Bioidentical Hormone Replacement Therapy
Hormone Replacement Therapy in Kelowna, British Columbia
Hormone Replacement Therapy in Kelowna
Are you curious if hormone replacement could be the solution for you, especially with lingering fatigue and weight gain despite no changes in your diet or exercise?
Perhaps you’re already on hormone therapy but still don’t feel quite like yourself, or maybe you’re feeling uncertain, concerned about the possible side effects.
For many women experiencing hormonal shifts during menopause, hormone replacement therapy often brings a meaningful boost to their energy and overall well-being.
It’s helpful to know that hormone replacement therapy offers a range of options, allowing for a personalized approach that fits your unique needs.
Here's How We Do It
We start by testing your hormone levels to pinpoint any deficiencies, with the goal of restoring balance by replacing only what your body is missing.
Our approach uses bio-identical hormones, which are identical to those naturally produced by your body. These can be provided in FDA-approved options from regular pharmacies or tailored preparations from a compounding pharmacy.
As you progress, we closely monitor your response to ensure you experience relief from symptoms without any unwanted effects.
In the final step, we re-test your hormone levels to make sure your body’s balance has been fully restored.
What Are Bioidentical Hormones?
“Bio-identical” hormones are an exact match to the hormones your body naturally produces, making it nearly impossible for your body to distinguish between its own hormones and those supplied by a pharmacy.
These bio-identical hormones are derived from soy or yam and then transformed in a lab into estrogen, progesterone, or testosterone, resulting in a compound identical to what your body would typically produce.
Simply eating soy or applying yam cream won’t deliver the same effects.
This differs significantly from synthetic hormones, which are chemical imitations that don’t perfectly match natural hormones. Because of this, synthetic hormones have different risks and benefits, and there are no accurate tests to measure their levels in the body.
What is Menopause?
Menopause is the stage in a woman’s life when her ovaries stop producing estrogen and progesterone. A woman is considered to be in menopause after going a full year without a menstrual period. While this generally occurs around age 52, it can happen sooner or later.
Common symptoms include:
– hot flashes
– low mood or depression
– fatigue
– trouble sleeping
– reduced libido
– vaginal dryness
– discomfort during sex
– memory lapses
– irritability
– dry skin
– dry eyes
– thinning or aging skin, including wrinkles
– weight gain
What is Perimenopause?
As a woman approaches menopause, her hormone levels can vary widely, bringing on a range of symptoms. Some may begin experiencing these changes 10 to 15 years before menopause, making it challenging to recognize hormones as the cause.
Common perimenopause symptoms include:
– night sweats
– mood swings
– anxiety
– irritability
– waking during the night
– intensified PMS symptoms (such as breast tenderness, fluid retention, and bloating)
– prolonged PMS (lasting 1-2 weeks rather than just a few days)
– heavier periods
– irregular or more frequent periods
– spotting before menstruation
– weight gain
What Can Be Done?
Bioidentical hormone replacement therapy can help relieve symptoms related to menopause and perimenopause.
There are multiple options available for bioidentical hormone therapy, including:
- oral pills
- topical creams
- skin patches
- vaginal creams or suppositories
- sublingual lozenges (known as troches)
- pellets placed just beneath the skin
Are Hormones Safe?
Though every treatment has its risks and benefits, for most women, the advantages of hormone replacement therapy often outweigh the potential risks.
If estrogen replacement isn’t suitable for you or if you choose to avoid menopausal hormone therapy, it’s still essential to keep other hormones, like cortisol, thyroid, and insulin, balanced, as they are key to supporting overall health.
Does this sound like you?
Symptoms of testosterone deficiency:
Feel like you’ve lost some of your strength and muscle tone?
Feel like you’re “off your game”?
Low sex drive?
Feel like you have less energy?
Do you have less drive or just feel generally unmotivated?
Do you struggle with losing weight and can’t seem to shake those extra pounds on your belly?
