What Is Bio-Identical Hormone Therapy?

Hormone levels decline as we age; bioidentical hormone therapy replenishes the hormones that your body needs to function.

Clinica Ideal Harwin Houston uses natural or bioidentical hormones versus bio-similar or synthetic hormones.

Bioidentical hormones are molecule-by-molecule, exactly the same as the hormones (estrogen, testosterone, progesterone, cortisol, DHEA, estradiol and estriol) present in the human body.

Our providers will assess your individual needs and work to restore these hormones and customize a medical plan specifically for you.

Hormone levels can be measured either in blood or saliva. The following conditions can be treated using BHRT:

  • Adrenal Fatigue
  • PMS
  • Peri-menopause
  • Menopause
  • Post- menopause
  • Andropause or low testosterone
  • Low thyroid function
  • Polycystic Ovary Disease
  • Hormonal Acne
  • Obesity

AN INTEGRATED APPROACH TO NATURAL BHRT THERAPY

Our providers will also discuss the importance of good nutrition, fitness and lifestyle choices in your journey to better health with natural hormones. Eating right and exercising are equally important aspects of bioidentical hormone therapy or hormone replacement therapy (HRT). If your hormones are out of balance, your body will not respond optimally to improved nutrition and exercise.

WHO NEEDS BIOIDENTICAL HORMONE REPLACEMENT THERAPY (BHRT)?

Women suffering from early menopause symptoms looking to put an end to hot flashes, night sweats, memory loss, mood swings, weight gain, and low libido are turning to these expert physicians to replace natural hormones.

Our providers design individualized programs specifically for each woman suffering from early menopause symptoms, menopause, peri-menopause, and severe PMS.

Men experiencing the male menopause who want to get a grip on weight gain, lost libido, fatigue, stress, energy, muscle mass, and body fat are also finding solutions through natural hormone therapy. For men, andropause (the male menopause) happens gradually and when diagnosed, the symptoms are successfully treated using bioidentical HRT.

WHAT ARE BIOIDENTICAL HORMONE THERAPY SERVICES?

  • A comprehensive review of symptoms, medical, family and personal history
  • Testing of urine and/or blood laboratory analysis
  • Natural hormone balancing
  • Ongoing evaluations every 3 to 6 months
  • Quality compounded pharmacy
  • Highest quality supplements
  • Fitness programs
  • Nutrition planning
  • Stress reduction plans

The Comprehensive Blood Panel:

The Comprehensive Lab panel includes the minimum amount of blood test panels the physician requires for a diagnosis while still being able to provide the high quality hormone replacement therapy services. The Comprehensive Lab panel includes the following:

  • CMP (Complete Metabolic)
  • Testosterone, Free & Total
  • IGF-1 (Insulin Growth Factor)
  • IGF-BP3 (Binding Protein 3)
  • LH (Luteinizing Hormone)
  • Lipids Panel (LDL / HDL)
  • PSA – Prostate (men)
  • Thyroid Panel (TSH)
  • Progesterone
  • Estradiol
  • Free T3
  • Cortisol
  • SHBG

If you have a recent lab test that includes all of these panels then you can forward the lab test results to us for review and you will not need to get lab testing.

The Executive Lab Panel

Our highest level lab test is our Executive Lab Panel. This extensive blood testing panel covers every lab test that our providers would like to see to assess your complete current health status and goes well beyond screening for just a hormone deficiency. This is for the patient who takes a very progressive hands-on approach to their health care. Included in this test is NMR LipoProfile, a specialized laboratory test performed on a blood sample that provides a detailed analysis of your blood lipids. It also checks for: adrenal fatigue, advanced blood sugar and cardiovascular health markers. The Executive blood test panels include everything in the Comprehensive lab panels and more as follows:

  • CBC (Complete Blood Count)
  • CMP (Complete Metabolic)
  • Testosterone, Free & Total
  • IGF-1 (Insulin Growth Factor)
  • IGF-BP3 (Binding Protein 3)
  • LH (Luteinizing Hormone)
  • Lipids Panel (LDL / HDL)
  • PSA – Prostate (men)
  • Thyroid Panel (TSH)
  • Progesterone
  • Estradiol
  • Free T3
  • Cortisol
  • Vitamin D, 25-Hydroxy
  • Homocystine Plasma
  • C-Reactive Protein
  • Hemoglobin A1C
  • NMR LipoProfile
  • Ferritin Serum
  • Progesterone
  • Prolactin
  • Cortisol
  • DHEA
  • FSH

 

ESTROGEN METABOLISM

Estrogens are hormones produced in both men and women. Estrogens circulating in the blood eventually get broken down by the liver into estrogen metabolites, which are eliminated in the urine. There are several different pathways estrogen can take on its way out of the body. Two of the major metabolic pathways are: 2-hydroxyestrone (2-OHE1) and 16-alpha-hydroxyestrone (16-OHE1). Research shows that a ratio of 2-OHE1 to 16-OHE1 in urine of greater than 2.0 is associated with a lower degree of severity, or risk of developing, certain diseases. Maintaining a healthy balance in favor of 2-hydroxyestrogens may help preserve good health.

The Estrogen Metabolism Ratio can be used to help women and men assess their risk of the following conditions associated with imbalances in the breakdown of estrogens.

Conditions Associated with Estrogen Metabolism Imbalance

Breast Cancer

  • Several studies show that women diagnosed with breast cancer have a lower ratio of 2-OHE1 to 16-OHE1 than age-matched disease-free women.

Cervical dysplasia

  • Cervical dysplasia is a condition where pre-cancerous cells are found in the cervix. Studies show the severity of the dysplasia is greater in women with a lower Estrogen Metabolism Ratio.

