Bioidentical Hormone Replacement Therapy
Bioidentical hormones mirror the elaborate chemical and molecular structures of our body and its naturally occurring hormones. As a result, these prescribed hormones metabolize with ease. This results in less toxic byproducts with potentially dangerous side effects. Our center holds its compounding pharmacies to the strict standards of the Pharmacy Compounding Accreditation Board (PCAB™). We pride ourselves in finding dosages and delivery methods appropriate for each individual.
Virtual visits now available to support your journey.
Testosterone Replacement Therapy
In many cases, testosterone replacement in men with andropause can be highly effective and beneficial. Yet, it may not be for every man, so you should discuss your situation with Dr. Zipper in your plan of care.
What should I expect from testosterone replacement?
Testosterone therapy improves attitude, which can reinforce self-esteem and self-confidence at work as well as increase energy at home and in social activities. Most men will feel more vigorous and experience improved energy levels, mood, concentration, cognition, libido, sexual performance and overall sense of well-being. These effects are usually noted within three to six weeks.
Other potential benefits include maintenance or improvement in bone density; improvement in body composition, muscle mass and muscle strength; and improvement in visual-spatial skills.
Human Growth Hormone
Growth hormone is one of the “signal” molecules that regulates cellular activity in our bodies. The level of these “signal” molecules decreases with age. These levels decline when men enter their 30s and continue to decline throughout life.
Growth hormone exerts its effects indirectly on muscle tissue, adipose tissue and the liver by stimulating the production of an insulin-like growth factor called IGF-I. IGF is responsible for the growth-promoting effects of human growth hormone and serves as an indicator of the overall growth hormone secretion by the pituitary gland. The blood IGF-I concentrations increase with a release of growth hormone from the anterior pituitary gland (endogenous) and also with the administration (exogenous) of growth hormone. Growth hormone is often described as having the ability to breakdown fat (lipolytic) and has anabolic effects on the body’s metabolism. Thus, it appears that human growth hormone can help build muscle mass and induce weight loss. It also appears the hormone may play an important role in weight regulation.
Growth hormone is very important to our bodies. Fountain of You understands there is a significant loss of muscle mass and strength by the time an individual reaches age 70. Most of us will lose at least 50% of our muscle strength in this late stage of aging. Age also contributes to an accumulation of body fat and a loss of bone density. These body composition losses contribute to the declining blood levels of human growth hormone in older individuals. Following our comprehensive evaluation, we can create a treatment plan for you to counteract this aging process. Allow us to assist you in obtaining youthful hormonal norms once again.
DHEA
Youth is associated with high levels of hormones, and sex hormones are critical to maintaining vibrancy and good health. Anti-aging physicians have begun to understand the powerful benefits of replacing hormones lost to aging.
Bioidentical hormone replacement therapy, in addition to exercise and nutritional support, provides numerous benefits to combat the aging process.
DHEA is the most common steroid hormone in the body. It is produced mainly by the adrenal glands and elsewhere in the body to a lesser extent (including fat cells). DHEA is the body’s “master hormone,” which is also metabolized from cholesterol. DHEA can be metabolized into other sex hormones, including testosterone and the estrogens.
Hormone replacement therapy strives to recreate the youthful balance of hormones in the body—and this is where DHEA’s value truly lies. Because it is metabolized into other hormones, supplementing with DHEA may allow the body to choose which hormone is needed. Then, DHEA synthesizes that hormone which is lacking, helping return the body’s hormone levels to the norm. This may account for the astonishing range of benefits many researchers attribute to this hormone. DHEA has also been shown to have individual benefits, including lowering cholesterol, burning fat and boosting the immune system.
As one of our comprehensive approaches to fighting the aging process, Fountain of You recommends monitoring blood levels of DHEA, then working to reproduce the hormone levels that replicate our youthful age.
Thyroid
The thyroid is the largest endocrine gland in our bodies. It controls how fast we burn energy and how we make proteins. This gland regulates metabolism, while influencing the rate and growth of other systems in our body through the production of the hormones Thyroxine (T4) and Triiodothyronine (T3). The thyroid gland also produces the hormone Calcitonin, which is important for calcium balance and bone health. Symptoms of thyroid imbalance can occur at any age and include weight gain, weight loss, decreased energy, agitation, heat and cold intolerance, loss of libido and moodiness.
Like women, men may experience thyroid dysfunctions for various reasons. Let Fountain of You distinguish whether your hormonal deficiencies are affecting the way your thyroid is functioning. Our thorough initial evaluation will help you identify ways to balance your body and help you feel your best.