Hormone therapy - Renew Health Clinic

Hormone therapy involves replacing hormones that are low or lacking in the body to restore optimal levels. At Renew Health Clinic, we specialize in hormone replacement for both men and women using cutting-edge treatment protocols.

Why Hormone Levels Decline

Hormone levels can start to decline due to natural aging, but today lifestyle and environmental factors are also causing hormone deficiencies in younger people. The main causes include:

• Chronic stress - leads to cortisol imbalance and thyroid dysfunction
• Poor diet and obesity - increases inflammation and disrupts endocrine function
• Lack of exercise - decreases hormone production
• Toxins in food, water, air - interfere with natural hormone balance

Timely treatment of hormone imbalance, before major symptoms appear, provides the best chance of full recovery and restoration of wellness.

Diagnosing Hormone Deficiencies

The first step is getting the right tests - this means checking not just serum hormone levels, but also markers of tissue sensitivity and cell receptor function.

At Renew Health Clinic, initial screening includes:

• Blood tests - estrogen, testosterone, thyroid (T3, T4)
• Saliva tests - cortisol, DHEA
• Additional biomarkers - fasting glucose and insulin, lipid profile, CRP, liver function

This provides a comprehensive picture of a patient's endocrine health. Follow-up testing is important to monitor and adjust hormone dosing.

We also review lifestyle and family histories during our 60-minute initial consultation.

Benefits of Hormone Replacement

Balancing hormones and restoring optimal levels leads to wide-ranging benefits:

Physical Effects

• Increased energy and stamina
• Weight loss and reduced belly fat
• Stronger bone density
• Improved heart health - lower BP and cholesterol
• Reduced inflammation - less joint pain; faster healing

Emotional Effects

• Better mood - reduced anxiety and depression
• Mental clarity and focus
• Healthy self-confidence

Metabolic Effects

• Stabilized blood sugar - reduced diabetes risk
• Better sleep - deeper and more restorative
• Slowed aging - healthy skin, hair, libido

Hormone Therapy Basics

There are natural and bioidentical forms of hormone replacement used in treatment protocols:

Bioidentical Hormones

These are chemically synthesized in a lab to have the identical structure to the hormones produced in our bodies. This allows receptor binding and full activity once absorbed. They metabolize cleanly without unwanted byproducts.

Examples: estradiol, progesterone, testosterone

Natural Hormones

Sourced from plants or animals, these are similar enough biochemically to signal human receptors. They can provide broader activity and support.

Examples: DHEA, hCG, Armour desiccated thyroid

Hormone	Roles in the Body	Deficiency Signs
Estrogen	Regulates reproduction/menstruation; cardiovascular function; skin collagen/thickness; bone cell activity	Hot flashes, night sweats, vaginal dryness; mood swings; decreased muscle mass, bone density
Progesterone	Works with estrogen in menstrual cycle regulation and gestation; Converts to cortisol buffering stress response; Aids thyroid hormone utilization	Irregular periods; infertility; anxiety/depression; sleep disruption; weight gain
Testosterone	Muscle mass development; Fat burning for energy; Sex drive/performance; Concentration ability; Confidence/motivation	Low libido; erectile dysfunction; fatigue; mental fog; irritability; weight gain - especially abdominal fat
Thyroid (T3/T4)	Metabolic rate and temperature regulation; Growth & development; Energy levels and stamina; Cholesterol regulation	Fatigue, low body temperature, weight gain, hair loss, high cholesterol
DHEA	Buffers cortisol; Supports tissue rebuilding; Enhances libido and immunity; Improves cognition, wellbeing	Muscle weakness; Joint pain; Low libido; Poor recovery from stress or illness; Impaired memory
Cortisol	Energy production; Anti-inflammatory activity; Regulates blood pressure/sugar; Stress response - fight-or-flight mediator	Fatigue upon waking or mid-PM; salt/sugar cravings; weight gain - face & abdomen; high blood pressure; high A1C/glucose

The right combination therapy with balanced dosing provides optimal restoration for each patient's needs.

Importance of Seeking Care

Ignoring hormone imbalance allows further decline in health over months and years. Symptoms will gradually worsen, and new ones may appear if deficiencies remain untreated.

This negatively impacts quality of life across physical, mental, emotional, and social health spheres. Hormones affect every cell in the body - low levels allow dysfunction and disease to take hold.

Moreover, studies show hormone deficiencies left uncorrected are linked to higher risk of:

• Heart disease
• Obesity / Diabetes
• Mental illness - anxiety, depression
• Neurodegenerative diseases - dementia, Parkinson's
• Autoimmune disorders
• Cancer
• Early death

We see patients every week who describe:

• Feeling frustrated, sad, unmotivated
• Having no energy to exercise or pursue hobbies
• Experiencing job stress more acutely
• Arguing more with spouses over minor issues
• Generally just feeling joyless and disconnected

Correcting hormone imbalance reverses the downward spiral. With treatment, there is light at the end of the tunnel - patients report feeling "like my old self again" as their hormones are replenished and brought into balance.

