Bioidentical Hormone Replacement Therapy
Hormones are enzymes that make things happen. As we age, we experience a decline in our hormone levels. These internal fluctuations wreak internal and external havoc on us. With bioidentical hormone replacement therapy (BHRT), we can restore our health and get our bodies in the best shape possible. 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 :
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
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 :
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.
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:
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.
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
It is mandatory to schedule regular checkups and lab tests with your iMed provider while taking male 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 know about any sudden changes in your body.
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
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.