Hormones are chemical messengers that regulate many of the body's functions. When hormone levels become too high or too low, it can lead to troubling symptoms. Hormone imbalances often cause issues like:
Hormone levels can become imbalanced due to aging, stress, poor diet, or underlying medical conditions. Some of the most common hormone imbalances involve estrogen, progesterone, testosterone, thyroid hormones, and cortisol.
Getting a hormone test is important to identify any imbalances. Based on the test results, doctors can recommend lifestyle changes or hormone treatments to help restore optimal hormone function.
Hormone replacement therapy (HRT) can provide relief from troublesome signs and symptoms caused by hormone deficiencies. HRT is the use of medications containing hormones to supplement low hormone levels.
Potential benefits of HRT include:
Women going through menopause often take a combination of estrogen and progesterone to treat hot flashes, night sweats, vaginal dryness, and irritability associated with the change.
Balancing key hormones with HRT is proven to renew vitality, drive, and enjoyment of life for both women and men as they age. Testosterone therapy for men can provide a welcome enhancement for muscle, mind, and sex life.
Imbalances in hormones like estrogen, testosterone, and thyroid can worsen mood issues like anxiety and depression. Correcting levels with HRT helps stabilize mood.
Getting hormones back in sync aids metabolism and weight control. Testosterone in particular helps increase lean muscle mass while reducing body fat.
Estrogen is essential for building bone density and preventing osteoporosis in women. HRT improves bone health to lower fracture risk.
Balanced hormone levels enhance cognitive function for improved concentration, recall, and mental sharpness.
The most common candidates for HRT include:
Women experiencing perimenopause, menopause, or postmenopause can benefit greatly from HRT to relieve symptoms and promote wellbeing. Balance is restored through:
After age 30, testosterone gradually declines about 1% per year. Lower testosterone causes muscle loss, weight gain, low energy, and reduced sex drive. Testosterone therapy can reverse these unwelcome effects of aging.
An under or overactive thyroid causes a wide range of problems like fatigue, constipation or diarrhea, unexplained weight changes, mood issues, and difficulty concentrating. Thyroid hormone replacement helps optimize metabolic function.
Stress elevates levels of cortisol - the body’s main stress hormone. Prolonged high cortisol causes unstable glucose levels and blood pressure, lower immunity, and memory impairment. Hydrocortisone therapy assists recovery.
HRT should be customized to an individual’s unique hormone profile and health goals. Balance & Renew Clinic specializes in premium bioidentical hormones that closely match the body’s natural hormones.
The initial steps when pursuing HRT are:
Comprehensive hormone blood tests are required to first identify any imbalances with key hormones like estrogen, testosterone, thyroid hormones (T3 & T4), progesterone, cortisol, and DHEA. Testing also evaluates red and white blood cell counts plus cholesterol levels.
Test results are carefully reviewed by a hormone specialist to determine if hormone optimization is recommended. A proper treatment protocol is developed to help relieve current symptoms and meet health objectives.
The personalized plan maps out details for high quality FDA-approved bioidentical hormones including type, combination, dose, and method of administration like oral pill/capsule, sublingual drops, injectables, or topical cream.
Follow-up blood tests and symptom tracking help fine tune the therapy over time for maximal benefits. Nutritional support and fitness guidance further boost progress.
It is important to have realistic expectations when pursuing hormone replacement. Most achieve significant improvements within 4-6 weeks with further gains over 3-6 months. Consistency with the customized treatment routine is key - along with adopting healthy lifestyle habits to support the body’s innate healing ability.
Hormone therapy can help transgender individuals match their physical characteristics with their gender identity. Surprisingly, for trans women, hormone therapy has been found to promote breast tissue growth, fat redistribution to hips/thighs, and changes in libido and emotions, allowing them to align more closely with their inner sense of self.
Balance & Renew Clinic sets the platinum standard for hormone therapy in Springfield. Our prestigious hormone clinic offers:
Our doctors and nurses have advanced certification in age management medicine, anti-aging, and functional endocrinology. We stay current on the latest research and best practices.
We ease every step from initial inquiry and testing to developing clear solutions that fit your unique needs. Compassionate care, open communication, and tailored therapy deliver proven results.
Springfield has a warm, humid continental climate with four distinct seasons. Summers here tend to be hot and humid while winters are cold with moderate snowfall. Spring and fall see comfortable temperatures perfect for being active outdoors.
The pleasant weather during spring and fall make these seasons optimal for starting hormone replacement therapy. Being active outdoors and soaking in sunshine naturally boost vitamin D and endorphin levels - both helpful when working towards hormonal balance.
Here are top spots in Springfield's metro area to enjoy through the seasons:
- Lincoln Park - Stunning lakefront trail circling the park's perimeter with great city views - Washington Park - Pedestrian walking paths surround this large green space's botanical gardens and zoo - Panther Creek Trail - Partially wooded 6 mile paved trail following the creek - perfect for cycling too
- Mirbeau Spa - Luxurious spa outside town offering comprehensive services from massage to fitness classes - Just Breathe Spa - Charming day spa near downtown providing therapeutic massages and Ayurvedic treatments
- Springfield Athletic Club - State-of-the-art club boasting cardio machines with TVs, Olympic sized pools, indoor tennis courts - CorePower Yoga - Several locations in the metro area offering hot yoga in a modern yet tranquil studio atmosphere
- Table 18 - Intimate fine dining restaurant downtown presenting new American cuisine crafted from fresh local ingredients - Charley Horse Cafe - Quaint cafe serving nutritious breakfast and lunch options from avocado toast to acai bowls
- Springfield Museum of Art - Impressive collection of American landscape paintings plus visiting exhibitions - Outdoor Adventure Park - Family-friendly park outside city limits featuring hiking, kayaking, climbing, and more
Balance & Renew Clinic provides area maps detailing the best wellness spots in Springfield upon request. Taking advantage of our lively metro area aids the journey towards revitalized health and hormones.
Paying attention to signals from your body about low energy, unexplained weight gain, hot flashes, low libido, or new mood changes can reveal an underlying hormone imbalance. Have blood testing done to identify any issues early.
Work with a functional medicine practitioner that looks at your whole health picture. Get the right tests and assessments to pinpoint specific hormone deficiencies or excesses. Starting proper treatment promptly leads to the best results long-term.
Delaying treatment allows symptoms to negatively progress and potentially lead to more serious conditions like heart disease, diabetes, or osteoporosis down the road.
Your custom hormone therapy will work synergistically with positive lifestyle measures. Be diligent about healthy eating, stress reduction, quality sleep, regular exercise, and staying socially connected. This comprehensive approach helps sustain optimal wellbeing.
Take charge of your health today and contact Balance & Renew Clinic to see if our personalized hormone optimization services are right for you!
