Hormones are crucial chemical messengers that regulate many of the body's functions. When hormone levels become too low, it can lead to potentially serious hormone deficiency disorders. Some common symptoms include:
Hormone testing is important to determine which hormone(s) may be deficient. Common deficiencies include testosterone, estrogen, progesterone, cortisol, thyroid hormones, growth hormone, and DHEA.
If left untreated, deficiencies can worsen over time and increase risks for certain diseases. Timely treatment is key to relieving symptoms and preventing long-term issues.
Detecting a hormone deficiency typically starts with a medical evaluation of symptoms, personal and family medical history, and a physical exam. Lab tests of blood, saliva, or urine samples can help pinpoint where hormone levels stand compared to normal ranges.
Some examples of lab tests used to assess hormones:
If testing reveals a deficiency, hormone replacement therapy may be recommended to get levels back up into optimal ranges.
Balancing hormone levels through replacement therapy can provide immense relief of deficiency symptoms. Benefits may include:
In addition to feeling better day-to-day, regulating hormones also helps lower risks for medical issues like osteoporosis, heart disease, and type 2 diabetes.
One of the most common hormone deficiencies seen in aging adults is low testosterone or "low T." Testosterone plays key roles in sexual health, muscle mass, bone density, red blood cell production, and more throughout a man or woman's life.
Some signs that a person may be a candidate for testosterone replacement therapy (TRT) include:
Additionally, blood testing would show total and/or free testosterone levels below normal.
Correcting low testosterone through TRT can reverse deficiency symptoms and:
By getting testosterone levels back up through replacement therapy, many patients feel like they regain their vitality.
There are several delivery methods used in TRT programs depending on the patient's needs and preferences:
Injections - Self-administered testosterone injections 1-2 times per week are very effective. Peak levels are reached shortly after injecting. Smooth testosterone release follows for days after.
Gels - Topical testosterone gels provide daily testosterone directly through the skin. Convenience appeals to those who don't prefer injections.
Pellets - Testosterone pellets implanted under the hip skin supply steady testosterone for 3-6 months before needing replacement. No daily regimen needed.
Patches - Adhesive testosterone patches placed on the body daily passively dose testosterone transdermally. Very easy protocol.
Under a doctor's care, TRT plans can be customized with monitoring to sustain ideal testosterone statuses long-term.
Like testosterone levels, estrogen starts declining for women during perimenopause and drops sharply at menopause. Low estrogen causes unpleasant symptoms that replacement therapy can help remedy.
Declining estrogen commonly triggers a variety of adverse effects:
These symptoms often negatively impact one's quality of life. Thankfully, correcting estrogen deficiency can make a big difference.
Estrogen replacement therapy (ERT) includes estrogen pills, patches, gels, rings, or pellet implants that boost levels back up into a healthy postmenopausal range.
Doing so can:
With individualized plans tailored to each woman's needs, ERT restores estrogen to levels consistent with feeling one's best.
The thyroid gland in the neck produces thyroid hormones that regulate mood, energy levels, body temperature, breathing, digestion - essentially metabolism overall. Hypothyroidism is a condition where the thyroid doesn’t make enough thyroid hormones to sustain normal bodily functions. Replacement therapy is frequently needed to get thyroid levels back up.
Patients with hypothyroidism often deal with symptoms like:
✘ Fatigue despite adequate sleep ✘ Feeling cold when others are not ✘ Constipation ✘ Muscle cramps ✘ Hair loss ✘ Depression ✘ Impaired memory ✘ Menstrual cycle abnormalities
If blood tests show low levels of thyroid hormones T3 and/or T4, thyroid hormone replacement helps counteract the deficiencies.
Levothyroxine is typically the synthetic thyroid hormone medication prescribed to replenish T4 levels. Over time, T4 converts into active T3 thyroid hormone in the body where it's needed.
Benefits of thyroid replacement include:
💪 Increased energy 💪 Warmer body temperature 💪 Regulated bowel function 💪 Reduced muscle cramping 💪 Normalized menstrual cycles 💪 Improved mood and mental function 💪 Possible weight loss
With proper dosing tailored to the individual, thyroid replacement therapy effectively relieves hypothyroidism’s unwelcome symptoms.