Why Test the Estrogen Metabolism Ratio?

  • Because a number of health conditions (see above) are affected by the ratio of 2-hydroxyestrone to 16-hydroxyestrone; your Estrogen Metabolism Ratio may give some indication of your relative risk of developing these conditions.
  • Knowing you are at increased risk for certain hormone-related conditions may provide motivation to make healthier lifestyle choices.
  • The Estrogen Metabolism Ratio test is simple to do. A single urine sample is tested and measurements of both 2-OHE1 and 16-OHE1 are made. The ratio of 2-OHE1 to 16-OHE1 is plotted on a bar graph with the favorable range highlighted in green.

Improving Your Estrogen Metabolism Ratio

A number of supplements and lifestyle changes can be used to raise the Estrogen Metabolism Ratio (EMR). Unfortunately, there is no definitive proof that increasing the ratio now guarantees a reduced risk of developing hormone related diseases later. However, we do know from population studies that men and women with higher ratios of 2-OHE1 to 16-OHE1 are much less likely to develop certain hormone related diseases. We also know that many of the supplements, foods and lifestyle changes that raise EMR have documented health benefits. Therefore, it is reasonable to assume that adding these food/supplements and making lifestyle changes will reduce risk of disease.

Supplements: There are a number of natural products that help improve the Estrogen Metabolism Ratio. Indole-3-carbinol (I3C), Di-indolylmethane (DIM), laxseed, omega-three fatty acids, soy isoflavones and oil of rosemary all increase 2-hydroxyestrone levels, thereby raising the EMR.

In addition, prescription progesterone and prescription thyroid hormone have been shown to improve the Estrogen Metabolism Ratio.

Exercise: Levels of the “bad” metabolite 16-OHE1 go up with obesity, therefore weight loss and exercise are important factors in regulating the EMR.

Lifestyle: Exposure to toxins can increase levels of the “bad” metabolite 16-OHE1, which lowers the EMR, so it is important to minimize exposure to toxic chemicals. Excessive alcohol consumption may also lower the EMR.

Diet: Increased consumption of cruciferous vegetables like broccoli, Brussels sprouts, cabbage and cauliflower can raise the EMR by increasing the amount of the “good” metabolite, 2-OHE1. Increasing dietary fiber and reducing consumption of saturated fats also helps raise the EMR.

Test Results

Maintaining an Estrogen Metabolism Ratio of 2.0 or higher may provide some protection against hormone related cancers. In some cases, an EMR of 2.0 may not be high enough. Your health care practitioner can help you determine what is a good ratio for you.
Note that treatment decisions are based on the ratio of the two metabolites, not on individual measurements of either 2-OHE1 or 16-OHE1. The amount of 2-OHE1 or 16-OHE1 that is produced and eliminated varies widely throughout the menstrual cycle in women and from patient to patient, depending on kidney function and fluid consumption. Therefore, decisions must be based on the absolute ratio between the two.

Bio-identical hormone therapy

Low levels of hormones in your body can impact your health and well-being. This is because the hormones in your body control most of the basic functions in your body. The hormones serve as internal communication channels between cells all over your body. The hormones coordinate most functions in your body such as digestion, appetite, immune function, libido, mood, and more.

When the level of hormones in your body reduces, it can affect your health and well-being. This is why it is important for you to boost the level of hormones in your body when your hormone level is low.

Bio-identical hormone therapy is a hormone replacement therapy that is used to boost the level of hormones in the body.

Bio-identical hormones are hormones that are manmade. These hormones are derived from plant estrogens that are chemically identical to the hormones in the human body. Hormones such as Estrogen, progesterone, and testosterone are some common hormones that are replicated and used for replacement treatments. Bio-identical hormones can be in the form of pills, patches, creams, gels, or injections. These hormones are given to replace or boost the hormonal level in your body for your total well-being and health.

What are the side effects of bio-identical hormone therapy?

Common side effects of bio-identical hormone therapy include:

  • Fatigue
  • Weight gain
  • Blurred vision
  • Tiredness
  • Acne
  • Increased facial hair in women
  • Headaches
  • Breast tenderness
  • Spotting
  • Cramping
  • Bloating
  • Mood swings
  • Indigestion

Hormone replacement therapy may also increase the risk of certain conditions and diseases such as blood clots, stroke, gallbladder disease, heart disease, breast cancer

What is the difference between Hormone replacement therapy and bio-identical hormones?

Hormone replacement therapy is a treatment used to treat symptoms of menopause in women. As you approach menopause, your hormonal level drops which generally affect your sexual health. Administering medications that contain hormones such as estrogen and progesterone can help to boost or increase the level of hormones in your body.

Bio-identical hormones are manmade hormones that are extracted from plant estrogens. These hormones are chemically identical to the hormones the body produces. Some common bio-identical hormones include estrogen, progesterone, and testosterone. Bio-identical hormones can be used for hormone replacement therapies to boost or increase lower hormonal levels in women.

How long do bio-identical hormones take to work?

After undergoing bio-identical hormone therapy, you will likely see improvement within the first 2 to 3 weeks. It will take up to 8 weeks before you will see the full effect of the treatment.

What are the benefits of bio-identical hormones?

Bio-identical hormones are typically given to aged people with low hormonal levels, particularly women who are in pre-menopause or menopause. Bio-identical hormones are used to increase low levels of hormones in women.

It improves moderate to severe symptoms of menopause symptoms such as hot flashes, night sweats, mood changes, memory loss, weight gain, sleeping problems, loss of interest in sex, or pain during sex.

Bio-identical hormones may also reduce your risk for diabetes, tooth loss, improve skin thickness, hydration, and elasticity, and even reduce wrinkles. Bio-identical hormones generally improve your total health and well-being.