Hormone Therapy
What are hormones and why are they imperative to health?
Hormones are a chemical messenger passing signals from one cell to another; there is not a single process in your body that does not utilize hormones. Without proper levels and quality hormones your body will not work as it is designed, this decline in function is part of the bodies aging process. Every day your body creates new cells duplicating themselves; when you have unhealthy cells duplicating in your body this is the root of illness and disease. Some of the most basic processes hormones control are mood swings, induction or suppression of apoptosis (programmed cell death), activation or inhibition of the immune system, regulation of metabolism, hunger cravings and sexual arousal.
What are some symptoms of hormone and metabolic imbalances?
- Weight Gain
- Increased Body Fat Especially in Stomach
- Mental Fogginess/Poor Retention
- Decrease in sexual pleasure / erection quality
- Poor Sleep Patterns
- Depression
- Irritability
- Memory and Focus
- Loss of Muscle Tone
- Fatigue
- Decreased Libido
- Decreased Strength & Endurance
What is functional medicine?
LifeMed Institute practices functional medicine; this is the application of a variety of methods to treat the root cause of symptoms. In traditional medicine if a patient presents with high cholesterol they are typically given a prescription and a nutritional diet that was developed 20 years ago. Whereas in functional medicine we want to find out if there is an underlying cause for the cholesterol abnormality and try to cure and or improve that issue using a variety of methods including hormone therapy, traditional medications and nutritional supplements; with the aim to eliminate, and reduce the need for medications with very dangerous side effects.
What is hormone therapy and metabolic rejuvenation?
You can have two people getting the exact same amount of exercise and eating the same foods but their physical appearance and health risks can be completely different. This is related to genetic factors which alter how a person’s body synthesizes and utilizes what it is given. Hormone therapy and metabolic rejuvenation gives the body optimized levels of some of the key factors your body requires to combat your genetic predisposition for disease, fatigue, obesity and more.
What is the difference between HRT, BHRT and BHOT™?
HRT is an acronym for Hormone Replacement Therapy which is usually a stenciled approach with “standardized levels” for replacing hormones (a majority of the time using synthetic hormones). BHRT is the same as the above but using Bio-Identical hormones. BHOT™ is an acronym for Bio-Identical Hormone Optimization Therapy, this is what LifeMed Institute practices. Our physicians take your health history, age, lab results, symptoms and lifestyle needs to customize your treatment and optimize your levels using high quality Bio-Identical hormones.
What is the difference between Bio-Identical Hormones and Synthetic Hormones?
Bio-Identical hormones are rapidly becoming popular among those who want to stop suffering with their symptoms and live with the freedom that healthy balance can bring. The body does not know the difference between the hormones it makes and Bio-Identical hormones. This is because they are the exact molecular structure of the hormones that are naturally produced in your body. They are specifically compounded to be recognized by your cells and tissues as your own. Synthetic hormones have extra molecules (generally added so they can be patented) which your body can not recognize, some of which cannot be broken down by your body’s enzymes and may stay in your body for long periods of time as toxins and carcinogens. BHOT™ matches your body’s hormones molecule by molecule.
Why should I use BHOT™?
Well-respected medical journals and researchers have reported that Bio-Identical Hormone Therapy has a positive impact on disease prevention for both men and women. In addition to the prevention of disease there are many functional reasons to seek treatment. People are living longer now than generations before but for many living longer is not enough, we want to live better! Looking better and feeling great gives our patients an improved quality of life with the energy and enthusiasm to enjoy all the years ahead of them!
Other Male Hormone Deficiencies
Another hormone that significantly impacts a man’s health and quality of life is human growth hormone (HGH). HGH plays significant roles in bone strength and density, muscle growth and mass and even brain function. This hormone peaks late in adolescence and starts to decline in a man’s twenties. By the age of 60, most men have little to no production of this vital hormone.
What is Metabolic Rejuvenation?
Metabolic Rejuvenation is the practice of improving the body’s metabolic processes. Including but not limited to the two most widely imbalanced endocrine systems – the thyroid and the adrenal systems. Some symptoms of endocrine imbalances include weight issues, abnormal hair growth, irritability, cold/heat intolerance and a high proportion of abdominal fat.
Why don’t most doctors prescribe BHOT™?
Traditional doctors do not usually have the time or resources to seek expertise in Bio-Identical Hormones. This is a specialized field, just as a cancer patient would see an oncologist, a patient seeking Hormone Optimization should get treatment from a physician that specializes in this field.
Is BHOT™ the only therapy you provide?
No, this is one of the primary treatments that we build upon. There are many other therapies that can be provided in conjunction with BHOT™ to ensure you are looking and feeling your best!
