HORMONE REPLACEMENT THERAPY

BEMC offers bio-identical hormone replacement therary (BIHRT) for both men and women.  Also known as "natural" hormone replacement, BIHRT is an attempt to return the body to a healthier state of hormone balance.  Because the level of one hormone is influenced by others, we evaluate a whole series of hormone levels including adrenal, pituitary, and ovarian/testicular hormones.  Once these levels are determined, interventins include supplementation with herbs/nutrients, use of precursors (supplements that can be immediately converted into hormones.), or the hormone itself.  If hormones are prescribed, they are bio-identical.  This means that the hormone is identical to that which the body is supposed to produce on its own.

The process begins with an evaluation of the individual's status.  This means a blood draw or a saliva sample.  Saliva testing is utilized in situations in which multiple levels are required, such as measuring adrenal function during the course of a day or following estrogen/progesterone levels during the course of a woman's monthly cycle.  Blood testing is used in all other situations.  For men and women who are not cycling, timing is not important; but the blood should be drawn in the morning.  For women who are cycling, the best day to evaluate these levels is five to six days after ovulation.  This usually means a blood draw on day 19 or day 20 of the monthly cycle (day one is the first day of the menses.)  Once levels have been determined (it usually takes about two weeks to get all results back), supplements, precursors, or hormones are prescribed to balance these levels.  Progress is followed clinically (based on symptoms) and by blood work at three to four month intervals until a state of balance is achieved.

Who needs hormone evaluation?  Any woman with irregular menses, PMS, polycystic ovaries, unexplained weight gain or fatigue, loss of libido, peri-menopause, menopause with symptoms, brain fog or memory loss, new onset depression, disrupted sleep patterns, problems with healing, and skin or hair changes.  Any man with loss of libido, unexplained weight gain, inability to increase strength with exercise, hair loss, memory changes/depression, unexplained fatigue, and problems with healing. 

To set up an appointment call:

BIO ENERGY MEDICAL CENTER

734-995-3200