Hormones are essential chemical messengers that regulate many processes in the body. When hormone levels are too high or too low, this can lead to undesirable symptoms and health issues. As we age or go through major life changes, our hormone levels fluctuate, sometimes dramatically. An imbalance in key hormones like estrogen, progesterone, testosterone, thyroid hormones, DHEA, cortisol or others can significantly impact quality of life.
Common signs and symptoms of hormone imbalance in women and men may include:
Maintaining proper hormonal balance is essential for overall health and preventing age-related decline. Balanced hormones help regulate metabolism, cognition, sexual health, cardio health, sleep quality, weight management, energy levels, and much more.
When hormones fall out of optimal ranges, many areas of health can be impacted. Most hormonal disorders originate from dysregulation of the intricate feedback systems between the brain, adrenals, thyroid and reproductive glands. Therefore, regaining balance requires a coordinated approach between lifestyle and medical interventions when needed.
Benefits of balanced hormones through professional treatments like hormone replacement therapy (HRT) may include:
The first step toward treatment is obtaining the right lab testing to accurately identify any hormone deficiencies or excesses. This allows tailoring therapy protocols to the individual based on their lab results and symptom history.
Some of the key lab tests our practitioners utilize include:
These in-depth panels help uncover the root causes of hormonal issues, whether due to normal aging, chronic health conditions, inflammation, stress or other factors.
Lifestyle and diet changes can help balance some hormone pathways, but medical intervention is often necessary to fully restore ideal functioning.
Hormone replacement therapy (HRT) involves supplementing the body with bioidentical hormones to mimic natural levels from early adulthood. Delivered through gels, creams, patches, pellets or injections, the goal is to restore optimum functioning and relieve deficiency symptoms.
Our practitioners have extensive experience designing personalized HRT treatment plans tailored to the unique needs of each patient based on symptoms, medical history and lab testing. We utilize only high quality bioidentical hormones which are structurally identical to those naturally produced in the body.
Some of the most common types of hormone replacement therapy we offer include:
Estrogen is essential for physical and mental wellbeing in women. When levels decline during perimenopause and menopause, this can lead to symptoms like hot flashes, sleep disruption, vaginal atrophy, low libido, weight gain, anxiety/depression and bone loss.
Estrogen therapy helps counteract the age-related drop in estrogen that occurs over time. This can provide immense relief from troublesome menopausal symptoms and long term protective effects. The three main bioidentical estrogen hormones we use are estradiol, estrone and estriol. These closely match a woman's natural estrogens throughout the lifespan.
The method of estrogen delivery - oral, transdermal, vaginal or injectable - depends on the specific needs and health profile of the woman. Estrogen is often combined with natural progesterone as part of comprehensive hormone replacement in menopausal women.
Testosterone is an essential hormone for both sexes. In addition to governing libido and sexual functioning, testosterone plays a vital role in muscle growth, bone density, motivation, cognition and overall vitality.
As testosterone declines with age, this can lead to symptoms including fatigue, mental fog, irritability, decreased stamina and sexual dysfunction. Low testosterone is increasingly common in middle aged and older men, as well as some women.
Testosterone replacement therapy (TRT) restores levels to an optimal range, leading to increased energy, sharper thinking, enhanced fitness capacity, improved sexual functioning and a greater overall sense of wellbeing.
We offer testosterone therapy for both men and women delivered through gels/creams, injections or slow release pellets. This is always paired with follow up blood testing to ensure hormones are balancing at appropriate levels.
The thyroid produces hormones like T3 and T4 that control metabolic rate and energy utilization in cells throughout the body. Low thyroid function, also called hypothyroidism, can cause debilitating fatigue, weight gain, hair loss, cold intolerance and many other concerns.
Careful testing of thyroid blood markers allows uncovering dysfunction not identifiable through standard lab reference ranges. We provide thyroid regulation using bioidentical T3/T4 hormones, nutrient support and guidance on dietary factors than can inhibit thyroid function.
DHEA is an adrenal prohormone that plays multiple key roles throughout the body. DHEA levels peak in the 20s and decline drastically with age. Restoring depleted DHEA back to youthful ranges can enhance libido, improve mood disorders, build bone density, reduce disease risk and amplify energy levels.
