possible by coordinating care between our clinic, compounding pharmacy and nutritionists. We are with you each step of the way!
"I had nearly given up hope before finding Balance Hormone Clinic. Now in my 50's, I feel as energized, mentally sharp and enthusiastic about life as I did in my 30's. I would absolutely recommend their services." - Maria D.
Estrogen is essential for heart, bone, brain and skin health in both men and women.
As women enter perimenopause and menopause, estrogen levels decline leading to hot flashes, trouble sleeping, vaginal atrophy, weight gain, mood changes and brain fog.
Low estrogen in men can cause erectile dysfunction, decreased bone density, fatigue and impaired spatial abilities.
Benefits of estrogen replacement:
At Balance Hormone Clinic, we offer bioidentical estradiol and estrone to rebuild estrogen levels. This helps patients find relief from symptoms and protect long-term health.
Testosterone plays a vital role in sex drive, energy levels, body composition and mood in both genders.
In women, testosterone begins declining in the late 30s, leading to low libido, fatigue, weight gain and depression.
Andropause in aging men also causes low testosterone resulting in ED, reduced muscle mass, depression, irritability and "brain fog".
Benefits of balancing testosterone levels:
We offer bioidentical testosterone replacement tailored to the unique needs of men and women seeking to regain optimal wellness.
Progesterone works synergistically with estrogen to regulate the menstrual cycle and support pregnancy.
After menopause, many women become "estrogen dominant". This leads to symptoms like breast tenderness, anxiety, insomnia, weight gain and headaches.
Benefits of progesterone supplementation:
Oral progesterone has poor absorption, so we provide bioidentical progesterone creams, gels or micronized capsules for optimal effects.
DHEA (dehydroepiandrosterone) is the most abundant hormone in the body. Levels peak around age 30 then decline.
In both men and women, low DHEA can lead to loss of muscle mass, decreased bone density, impaired memory and dampened immunity.
Benefits of DHEA replacement include:
Measuring DHEA levels with blood tests can reveal adrenal burnout, greatly improving diagnosis and treatment. We provide bioidentical DHEA to restore optimal levels based on your individual needs.
Thyroid disorders are one of the most undiagnosed causes of hormone imbalance. Common symptoms include stubborn weight gain, fatigue, hair loss, cold sensitivity and mood changes.
Balancing thyroid function with bioidentical hormones helps to:
At Balance Hormone Clinic, we test TSH, free T3 and free T4 levels to accurately diagnose thyroid dysfunction. We can then supplement with bioidentical thyroid hormone as needed to resolve low thyroid symptoms.
While bioidentical hormone replacement can produce profound improvements, making certain lifestyle changes enhances these benefits:
Nutrition - Follow an anti-inflammatory diet high in produce, lean proteins and healthy fats while minimizing sugar and refined grains. Take targeted supplements to correct individual deficiencies revealed on lab tests.
Exercise - Engage in 150 minutes per week of moderate activity like walking, cycling or water workouts to improve hormone sensitivity, brain function, heart health and body composition. Strength training twice a week also builds needed muscle mass.
Stress management - Chronic stress raises cortisol which can disrupt hormone balance and counteract replacement therapy. Practice relaxation techniques like yoga, deep breathing and meditation for 20 minutes daily. Get enough sleep nightly.
Healthy habits - Limit alcohol intake which can impede hormone therapy. Stop smoking which causes hormone fluctuations and earlier menopause in women.
Our nutritionists and fitness experts can provide customized recommendations to help you make sustainable lifestyle upgrades that amplify the benefits of bioidentical HRT.
The Petersburg area has a temperate climate with warm, pleasant summers and mild winters - perfect for enjoying outdoor BHRT activities year round!
Spring and fall feature cool, crisp weather ideal for walking city trails or parks to improve circulation, respiratory function, bone density and muscle mass. Popular routes include the scenic 3-mile Riverwalk Trail along the Appomattox River.
In summertime, levels of protective vitamin D from sunlight exposure are highest. Be sure to get 15 minutes per day without sunscreen. Activities like cycling, kayaking on the river and swimming also get you outdoors to soak up the sun’s benefits.
To manage menopausal symptoms like hot flashes in warmer months, we recommend bioidentical hormones in lighter gels, creams and patches transdermally. These bypass the gut and liver with fewer side effects than oral medications. We also provide detailed instructions on applying cooling techniques like cold packs, cooling bedding and layered breathable clothing.
The city’s many eclectic shops, cafes and historical sites provide engaging indoor diversions for winter days. But don’t let cold weather derail your fitness efforts! Instead, join one of over 25 gyms and studios offering everything from yoga to cross-training. Top picks like Blast Fitness, Petersburg Racquet Club and YMCA let you workout in climate-controlled comfort.
Indoor pools, walking tracks and heated equipment allow for year-round training. Studies show consistent exercise magnifies bioidentical therapy results by improving hormone sensitivity, fighting inflammation, aiding cognition and protecting the heart. Weight and resistance training build needed lean muscle mass.
So in the vibrant town of Petersburg, bioidentical hormones combined with healthy lifestyle upgrades help residents make the most out of living well! Let Balance Hormone Clinic get you back on track with individualized testing, treatment plans and compassionate support.
