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What are bioidentical hormones?
Why does a woman need hormones during and after menopause?
Why does a man need testosterone replacement?
What are the side effects associated with bioidentical hormones?
How long until I see results using bioidentical hormones?
What is the best age to consider bioidentical hormone therapy?
Do I need to take these hormones forever?
Will this treatment interfere with my currently prescribed medications?
Will you take over as my doctor?
Can you use lab work I have already had done?

What are bioidentical hormones?

Bioidentical hormones are exactly the same hormones, molecule per molecule that your body produces. They are made in a lab but are still considered natural to your body because they are identical.

Synthetic hormones are also made in a lab, but most importantly are not identical to your body. Bioidentical hormones are superior to types of synthetic hormones commonly prescribed.
 
Your physician may choose to prescribe estrogen, progesterone, testosterone, thyroid, cortisol, DHEA, or melatonin depending on what your symptoms are and which hormone(s) your body needs.
 
Why does a woman need hormones during and after menopause?
No matter what your age, if your female hormones (estrogen, progesterone, and testosterone) are unbalanced, you may suffer ill effects such as hot flashes, night sweats, depression, vaginal dryness, fatigue, and weight gain.

As well, female hormones aid in the prevention of osteoporosis, heart disease, Alzheimer’s’ disease and many other processes that occur as a natural part of aging.
 
Why does a man need testosterone replacement?
As a man gets older, his testosterone declines. Testosterone is the hormone that maintains a man’s mental focus, his energy, his metabolism, his muscles, as well as keeps fat off and maintains strong bones. There is often concern that testosterone therapy may cause prostate cancer. The majority of the medical literature does not support this claim and your physician’s close medical supervision takes these risks into account depending on each individual’s personal health history.
 
What are the side effects associated with bioidentical hormones?
Because bioidentical hormones are just like the ones made in your body, there are relatively few side effects. Side effects occur mainly when the dosage of hormone is too high for the individual. Your physician will monitor and evaluate each patient consistently to ensure balanced dosage.
 
How long until I see results using bioidentical hormones?
While it varies with each person, and depends on which hormone therapy you are using, generally you can expect to see results within three to six months.
 
What is the best age to consider bioidentical hormone therapy?
We believe that most people should have their hormones checked by the age of 40 or earlier if they have symptoms of hormonal loss. The way to prevent illness and to optimize one’s health is to take an active role in addressing health care risks before they become a problem.
 
Do I need to take these hormones forever?
Our physicians do not begin hormone therapy unless it is firmly established that the body is in need of therapy and the body is no longer able to produce these hormones in sufficient enough quantity to meet the body’s needs.  Although it is advised to continue therapy indefinitely in order to maintain optimum health, if you decide to stop, your body will simply return to where it was before starting hormone therapy.
 
Will this treatment interfere with my currently prescribed medications?
Although a few interactions exist between prescribed medications and natural hormones, some medicines may actually be reduced or no longer needed.
 
Will you take over as my doctor?
Most of our physicians act as consultations, not primary care physicians, in providing you with the most comprehensive wellness program possible.  Our physicians are happy to communicate with your current physician and we encourage you to continue your usual visits with him or her.
 
Can you use lab work I have already had done?
Yes. Bring along any lab work, bone density, mammograms, PAP smears or other diagnostic tests done in the past year. We do not need the actual x-rays or ultrasounds, only the report. This will help us in deciding what further tests you need to start on your way to better health and hormonal balance.