We offer DHEA therapy for both women and men with low DHEA-S levels. This is administered primarily in oral form and levels are monitored to maintain optimal balance without oversupplementing this crucial hormone precursor.
In addition to professional treatments like bioidentical HRT, certain lifestyle measures can further support healthy hormone pathways. Our practitioners provide guidance on important modifiable factors like nutrition, exercise, stress reduction and targeted supplementation that work synergistically with medical therapy.
Certain foods contain beneficial compounds and macronutrients that may optimize hormone function, while other diets and foods can disrupt delicate hormonal balance. We offer individualized nutrition plans focused on hormone-enhancing whole foods like:
Conversely, strategies for reducing intake of hormone-disrupting foods like processed carbs, factory farm meat, commercial dairy and certain oils may also be advised. Support around optimal meal timing for circadian rhythms is also provided.
Regular exercise helps regulate insulin, cortisol, sex hormones and inflammation pathways. We offer personalized fitness guidance focused on each individual's needs and abilities, which may include:
Chronic stress can disrupt delicate hormonal feedback loops in the body, leading to suboptimal function of key glands like the adrenals, thyroid and reproductive system. We offer proven methods for better stress regulation, including:
Certain over-the-counter supplements and vitamins can help address nutritional deficiencies that commonly develop with age and negatively affect hormonal health. Our team will gauge need based on symptoms and lab testing for options like:
While OTC supplements can provide a helpful adjunct, prescription hormone replacements are usually necessary to fully resolve moderate to severe deficiency symptoms. We always recommend attempting to optimize diet and nutrients first, followed by medical intervention when needed for best restoration of hormonal health, vitality and quality of life.
Hormone therapy can help transgender individuals align their physical characteristics with their gender identity. Studies show that after transitioning with hormones, most transgender people report improved quality of life, reduced anxiety and depression, and greater life satisfaction. This suggests that compassionate medical care can profoundly impact people's well-being.
Vitality Renewal Clinic founder Dr. Jane Smith (DO) has over 15 years experience specializing in natural hormone balancing strategies for women and men. She is fellowship-trained in Anti-Aging and Regenerative Medicine with extensive expertise in precision hormone replacement therapies.
What sets Vitality Renewal Clinic apart is our:
We also understand the sensitive nature of hormone therapy and prioritize privacy, compassion and creating a welcoming environment for all patients to feel comfortable during the treatment process.
If you're experiencing troublesome symptoms of hormone imbalance, we encourage you to explore our services at Vitality Renewal Clinic. Our goal is helping patients restore their best health, quality of life and sense of wellbeing through integrative hormone optimization protocols.
We have two conveniently located offices in the Fort Mill area focused on premium care in a relaxing setting. Please () for a consultation to see if our therapies might be right for you!
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I get a hormone test before committing to treatment?
Yes, we always recommend blood testing at the outset to accurately gauge individual hormone levels before developing an appropriate therapy plan. Diagnostic testing allows personalized protocols addressing your unique imbalances and symptoms.
What are the main differences between bioidentical and synthetic hormones?
Bioidentical hormones have a molecular structure identical to those produced naturally in the human body. Synthetic hormones are chemically altered in structure and may provoke unwanted side effects. We use only highest-grade bioidentical hormones tailored to you.
How are bioidentical hormones administered?
There are multiple good options for bioidentical hormone delivery including gels/creams, oral tablets, pellets, patches and select few FDA-approved bioidentical injections. Our clinicians will explain the pros and cons of each method to find your optimal fit.
Can men benefit from testosterone therapy too?
Yes! Declining testosterone affects men as they age, causing symptoms like low energy, weight gain, mental fog, reduced endurance and sexual dysfunction. Testosterone therapy can help men regain optimal levels, enhance vitality and amplify health span.
Does insurance cover hormone replacement therapy?
Coverage varies widely between policies. We counsel patients on interacting with their insurance companies to explore coverage details, file appeals if necessary and seek prior authorizations for medically warranted treatment. Though not always covered, the life changing benefits make the investment worthwhile for most.
Conclusion
We hope this outline has provided a helpful overview of our hormone balancing programs at Vitality Renewal Clinic serving the Fort Mill region. Please reach out with any other questions! We are passionate about helping patients resolve chronic issues related to hormone imbalance through customized treatment plans and supportive wellness guidance. We look forward to speaking with you soon about your health goals.
