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 thePharmacy Compounding Accreditation Board (PCAB™). We pride ourselves in finding dosages and delivery methods appropriate for each individual.
Symptoms of Hormonal Imbalance
Long before a woman reaches menopause, as early as age 30, a decrease in estrogen, testosterone, progesterone, DHEA, thyroid and growth hormone levels can begin. Imbalance of these hormones can have a devastating effect on libido, orgasm, energy level, memory, muscle mass, fat accumulation, hair gain or loss and mood. Bioidentical correction can offer a miraculous improvement.
Hormone Therapies
Often referred to as “chemical messengers,” hormones carry information and instructions from one group of cells to another. In the human body, hormones influence almost every cell, organ and function. They regulate growth, development, tissue function, metabolism, sexual function, stress responses and even moods. As women age, the production of certain hormones fluctuates, causing unpleasant or uncomfortable results. Fountain of You is dedicated to educating you about the important role hormones play and offering solutions to overcome the difficulties associated with aging. We can identify your individual hormonal balance and help you pursue solutions to set back the hands of time.
Estrogen
Estrogen is an ovarian hormone, which comes in three forms that all have similar characteristics. With the transition of perimenopause and menopause, women begin to lack sufficient estrogen levels. With fluctuating estrogen levels, women may experience a variety of symptoms including bone loss, irregular menstrual cycles, decreased libido, breast tenderness, migraines and mood swings. As noted above, estrogen levels may decrease many years before menopause.
Progesterone
Progesterone is also produced by the ovaries and in small amounts in the adrenal glands. Progesterone levels rise and fall during the monthly cycle. Production starts before ovulation each month and rapidly increases after ovulation. It is what enables the fertilized egg to survive. Monthly, our bodies must keep a delicate balance between the production of progesterone and estrogen. This balance is crucial to our sense of well-being.
Testosterone
Testosterone, also known as androgen, plays an important physiological and psychological role in women. Women produce testosterone in the ovaries and adrenal glands. Testosterone influences a woman’s sexual feelings and behavior, including arousal, orgasm and pleasure. Additionally, testosterone positively impacts the brain, muscles, bones, liver and blood vessels. As women grow older, their bodies produce less testosterone. By age 40, the female body produces about half the testosterone it did in the 20s.
Human Growth Hormone
Human growth hormone (HGH) is a hormone produced by the anterior pituitary gland in the brain. This hormone promotes tissue repair and cell regeneration in the bones, muscles and vital organs and also supports the immune system in combating infection and disease. Medical evidence indicates a direct relationship between low HGH levels and rapid aging—in other words, the lower your HGH level, the more you feel the effects of aging. However, clinical evidence demonstrates that enhancing HGH levels can dramatically reverse the signs of aging. A substantial body of credible, medical evidence now indicates increasing HGH levels can positively change people’s lives. As we age, our HGH levels decline to a small percentage of the levels of our youth. Supplementing with HGH has proven to be an effective way to avoid the diseases and conditions associated with aging, while improving vitality and appearance. At Fountain of You, we can evaluate your current levels from our comprehensive lab work to see if this may be an appropriate therapy for you.
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 is made into 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.
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.
