Imbalances in key hormones like testosterone, estrogen, progesterone, cortisol and others can significantly impact quality of life. As we age or due to medical conditions, our bodies may not produce optimum hormone levels, leading to troubling symptoms. However, there are safe and effective medical therapies available to help.
There are various potential causes of hormonal imbalances:
If you are experiencing any of the following, hormonal imbalances could be a key underlying cause:
Do not ignore these troubling symptoms - consider getting comprehensive hormone testing. Identifying and addressing hormone deficiencies through replacement therapies can help resolve these issues and dramatically improve quality of life.
Pinpointing the specific hormone imbalance is critical. While symptoms can indicate potential areas of deficiency, symptoms do not give the whole picture and can be misleading.
Comprehensive testing of all major hormones with a blood panel is key to uncovering the root imbalance. General practitioners may screen basic hormone levels like testosterone or thyroid hormones. But detecting systemic, multi-hormone imbalances often requires more specialized testing services from an integrative hormone health clinic.
Once a specific hormone deficiency is diagnosed through testing, hormone replacement therapy (HRT) can be an extremely beneficial treatment approach under medical supervision.
"Bioidentical" hormones are chemically identical reproductions of natural human hormones derived from plant sources, providing an exact match for what your body produces. Common bioidentical hormones include:
This is unlike traditional synthetic hormones that can produce greater side effects. With close medical guidance, bioidentical HRT dosed to optimal levels based on symptoms and testing can make patients feel youthful and energized again.
Research shows properly administered hormone replacement therapy can help resolve symptoms including:
In both men and women, bringing hormones into balance taps into key bodily processes - musculoskeletal, sexual, cognitive, emotional, temperature regulation and more - alleviating sometimes debilitating symptoms from deficiency states.
In addition to relieving symptoms, research shows there are also protective health effects gained from HRT:
By keeping hormones balanced at youthful levels, risks of various chronic and age-related diseases are diminished. HRT becomes a key preventative health strategy with wide-ranging benefits.
The first step anyone should take before committing to hormone replacement therapy (HRT) is getting properly tested to accurately identify specific hormone deficiencies or imbalances.
Once testing is complete, your integrative hormone health practitioner can determine the appropriate hormonal supplementation protocol customized to your needs and objectives.
The standard process for commencing hormone replacement therapy:
Working closely with your practitioner is key - they will carefully track biomarkers and symptom improvements to ensure optimized, safe treatment.
There are a variety of methods used to deliver prescribed bioidentical hormones:
Your practitioner will advise on the best delivery methods to meet your circumstances and preferences. Cost, dosing convenience and other factors may be considered.
It is essential to closely track progress while undergoing hormone replacement. Follow up blood tests, symptom reviews, and dosage titrations will continue until treatment goals are achieved and the positive impacts from therapy plateau.
There are no universal standards - optimal hormonal balance is highly individual. Your practitioner will determine if thyroid, reproductive, adrenal and other hormone levels have been restored to ideal functional ranges for you based on regular monitoring over the first 6-12 months.
We aim to become your trusted partner, advisor and hormone expert as you navigate hormone testing, replacement therapy, aging, and achieving your best health. We will listen closely to understand your symptoms, objectives for treatment, lifestyle and conditions to chart the best course forwards with precise, customized care.
An integrative approach looks at the interconnected nature of hormonal systems in the body and related systems such as thyroid, gut microbiome, nutrition status, and lifestyle factors.
We conduct specialized testing to uncover the root causes of imbalance and provide input on diet, nutrition, stress management and exercise that complement hormone modulation with bioidentical replacement.
Our goal is the help catalyze and sustain an upward spiral of positive change - as hormones are brought into balance, energy improves, healthy behaviors increase, gut health improves, mental health lifts - all further enhancing hormone balance and health.
Our clinic founder Dr. Patel is board certified in internal medicine, specializing in integrative hormone therapy for the past 18 years in Texas. She leads a team of dedicated nurses, medical assistants and lab technicians all trained specifically in precision testing, bioidentical hormone therapies, patient monitoring, and related protocols.
We keep up to date on all the latest scientific advancements and clinical research in hormonal and cellular health - actively developing better testing methodologies, novel bioidentical delivery mechanisms, and comprehensive protocols leveraging synergies across IV therapies, supplements, diet and lifestyle changes for optimal wellness.
All blood labs are processed in our own best-in-class, CLIA certified laboratory facility on-site with top-tier equipment and assays. Test analysis leverages system biology A.I. capabilities developed jointly with leading diagnostic technology partners.
The beautiful interior clinic environment provides tranquility for blood draws, consultations, and discussing private health concerns. Our on-site compounding pharmacist prepares personalized bioidentical creams, gels and capsules for pickup. We aim to create an oasis of comfort, care and healing.
Hormone therapy can help transgender individuals match their physical characteristics with their gender identity. While expected effects like fat redistribution are well-known, a 2021 study found hormone therapy also causes changes in brain structure, including increases in gray matter volume, helping alleviate gender dysphoria.
As Texas' 7th largest city, San Antonio provides urban amenities yet maintains a friendly town vibe. Alamo City offers an affordable cost of living, 300 days of sunshine, a rich cultural tapestry, family-friendly suburbs, outdoor trails by the dozens along creeks and greenways, and easier commutes versus teeming major metro areas. The Medical Center district growing on the northwest side along IH-10 and Loop 1604 makes us a convenient location for those needing regular appointments and blood draws during therapy.
Fall and winter months in San Antonio provide cooler, less humid conditions that can make the initial transition onto replacement regimens more comfortable as the body adjusts. The summer heat between June and September may exacerbate temporary hot flashes, night sweats or sleep disruption as hormones calibrate. However spring and fall supply abundant sunshine to lift the mood which also aids the therapy process.
While undergoing hormone therapy we suggest visiting these exceptional local health and wellness establishments:
We wish you the very best as you take steps to regain your energy, health and inner vitality through hormone testing and replacement therapies customized to your needs. We consider it a privilege to support you on this journey back to wellness. Please reach out with any other questions!
