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Bioidentical Hormones occur in nature, are enzymes found in men & women and are procured from plant-based estrogen, progesterone, and testosterone at specialized compounding pharmacies to be identical in their chemical composition to the ones produced in the human body. Estrogens or Progestins found at conventional pharmacies are patented and are not bioidentical hormones. The process of customizing bioidentical hormones is known as compounding and involves combining or altering the ingredients to fulfill a person's specific needs. The FDA approves some forms of manufactured bioidentical hormones. If you think you have a depletion of hormones due to surgery or aging, contact iMed to get tested. Replenishing those natural hormones will help you feel better again!

 

Estradiol and Progesterone

Estrogen is synonymous with femininity but females do not produce "estrogen." Rather women produce Estradiol, Estrone and Estriol. Women are often given Ethinyl Estradiol to help with regulating menstrual cycles, management of ovarian cysts or contraception. However, Ethinyl Estradiol is not naturally created nor a bioidentical hormone. Some of the conditions estradiol and its lack thereof are responsible for are : 

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• Breast volume vs droopiness

• Reddening skin by increasing blood supply to the skin vs pallor

• Initiating ovulation vs anovulation

• Endometrial proliferation for menstruation vs difficulty to conceive

• Vaginal lubrication vs dyspareunia

• A healthy libido

• The "ping" in a female's voice vs raspiness

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Progesterone and Estradiol form a delicate balance. Specific to progesterone deficiency is cystic breasts, uterine cysts and uterine fibroids, but generally progesterone and its lack thereof is responsible for : 

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• Transformation of the endometrium for pregnancy vs difficulty conceiving

• Strengthens hair vs limp hair

• Strengthens nails vs brittle nails

• Difficulty falling asleep vs sleep induction.

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At iMed, we can select the right bioidentical hormone for you.

 

Testosterone

Testosterone is synonymous with masculinity but its use in improving libido is an understatement.  Testosterone Replacement Therapy (TRT), in specific therapeutic doses, provides remarkable anti-aging benefits: 

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• improve energy levels

• elevate a flat mood 

• help build muscle bulk 

• strengthens bones when bone loss occurs with aging

• retains penis size and sexual potency that is known to begin to decline after age 35

• reduces the size of the prostate that hypertrophy due to inflammatory effects from genetics and our environment

• vasodilation to improve testicle blood supply to increase sperm count for fertility 

• enhances cardiac muscle contraction

• vasodilates the coronary arteries

• reduces serum cholesterol

• minimizes atherosclerosis

• reduces high blood pressure

• slows senile senescence by slowing the destruction of neuronal connectivity due to aging

• increases the efficacy of insulin to better penetrate lean tissue targets such as the brain, muscles and heart which in turn decreases the severity or protects against obesity by reducing fat mass and increasing lean muscle mass.

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If you are over age 35 and find you are suffering from a number of the issues described above, you may have a testosterone deficiency.

 

Side Effect of Testosterone, Estradiol and Progesterone Therapy

No intervention is risk-free. Common minor risks of testosterone replacement therapy include 

• fluid retention

• frequent urination

• acne breakouts

Serious side effects typically occur when levels are outside the therapeutic range and may include:

• infertility

• sleeping problems

• prostate disorders

• breast enlargement

• reduced testicle size

• elevated cholesterol level

• increased risk of stroke

• decreased sperm count

• increased amount of red blood cells in the body 

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It is mandatory to schedule regular checkups and lab tests with your iMed provider while taking hormone replacement therapy to detect and treat any of these side effects.

 

While the Endocrine Society, the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists, and the North American Menopause Society list that benefits outweighed the potential risks for many women using Hormone Replacement Therapy, risks are associated mainly on the type of hormone therapy used, the dose and the duration of taking the medication. Here are a few of the risks associated with Hormone Replacement Therapy:

• Breast Cancer: Routine breast cancer screening tests are important due to the potentially increased risk of breast cancer during hormone replacement therapy. Contact iMed on how to qualify for routine MRI breast screenings for or testing of SNPs (single nucleopeptide polymorphisms).

• Weight Gain: Many women using hormone replacement therapy believe their medication will make them gain weight. There is no direct scientific evidence that supports this, however the effects of BHRT on mood, sleep and energy level may increase or decrease appetite.

• Blood Clots or Thrombosis: Studies suggest that hormone replacement therapy can increase risk of blood clots, especially when taking after the age of 35 and a smoking history. Be aware of lower extremity swelling, sudden breathlessness, coughing up blood, chest discomfort. Let iMed or your primary care provided know about any sudden changes in your body.

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Contraindications to Hormone Replacement Therapy

Hormone replacement therapy is not suitable for anyone who has/ had : 

Breast cancer 

Ovarian cancer,

Endometrial cancer 

History of thrombosis

Liver disorder

Uncontrolled hypertension

Pregnant 

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Alternative treatments to hormone replacement therapy are recommended under these circumstances. Talk to iMed to find natural interventions to increase/ maintain hormone levels through a healthy diet, lifestyle changes and supplements.

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