A hormone imbalance can cause several uncomfortable symptoms, including mood swings and body temperature changes. At Aging Gracefully in Jenks, Oklahoma, functional medicine specialist Michelle McElroy, DO, offers bioidentical hormone replacement therapy to correct hormone imbalances without synthetic materials. To schedule an appointment with Dr. McElroy, call Aging Gracefully or schedule an appointment online today.
Book OnlineWhat is bioidentical hormone replacement therapy?
Bioidentical hormones are chemically identical to the hormones your body already produces. Made from plants, these hormones can treat depleted or unbalanced hormone levels to stabilize many of your body’s basic functions, including mood and body temperature.
Bioidentical hormone replacement therapy (BHRT) primarily treats the symptoms of menopause and perimenopause, but it can also address many other causes of a hormone imbalance.
What can bioidentical hormone replacement therapy treat?
Dr. McElroy may recommend BHRT to reduce the symptoms of many health conditions, including:
Menopause
Menopause is a transitionary period in a woman’s life in which her menstrual cycle ceases. It typically begins 12 months after your last period and can lead to a sudden depletion in estrogen levels.
Perimenopause
Perimenopause occurs before menopause when your period becomes more irregular and your fertility declines. During this time, your body is preparing for the transition into menopause.
Low testosterone (low T)
Testosterone is a male hormone that begins to decrease in production with age, much like estrogen does in women. Low testosterone levels can cause several uncomfortable symptoms in men, including low libido and loss of muscle mass.
Thyroid disorders
The thyroid is the gland shaped like a butterfly that sits in front of your neck. It produces the thyroid hormone, which regulates metabolism, energy levels, body temperature, and mood. When your thyroid creates too much or too little of its hormone, a hormone imbalance can develop.
How do I know if I need bioidentical hormone replacement therapy?
Dr. McElroy may recommend trying bioidentical hormone replacement therapy if you frequently experience:
- Hot flashes and night sweats
- Mood swings
- Acne
- Weight gain
- Osteoporosis (brittle bones)
- Low libido
- Fatigue
- Hair loss
- Lost muscle mass
- Frequent urination
- Joint pain
- Muscle aches
- Constipation or diarrhea
- Sweating
The signs of a hormone imbalance can range in severity. If you suspect you have a hormone imbalance, Dr. McElroy can perform a comprehensive evaluation to determine whether you’re a candidate for bioidentical hormone replacement therapy.
What can I expect from bioidentical hormone replacement therapy?
As a functional medicine specialist, Dr. McElroy is a certified bioidentical hormone replacement therapy provider. Many types of BHRT exist. Some come in pill, cream, gel, injectable, or patch form, while others are available as implantable pellets. Dr. McElroy can recommend the right type of bioidentical hormone therapy for you.
During your therapy, Dr. McElroy regularly monitors you to ensure your treatment is successful. She reevaluates your hormone levels after about six months and makes the appropriate modifications to your BHRT plan if needed.
To learn more about bioidentical hormones replacement therapy, call Aging Gracefully or book an appointment online today.