Hormones are essential chemical messengers that regulate many critical bodily functions and processes. When hormone levels become imbalanced, it can lead to undesirable symptoms and health complications. Hormone therapy and treatment seeks to restore optimal hormone balance so the body and mind can function at their best.
Hormones are substances released by glands and organs that travel through the bloodstream to trigger functions in other parts of the body. Key hormones include:
When these and other hormones fall out of optimal ranges, it can impact energy, cognition, sexual health, weight, sleep, mood and more.
Hormone imbalances manifest differently depending on the specific hormone. However, some common signs of suboptimal hormone levels include:
Hormone therapy/treatment refers to using medications or supplements to restore hormone levels back to healthy ranges. The main goals are alleviating undesirable symptoms and promoting better health.
Hormone therapy for women typically involves estrogen and progesterone to treat menopause or perimenopause. Potential benefits include:
Testosterone therapy for men may be used to treat below-normal T levels. Possible benefits include:
Thyroid hormone treatment can help people suffering from an underactive thyroid (hypothyroidism). Benefits may include:
No matter your symptoms or which hormones are involved, restoring balance under a specialist’s care can help you feel and function at your best long-term.
The first step is suspecting and symptoms-spotting an imbalance. But confirming it requires seeing a specialist for testing.
Diagnosing hormone issues typically involves blood tests that measure levels of key hormones like estrogen, testosterone, thyroid hormones (T3, T4), etc. Saliva tests may also be used. Your specialist will determine which hormones to test based on your symptoms.
Reference ranges account for age and gender differences in optimal levels. Test results outside expected ranges suggest an imbalance requiring treatment.
Follow-up testing during treatment helps calibrate medication dosages to reach ideal hormone levels unique to you.
If testing reveals a hormone imbalance, treatment options may include:
These introduce bioidentical hormones directly into the body in amounts tailored to the individual.
These regulate certain reproductive hormones.
These complement other treatment approaches.
We emphasize personalized care based on testing and close monitoring so all hormone levels are optimized. This maximizes treatment benefits while minimizing risks.
The basic process for beginning hormone replacement therapy typically involves:
This visit focuses on a detailed history, discussion of symptoms/goals, physical exam, and lab requisitions.
These objectively measure current hormone levels and reveal specific imbalances.
The practitioner interprets lab results and recommends an individualized treatment plan.
The appropriate bioidentical hormones and dosages are prescribed and treatment begins.
Testing is repeated intermittently to ensure hormones are reaching optimal levels so dosages can be adjusted accordingly.
We emphasize regular monitoring and open communication to provide the most effective hormone therapy possible.
Some types of hormone therapy, especially those using estrogen, may help protect post-menopausal women against Alzheimer's disease and other forms of dementia. Multiple studies show that women who take hormone therapy around the time of menopause have better verbal memory and lower rates of brain tissue loss years later compared to women who never took hormones.
Hormone health intersects many other areas that impact how you feel physically and emotionally. These include diet, exercise, stress management, relationships and more.
Eating a balanced, nutrient-rich diet supports hormone and overall health. Key dietary factors influencing hormone levels:
Regular exercise and healthy body weight helps regulate hormone balance. Benefits include:
Chronic stress raises cortisol and catecholamines which shift hormone pathways and relative levels. Relaxation helps rebalance the system.
Close interpersonal bonds reduce stress, enhance quality of life, and for couples - facilitate sexual intimacy and pleasure.
Optimizing these areas alongside hormone therapy itself allows more complete restoration of health, vitality and wellness.
Our hormone clinic opened to meet the growing need in LaPorte and surrounding communities for trusted, effective hormone therapy and treatment.
What sets Revive Hormone Clinic apart includes:
At Revive Hormone Clinic, we understand hormones. Contact us today to explore whether our specialized hormone therapy services are right for you!
LaPorte's scenic Lake Michigan shoreline, abundant parks and natural areas, plus a variety of fitness centers, spas and healthy eateries make it an ideal location for hormone therapy and enjoying the benefits of balanced hormones.
Some local establishments we recommend checking out include:
We hope this overview has enhanced your knowledge of hormone balance, testing and treatment options. Reach out with any other questions!
