Frequently Asked Questions

Hormones are compounds that were engineered to look and behave in our bodies just like our natural hormones (which our bodies produce regularly). Hormones such as testosterone, estrogen, DHEA, thyroid, melatonin, and progesterone, to name a few, all have bio-identical hormone equivalents. These are processed by the body easily, with little to no side effects. That’s because bio-identical hormones are created from natural ingredients (usually soy or wild yams) and thus will not have any harsh consequences on the body unlike earlier synthetic compounds that were used in the past for hormone replace therapy.

Because bio-identical hormones are created from natural ingredients and are structurally identical to natural hormones, they are considered the safest form of hormone replacement therapy on the market today.

To determine what bio-identical hormone replacement therapy is best, you will fill out a detailed personal medical profile and undergo a blood test to check your hormone levels. Once your results come back in a few days, our doctor will sit with you and discuss your results as well as a recommended course of treatment, which is usually carried out on a regular basis for a certain period of time.

Typically, hormone replacement therapy is carried out for several weeks, and then a second blood test may be requested in order to gauge your response to the current regimen of therapy. Women are typically tested 3 weeks into the procedure and men, 6 weeks. Your body may “kick in” and rebalance your hormones after a certain period of time or you may find that you need ongoing treatment to keep your hormone balance in check.

Some bio-identical hormones are administered by tablet, injection or via tiny pellets (which are inserted into a small incision just beneath the upper layer of skin and covered with a simple dressing).

Once you receive treatment, you should begin noticing a difference within 1 to 2 weeks. After 2 to 3 weeks of receiving the therapy, you should experience a marked improvement in your symptoms.

A sudden increase in hormones in the body may trigger certain short-term side effects such as increased hair growth on the face as well as an outbreak of acne. Women may experience sensitivity in their breasts and spotting. Some of these side effects will subside on their own after your body has adjusted to the therapy. Other symptoms like spotting can be alleviated through the ingestion of progesterone capsules at bedtime.

Hormonal imbalances can occur during any stage of one’s life. If you are experiencing a number of symptoms, such as frequent headaches, restlessness, exhaustion, dry skin, mood swings and weight gain, you may be a good candidate for bio-identical hormone replacement therapy. Our bodies change over time and certain milestones in our lives, including a lack of exercise and good nutrition, can trigger an imbalance.

If you’ve been suffering from a low libido, taking bio-identical hormones that simulate testosterone can most definitely increase your sex drive and tremendously improve energy levels.

Yes. Although women who have gone through menopause are at risk of experiencing hormone imbalances, they are not alone. Individuals who have given birth, experienced other milestones in their lives, who have been working hard and/or not eating right, are also at risk.

Although women are commonly treated for hormone imbalances because of the onset of menopause, men also are at risk of hormone imbalances, particularly when it comes to testosterone. This can cause many side effects including lack of energy, lack of libido, poor concentration, higher body fat and loss of muscle tone, to name of few. If you think you may be experiencing symptoms because of a hormone imbalance, check with our doctor.

In certain studies, taking bio-identical hormones has shown to have protective qualities against breast and ovarian cancer, osteoporosis, high cholesterol, and heart disease.