Hormones are essential regulators of various bodily functions, playing a pivotal role in maintaining overall health and wellness. These levels naturally fluctuate due to factors such as environmental changes, stress, dietary habits, medications, and even thought processes. Understanding how these influences impact hormone balance is key to optimizing well-being.

We know that when hormone levels decline as part of the normal aging process, problems with health arise. Supplemental hormones can be considered to relieve symptoms, improve quality of life, prevent chronic illnesses, and maintain wellness.

Because each woman has unique biological needs which change as she ages, we compound hormone therapy in the most appropriate dose and dosage form to meet individual needs.

Hormone Therapy

Working Together for Hormone Therapy

We work collaboratively with each woman and her healthcare provider—whether a physician, physician’s assistant, or nurse practitioner—to design personalized hormone therapy plans. These plans are informed by laboratory testing and ongoing monitoring of symptoms, ensuring adjustments can be made as needed to achieve optimal results.

Hormone therapy selection plays a crucial role in its effectiveness. According to leading experts Erika T. Schwartz, MD, and Kent Holtorf, MD, the type of hormones used is what truly makes the difference. We recommend bioidentical hormones, which are structurally identical to those naturally produced in the human body. These include estradiol, progesterone, and testosterone, all vital for maintaining health and balance. andostene­dione

Understanding hormone terminology is essential, as confusion often arises regarding the benefits and potential side effects of hormones like estrogen, progesterone, testosterone, and thyroid hormones. For instance, human estrogen comprises three components—estriol, estradiol, and estrone—each with unique functions in the body. Estradiol (E2), the most active form, directly impacts a wide range of cellular functions due to its presence in estrogen receptors throughout the body. Estriol (E3), a weaker form, primarily affects the vaginal walls and has minimal impact on the heart and bones in non-pregnant women.

Studies show estriol may have benefits for menopausal women and those with multiple sclerosis. Estrone (E1), on the other hand, is primarily produced in fat cells post-menopause and has been linked to higher breast tumor risks, particularly in overweight women. For this reason, hormone therapy often involves a combination of estradiol and estriol, while estrone is typically excluded to minimize risks.

By focusing on bioidentical hormone therapy, we aim to address individual needs, providing effective solutions that promote health and well-being while minimizing potential risks. This patient-centric approach ensures that every woman receives the best possible care tailored to her unique hormonal profile.

Understanding Progesterone and Bioidentical Hormone Therapy

The term progesterone is frequently used to describe both the natural hormone produced by the human body and synthetic derivatives, known as progestins (e.g., medroxyprogesterone acetate). It’s important to distinguish between these, as natural progesterone serves as a precursor to critical sex hormones such as estrogen, testosterone, other androgens, and adrenal hormones. Maintaining adequate progesterone levels is essential for women’s health, as it not only prevents conditions like endometrial hyperplasia—a precursor to uterine cancer—but also counteracts estrogen’s stimulation of cell growth in breast tissue, reducing the risk of breast cancer.

Testosterone, often called “The Hormone of Desire” as coined by Susan Rako, MD, plays a significant role in women’s health, albeit in lower amounts compared to men. Produced by the ovaries and adrenal glands, testosterone and DHEA (dehydroepiandrosterone), both classified as androgens, offer numerous benefits beyond enhancing libido. For example, adding testosterone to conjugated estrogen therapy has been shown to increase fat-free body mass and mitigate central fat deposition—a common issue linked to estrogen use.

As women age, testosterone supplementation is gaining recognition for its role in improving muscle mass, decreasing central body fat, and enhancing mood and libido. Physicians focusing on menopausal wellness increasingly use testosterone therapy based on clinical evaluations and blood level analysis. However, commercially available testosterone formulations designed for men should not be used in women due to their excessively high doses. Instead, testosterone can be compounded into customized preparations, including topical and sublingual forms, to suit women’s specific needs.

Bioidentical hormone replacement therapy (BHRT) has become the gold standard for hormone supplementation in Europe. Large-scale studies consistently demonstrate that BHRT effectively eliminates menopausal symptoms without long-term adverse effects. These therapies include natural hormones like progesterone, estradiol, and testosterone, which are molecularly identical to those produced by the body. This approach provides a safer and more effective alternative to synthetic hormone treatments, promoting balance and overall well-being in menopausal women.

By focusing on bioidentical hormone therapy, women can achieve relief from symptoms while minimizing risks, ensuring a holistic and personalized approach to hormonal health.