Bioidentical hormones are identical in molecular structure to the hormones produced naturally in the human body. As we age, hormone levels can become imbalanced, leading to undesirable symptoms. Replacing these hormones through bioidentical hormone therapy can help restore optimal levels, thereby reducing symptoms.
Bioidentical hormones used in therapy are typically derived from plant sources and are made to be exactly the same as endogenous human hormones. This allows the body to recognize and utilize them more efficiently than synthetic hormone alternatives.
Some of the most commonly used bioidentical hormones include:
Bioidentical hormone replacement therapy (HRT) provides greater flexibility in dosing and balances hormones in a more natural way than synthetic hormones. Potential benefits include:
Many women going through perimenopause and menopause experience hot flashes, night sweats, vaginal dryness, irregular periods, trouble sleeping, and mood changes. Studies show bioidentical estrogen and progesterone therapy can effectively treat these symptoms.
Estrogen deficiency after menopause is associated with accelerated bone loss and osteoporosis. Bioidentical estrogen therapy helps preserve bone mineral density and reduce fracture risk.
Bioidentical estrogen may help keep arteries flexible and reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease when initiated early in menopause. It helps maintain healthy cholesterol levels.
By improving unpleasant menopausal symptoms and addressing hormone deficiencies, bioidentical HRT can help middle-aged and older men and women feel more energetic, emotionally balanced, and able to enjoy life.
Testosterone therapy in men helps maintain energy, sex drive, cognitive function, lean muscle mass and strength, and bone density while decreasing body fat. It can greatly improve quality of life for men as they age.
The first step is to schedule laboratory testing to accurately assess your hormone levels through blood, saliva, or urine samples. Butterfly Hormone Center partners with top local labs.
Based on your test results, our practitioners will develop a customized bioidentical hormone therapy plan. We take the time to listen to your needs and fine-tune dosing over time for optimal safety and results.
We offer testosterone, estrogen, and progesterone in convenient oral pills, topical creams or gels, sublingual drops, or injectable forms. Pellet therapy is also available for sustained hormone release over 3-6 months. Follow-up testing helps ensure hormone levels are balanced properly.
Lifestyle measures like nutrition, fitness, and stress management strongly complement bioidentical therapy. Our team provides comprehensive support. Butterfly Hormone Center also offers treatments for thyroid disorders, adrenal fatigue, and other issues that interplay with hormones.
Don't struggle with dysfunctional hormone levels. Our individualized bioidentical hormone replacement plans help patients like you regain energy, mental clarity, restful sleep, healthy weight, sex drive, emotional wellbeing, and an overall improved quality of life.
There are several reasons hormone levels can drop, leading to unpleasant signs and symptoms:
Fortunately, hormone testing identifies deficiencies, and bioidentical hormone therapy restores optimal levels for improved wellbeing. Butterfly Hormone Center specializes in safely balancing hormones based on your individual needs.
Bioidentical hormones are not necessarily safer or more effective than synthetic hormones for menopausal symptoms. Well-designed studies comparing bioidenticals to FDA-approved hormones are lacking, so claims about superiority are currently unsupported. More research is needed.
Accurately assessing your hormone levels is crucial before beginning bioidentical HRT. Butterfly Hormone Center partners with top specialized local laboratories to perform thorough testing:
Blood Testing
Blood tests check circulating free and total hormone levels. Butterfly Hormone Center recommends testing key hormones including estradiol, progesterone, total and free testosterone, DHEA-S, cortisol, TSH, free T3, free T4, and more based on symptoms. Testing is performed at optimal times during the menstrual cycle for more accurate female hormone results.
Saliva Testing
Saliva tests measure bioavailable hormone levels and patterns throughout the full day. Saliva testing is especially useful for estrogen, progesterone, cortisol, DHEA, and melatonin. Non-invasive saliva samples are easy to collect at home.
Urine Testing
Urinalysis quantifies metabolized hormone levels. This allows convenient at-home sample collection. Urine tests accurately measure key estrogen, progesterone, and testosterone metabolites.
These advanced diagnostics equip our practitioners to develop fully customized, effective bioidentical hormone therapy protocols tailored to you as a unique biochemical individual. Follow-up testing also helps ensure optimal hormone balance is maintained.
The goal of bioidentical HRT is restoring depleted hormones to levels consistent with healthy functioning. This can alleviate undesirable symptoms. Therapy typically involves:
1. Hormone testing - Assess circulating and metabolized hormone levels
2. Analysis and consultation - Medical providers interpret results and make dosage recommendations
3. Administration - Bioidentical hormones are prescribed in pills, creams/gels, drops, patches, pellets, or injections
4. Follow up and adjustment - Repeat lab testing ensures proper hormone balance is achieved
Butterfly Hormone Center specializes in precision balancing of estrogen, progesterone, testosterone, thyroid hormones, DHEA, melatonin, and other vital hormones utilizing bioidentical therapy. The comprehensive approach also incorporates diet, exercise, stress management, and nutritional support targeting root causes for optimal restoration of health, wellbeing, and vitality.
Butterfly Hormone Center has over 15 years of experience safely prescribing bioidentical hormone therapy to help patients look, feel, and live better.
We recommend:
Bioidentical hormones can be dosed conveniently and accurately based on each patient's needs for optimal safety and results. Age is just a number, and restoring hormonal balance enables patients to lead full, active lives.
We also suggest rounding out care with high quality vitamin, mineral, and nutraceutical supplementation for comprehensive support.
Bioidentical hormone therapy achieves the best results when combined with healthy lifestyle optimization:
Phytoestrogens from fruits, vegetables, whole grains, beans, seeds, and nuts help supplement estrogen levels naturally. Limiting sugars, refined grains, alcohol, and caffeine can benefit hormone balance.
Moderate aerobic, strength training, flexibility, and balancing exercises at least 3-5 days per week helps regulate estrogen, cortisol, insulin, thyroid hormones, growth hormone, and more for optimal health.
Chronic stress raises cortisol and catecholamine levels, which can disrupt optimal hormone function. Relaxation practices like yoga, deep breathing, meditation, massage, and mindfulness calm this response.
Getting 7-9 hours of high quality sleep each night enables proper circadian hormone secretion related to tissue repair, mood regulation, cardiac function, appetite, and more.
Butterfly Hormone Center has cultivated preferred relationships with top establishments in Takoma Park to serve your needs:
Evergreen Health - Specialized blood testing and imaging services
ReNew Moon Yoga & Wellness - Yoga, massage, counseling for self-care
Palisades Fitness - State-of-the-art gym and group fitness classes
Sweetgreen - Nutritious restaurant catering health-conscious diners
Let our exceptional team guide you to better health through expert bioidentical hormone therapy and lifestyle optimization. We are here for your journey toward wellbeing. Contact Butterfly Hormone Center today to begin!