This is true at any age - we have helped patients in their 30s restore vitality, patients in their 60s regain vigor, and patients in their 80s renew enjoyment of life.

Renew Health Clinic Specialized Protocols

Our clinic focuses specifically on hormone health for women, men, and transgender patients. We understand the intricacies of hormone intersection and feedback in the body's complex endocrine system.

This expertise allows us to create individualized regimens using both traditional and innovative hormone preparations to meet each patient's needs for balanced functioning.

We partner with specialty compounding pharmacies to offer the latest bioidentical hormone treatment methods:

• Sublingual tablets - convenient rapid absorption
• Topical time-release gels - steady prolonged delivery
• Monthly sustained-action injections - exceptionally stable blood levels

Phased Therapy Approach

Hormone restoration does not happen overnight - it takes time to replenish cellular receptors, rebuild tissues damaged by deficiencies, and regain optimal wellness.

We use a gradual phased approach:

Phase 1 focuses on clearing hormone/health obstacles - removing toxins, reducing inflammation and insulin resistance, supporting gut/adrenal function.

Phase 2 introduces low-dose bioidentical hormones to begin restoration.

Phase 3 slowly increases dosing while monitoring labs and symptoms.

Phase 4 sustains optimal hormone levels long-term for enhanced healthspan. Diet/lifestyle adjustments maximize treatment results.

Throughout this process, patients enjoy improved wellbeing, energy, body confidence, and an overall state of balance.

We also address the mind-body connection - counseling patients on reducing stress, getting quality sleep, making healthier food choices, and staying socially engaged.

Measuring and Tracking Progress

Consistent follow-up is key to continued success. We schedule check-in visits every 4-6 weeks during the initial 6-month treatment period.

At these 60-minute appointments, we evaluate:

• Symptom improvements
• Any new or lingering concerns
• Follow-up comprehensive lab testing
• Adjustments to type/dose of hormones

Patients find it helpful to track energy, sleep quality, mood, and other health metrics in a provided diary between visits. This facilitates more precise fine-tuning of protocols.

Most patients feel dramatically better within a few months, with lab values and symptoms continuing to optimize over 6-12 months. However, treatment is tailored to the individual, and timeframes can vary.

Maintenance Phase

Once hormone balance and target levels are achieved, maintenance therapy preserves function/benefits long-term. Patients who follow our prevention-focused recommendations regarding diet, stress reduction, and supplementation often sustain excellent hormone health and vitality lasting years.

We partner with patients for the long haul - not just fixing deficiencies but teaching self-care strategies for lifetime wellness.

Restoring Wellness at Renew Health Clinic

Our passion at Renew Health Clinic is helping patients look and feel their best by optimizing hormone health. We strive to serve as partners and coaches on your path towards sustained energy, balanced mood, and positive vitality each day.

Our functional medicine approach addresses root causes of hormone dysfunction, not just symptoms. Cutting-edge testing and personalized care restore the building blocks - nourishing hormones to optimal levels - so our patients can thrive and flourish.

We understand the courage it takes to actively invest in self-care. Our atmosphere is welcoming, supportive, and professional - we discuss sensitive topics comfortably in a judgment-free zone. You deserve to feel your best every day.

Contact us today to schedule a consultation and take the first step towards revitalized wellbeing. Our caring team of hormone health experts looks forward to partnering with you!

Conclusion

At Renew Health Clinic, we are dedicated to helping our patients achieve optimal hormone balance and overall wellness. Through comprehensive testing, personalized treatment plans, and a commitment to ongoing support, we strive to provide a holistic approach to hormone health.

We understand that hormone imbalances can have far-reaching effects on various aspects of one's life, including physical, emotional, and cognitive well-being. By addressing these imbalances, we aim to restore vitality, increase energy levels, improve mood, enhance cognitive function, and promote overall quality of life.

Our team of experienced professionals is well-versed in the latest research and techniques in hormone therapy, ensuring that our patients receive the most effective and safe treatments available. We are committed to staying up-to-date with the latest advancements in the field and continuously refining our protocols to deliver the best possible care.

If you or a loved one are experiencing symptoms of hormone imbalance, we encourage you to schedule a consultation with us. Our compassionate and knowledgeable staff will guide you through the process, answer your questions, and develop a personalized treatment plan tailored to your specific needs.

Together, we can embark on a journey towards restoring your hormonal balance and reclaiming your overall well-being.