Aging, stress, poor diet, lack of exercise, and other factors can lead to hormonal imbalances in both men and women. These imbalances often manifest themselves through symptoms like fatigue, trouble sleeping, weight gain, low libido, hot flashes, night sweats, and more. If left untreated, hormone deficiencies can significantly impact one's quality of life.
There are several potential causes of hormonal imbalances, including:
Common signs and symptoms of hormone deficiencies include:
If you are experiencing any of these symptoms, it may indicate an underlying hormonal imbalance that should be evaluated by a medical professional.
Bioidentical hormone replacement therapy (BHRT) involves supplementing the body with lab-made hormones that are molecularly identical to those naturally produced. This can effectively treat hormone deficiencies and help patients feel balanced again.
In essence, balanced hormone levels help us function and feel our best at any age. BHRT offers a way to restore them with natural hormones customized to your needs
Bioidentical hormones are sourced from plant compounds vs. synthetic ones made from artificial ingredients in a lab. Our bodies recognize the bioidentical ones as natural, binding better to receptors. This results in optimal balance with potentially fewer side effects.
Founded in 2022 in Columbia Falls, Montana, Balanced Hormone Clinic specializes in customized bioidentical hormone therapy optimized to each patient's needs. We take a holistic, integrative approach focused on lifestyle as well for best results.
- Comprehensive labs & testing - Precise BHRT custom compounding - Ongoing monitoring & dosage titration - Lifestyle counseling: nutrition, exercise, stress reduction - Support achieving patient health goals
We recognize each person's underlying causes of hormonal issues varies, so we tailor solutions rather than take a “one-size-fits all” approach. Patients appreciate our emphasis on listening first with patience and care. We partner together to optimize vitality.
We also understand cost often deters patients from seeking help for hormone issues. We offer affordable pricing packages. Most insurance is accepted, financing available. Let us know what works best for your budget.
While bioidentical hormone therapy offers many potential benefits, it’s important to learn more before starting it. Here is some key information to know about the treatment process at our Columbia Falls clinic:
1. Initial consultation: Medical history, lab tests for deficiencies 2. Custom compounding of hormones matched to your labs 3. Follow-up to initiate therapy, teach self-administration 4. Regular monitoring & labwork to optimize dosing 5. Lifestyle modifications for enhanced results 6. Maintenance phase to sustain balance long-term
Hormones can be taken: - Orally (capsules, troches, cream) - Transdermally (gels, creams, pellets) - Injections (estrogen, testosterone) - Rectally (progesterone) - Vaginally (estrogen, progesterone)
Together we determine your optimal delivery methods and doses. Convenience, consistency and patient preference are all weighed.
Women require balanced ratios of both key hormones not just estrogen alone long-term for protection from certain health risks. This differs from traditional hormone replacement therapy.
Monitoring, lab testing, and precise compounding maintains healthy balance. Additional hormones like testosterone or DHEA may also help relieve certain symptoms depending on patient needs.
There is no universal roadmap or average dose. Each bioidentical hormone therapy (BHRT) protocol is customized through our specialized compounding, integrating patient factors like:
By carefully tailoring BHRT to the individual from the start and modifying as needed, optimized balance and safety is achieved.
Unlike synthetic hormones, bioidentical hormones have a chemical structure identical to the hormones naturally produced by the human body. This allows them to bind more efficiently to hormone receptors and potentially result in improved symptom relief with fewer side effects compared to synthetic options.
While bioidentical hormones serve as the foundation for treatment, certain lifestyle measures also significantly complement them for full benefits. Our clinic advises patients on key aspects like:
Follow an anti-inflammatory diet rich in produce, lean proteins, fiber, omega-3s. Limit sugar, processed foods. Stay hydrated. Nutrient deficiencies exacerbate imbalances.
Regular activity (cardio, weights) boosts energy, mood, metabolic health aiding hormonal balance. Outdoor exercise taps into nature’s healing powers too.