Hormone therapy has been shown to improve spatial abilities like navigation in transgender women. A 2021 study found that trans women undergoing hormone therapy performed significantly better on spatial tasks like mental rotation compared to trans women not yet beginning therapy. This suggests hormones like estrogen play a key role in shaping parts of cognition once thought to be fixed.
Hormone pellets are bioidentical hormone preparations compressed into very small rods. The pellets are inserted underneath the skin during an quick office procedure, steadily releasing hormones for 3-6 months. This type of hormone replacement therapy appeals to those wanting steady hormonal levels without taking daily medication.
About the size of a grain of rice, the pellets dissolve slowly to deliver bioidentical estrogen, testosterone, or thyroid hormones directly into the bloodstream. Usually 4-10 pellets are placed under the skin of the hip during an appointment where local anesthetic is used to numb the site beforehand. The non-surgical procedure only takes about 5-10 minutes. The incision heals rapidly.
Hormone pellets offer unique advantages:
* Convenience - No frequent dosing needed, only brief 4-6 month insertion appointments * Steady Hormone Levels - Gradual pellet dissolution creates stable hormone concentrations compared to peaks and valleys with pills or shots * Fewer Side Effects - Steady delivery minimizes adverse issues associated with hormone fluctuations * Better Patient Compliance - Not having to administer medication daily, especially while traveling, leads to fewer missed doses
In total, hormone pellets foster reliable, uncomplicated hormone replacement over months at a steady pace, keeping levels in balance.
Balance Hormone Clinic
The medical team at Balance Hormone Clinic understands how vital proper hormone balance is for your health and quality of life at every age. That’s why Balance Hormone Clinic offers cutting-edge hormone replacement therapy programs personalized for your unique physiology using the latest treatment modalities.
What sets Balance Hormone Clinic apart is their renowned expertise in state-of-the-art hormone optimization coupled with unparalleled care for each person who walks through their doors. Every aspect of your HRT plan is carefully designed just for you by renowned hormone specialists.
As leaders in the field of anti-aging and preventative medicine, the clinic combines proven bioidentical hormone therapies with customized nutrition, fitness, and lifestyle recommendations for maximizing your vitality and longevity.
Ongoing monitoring and follow-ups optimize treatment outcomes in the months and years ahead so you consistently feel your best while lowering your risks for various chronic diseases of aging. This scientific, conscientious approach is what the professionals at Balance Hormone Clinic excel at.
The Balance Hormone Clinic located right in Johnson City makes it convenient for local residents to obtain top-notch HRT under one roof. Their state-licensed providers evaluate your hormone levels, symptoms, and health background thoroughly to get to the root causes of deficiencies.
Based on what’s found, they craft thoughtful protocols using the most appropriate hormone preparations, doses, and delivery methods to properly restore balance for you. Whether that’s testosterone, estrogen, thyroid hormones, cortisol, human growth hormone, or other bioidentical hormones, the expansive treatment options available through Balance Hormone Clinic all have successful track records in reducing deficiency symptoms quickly and safely.
Ongoing fine-tuning tackles fluctuations right away until full effects are reached. The caring staff understands that each person’s physiology and needs differ. Through attentive monitoring and modifications, they help you feel revitalized by your personalized hormones.
Beyond balancing your hormones skillfully, Balance Hormone Clinic guides you on additional ways to optimize your wellness in Johnson City’s pleasant environment. Taking relaxing walks along the Tree Streets neighborhoods near the clinic or exploring the scenic Buffalo Mountain Trailhead just outside downtown are great outlets during treatment. The knowledgeable team can recommend the most rejuvenating local fitness centers, spas, and healthy cuisine that best promote restored energy and vitality during your hormone therapy journey.
With treatment tailored to you overseen by experts, Balance Hormone Clinic provides an atmosphere of trust and reassurance as they help you regain optimal hormone function on your terms. Their comprehensive therapies reduce symptoms fast while proactively bettering longevity. That’s the Balance Hormone Clinic pledge to valued patients - delivering advanced hormone care led by clinical excellence, integrity, and empathy from beginning to end.
