Integrative Wellness
Bio-identical Hormone Replacement Therapy (BHRT)
What is it?
A type of hormone therapy that is a natural alternative to synthetic hormone replacement. The hormones we utilize are plant-derived and the exact same chemical structures as the ones made in the human body. This therapy can be delivered to the body via multiple routes, most commonly used is transdermal, through injectables, or pellet insertion. This would be customized to each individual client’s needs and goals.
Why BHRT?
You don’t feel like yourself, things are changing and you don’t know why. You may have even asked for help and been met with a “this is just a part of getting older” response. At Epic Integrative Wellness, we reject the idea that moving through your years should be met with expected decline in function and your overall health. We don’t age here, we elevate through our life experiences, maintaining the ability to participate in activities that bring us joy and fulfillment.
Menopause and andropause (can be referred to as male menopause) both mark a significant decline or cessation of hormone production in the female and male bodies. This results in accelerated aging and increased inflammation within the body. Uncontrolled inflammation is the driving force of all chronic medical conditions, including but not limited to cardiovascular disease, Alzheimer’s disease, autoimmune conditions, and certain cancers. Maintaining hormone balance within the body can preserve and improve function, vitality, sexual health, and be integral in the prevention of chronic disease.
It is important to note that pre-menopausal symptoms can begin in women 10-15 years prior to menopause. This means that women in their 30s may very well be symptomatic and already experiencing hormone imbalances. By age 35, most men have already experienced a significant decline in their testosterone levels and these levels continue to decline yearly by 2% or more. By age 45, without treatment, most men
have testosterone levels below what is considered normal in lab evaluation.
Men and women with low hormone levels are at higher risk for cardiovascular disease, Alzheimer’s Disease, metabolic syndrome, Type II Diabetes, and certain cancers.
What are the symptoms of hormone imbalance of estrogen, progesterone, and
testosterone in women?
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Weight gain
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Insomnia
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Fatigue
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Lack of motivation
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Brain fog
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Hot flashes
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Night sweats
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Vaginal dryness
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Painful intercourse
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Low libido (loss of sexual interest)
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Inability to reach orgasm
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Hair loss
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Dry skin
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Frequent urinary tract infections (UTIs)
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Anxiety
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Depression
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Mood swings
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Changes to menstrual cycle
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Frequent infections
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Inability to recover from exercise, joint aches/pains
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Loss of bone density
What are the symptoms of testosterone imbalance in men?
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Weight gain
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Loss of bone density, increase body fat, decrease lean muscle mass
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Insomnia
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Fatigue
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Lack of motivation
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Brain fog
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Low libido (loss of sexual interest)
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Inability to achieve or maintain erection
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Hair loss
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Dry skin
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Inability to recover from exercise, joint aches/pains
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Anxiety
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Depression
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Mood swings
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Frequent Infections
Benefits of BHRT
Not everyone with hormone imbalance will experience all of above symptoms. Everyone’s symptom profile will look very different. With BHRT, you can expect improvements in these symptoms listed above.