Chronic stress spikes cortisol disrupting endocrine function. Relaxation practices like yoga, meditation, massage lower it for harmony. Creative hobbies or forest bathing offer outlets.
Good rest sustains hormones and immunity. Prioritize 7-9 hours nightly. Keep cool, quiet, dark. Shut off screens. Take magnesium, melatonin if needed. Establish consistent bedtime routine.
When such lifestyle factors align simultaneously with bioidentical HRT, transformative revitalization often results – mind, body and spirit. We offer ongoing guidance to help patients actualize total wellbeing.
To best determine if hormone imbalances exist before commencing treatment, our Columbia Falls clinic conducts certain vital medical tests. These may include:
Testing key hormone levels is essential to uncover deficiencies and determine customized therapy dosing. This can include reproductive hormones (estrogen, progesterone, testosterone), thyroid hormones (T3, T4), and adrenal hormones (DHEA, cortisol). Saliva or serum blood tests are used.
Assessing current health involves evaluating vitals (weight, blood pressure, body mass index), medical history, medication use, symptoms, and a physical exam checking for abnormalities indicating pathology.
Further tests may be warranted depending on patient risk factors and presentation of symptoms. Examples include lipid panels checking cholesterol, blood glucose for diabetics risk, bone density scans for osteoporosis risk, food sensitivity testing for GI issues, etc.
Testing provides objective data revealing the full clinical picture for developing an appropriate treatment plan. We select only medically indicated, useful labs not excessive ones. Testing costs are often covered by insurance when properly coded.
If hormone testing confirms an underlying deficiency and bioidentical hormone therapy is determined suitable, here is a general overview of the treatment process patients can expect:
- Comprehensive history, discussion of symptoms, expectations - Physical exam as warranted per medical standards - Review baseline lab results showing areas of imbalance - Together determine optimal hormone delivery method
- Custom medical prescription written for your personalized BHRT - Sent securely to our specialty compounding pharmacy - Exceptional quality standards ensured, high sterility - Shipped quickly back to clinic or the patient’s home
- Provide clear instructions on administration, timing, storage - Demonstrate proper technique for gels, creams, injections - Disclose potential side effects and how to manage - Close follow-up built in to start, then at regular intervals
- Symptoms, side effects closely tracked - Lab testing repeated at intervals - Hormone levels evaluated for optimal balance - Adjustments made to dosing or delivery method if required - Lifestyle measures reinforced for enhanced adaptation
While each case has some unique aspects, this overview conveys our general process. We also communicate frequently by phone call, portal messaging or email along the way to address any questions or concerns ensuring treatment success. Patient education, empowerment and confidentiality are paramount.
The bioidentical hormones used are 100% natural in chemical structure to those within human bodies unlike synthetic ones. However, there are still side effects possible in those sensitive. Risks range from headaches, sore breasts, fluid retention to potential stimulation of pre-existing cancers if undetected. But customized dosing and vigilant monitoring greatly mitigates such risks. It is FAR safer than synthetic or standard therapy. Talk to your practitioner about your unique situation.
Most patients report initial improvements in energy, sleep or hot flashes within 2-4 weeks once reaching optimal hormone balance. However maximum benefits for mood, sexual health, body composition can sometimes take 3-6 months. Patience allows the body to fully adapt metabolically through continuing supplementation.
Balanced hormone levels are crucial for healthy metabolic function and body composition. BHRT can help reduce belly fat, spark fat burning, gain lean muscle mass ultimately supporting sustainable weight loss when combined with proper nutrition and consistent exercise. It serves to “reset” your chemistry facilitating fitness.
The cost of treatment varies based on personalized dosing, pharmacy charges, quality standards and delivery methods chosen. However it is VERY affordable compared to synthetic HRT through big chain pharmacies! Our clinic offers reasonable pricing and financing options if needed. Insurance coverage varies, but often BHRT is reimbursable just like other standard meds when coded properly. Check with your let us know if you have any other questions! We want patients fully informed before pursuing treatment given the commitment involved.
