What are Hormones?

Hormones are natural chemical messengers made by our glands which send out signals to other areas in the body to control and regulate most bodily functions.

Hormone receptors are everywhere in our bodies: in our brain, muscles, bone, bladder, gut, sex organs, breasts, eyes, heart, lungs and blood vessels, to name a few. They regulate our body temperature, help prevent Alzheimer’s, help maintain muscle and bones, regulate lipids and blood vessels, and enhance energy, mood and sexual interest to name a few.

Healthy hormone levels in the body keep systems running smoothly and stimulate cellular responses that are necessary for normal growth, development, immunity, and energy.

Some of the hormones that are frequently affected by aging, stress, and nutrient deficiencies are thyroid, melatonin, estrogen, progesterone, cortisol, testosterone, and DHEA.

Hormone Imbalances in Men and Women

Hormone function declines with age in both men and women. Also, hormones can become imbalanced due to genetic factors, improper nutrition and stress.

Symptoms of hormone imbalances may include weight gain, low energy, hair loss, low sex drive, depression, anxiety, mood swings, hot flashes, insomnia, brain fog, body aches, poor focus, memory loss, sleeplessness, fatigue, joint pains, muscles cramps, dry skin, exhaustion and more.

Hormone imbalances affect both men and women—and many can be corrected with proper nutrition, supplementation and sometimes replacement therapy.

Bioidentical Hormone Replacement:

Bioidentical hormones are molecularly identical to the hormones produced naturally by your body —making them safer, more effective and less likely to cause side effects compared to other structurally different synthetic pharmaceutical hormone treatments.

Using compounds derived from natural sources or manufactured structurally like our own bio-identical molecules produced in our bodies, we can replace what our bodies are lacking and optimize health and sense of well-being.

How is a hormone imbalance identified?

During your consultation, Dr. Andrea Kreithen will begin by gathering a comprehensive history including a timeline and thorough symptom review. She will take time to listen to your concerns and will ask you a series of questions to help her better understand your specific needs. (She will also complete a thorough physical examination). Testing for hormone imbalance will be recommended and may include saliva, blood and/or urine collection. Nutrient evaluation will also be recommended as vitamins, minerals and antioxidants can all play a role in healthy hormone production. The samples will be analyzed in a laboratory and when your results are back, Dr. Andrea will sit down with you and develop a customized therapy plan to treat your body’s unique needs. Dr. Andrea will then follow up with you on a regular basis to make sure that dosing and other preventative measures are helping you to regain your vitality and optimize your well-being.

Hormones come in many forms including pills, creams, patches, and injections. If hormone replacement is part of your plan, Dr. Andrea will help you determine which delivery methods are right for you based on your results.

What are the benefits of hormone replacement?

There are so many benefits to keeping your hormones at adequate levels. In addition to the benefits of feeling better and staying healthier, natural hormones protect against heart disease, stroke, osteoporosis, Alzheimer’s, vaginal problems, sexual dysfunction, and mood disorders. Natural progesterone has been shown to decrease breast cancer risk, lower cholesterol, and improve sleep and anxiety.

Many studies show that low testosterone is associated with an increased risk of obesity, diabetes and cardiovascular disease, and that treatment can be effective in restoring sexual function, improving mood and energy.

Are hormones safe?

Some people believe hormone replacement can cause illness such as breast cancer, heart disease, or stroke. However, there are multiple valid studies that show the protection of natural hormones versus the adverse effects of synthetic, molecularly different, pharmaceutical ones. Knowing the different types of hormones and how they affect us helps to individually customize one’s needs. This can make a huge positive difference in your life and most times the benefits outweigh any risk. A knowledgable board certified physician like Dr. Andrea Kreithen, who has been properly trained in hormone replacement and functional medicine is important in helping guide you in this process.

Discover the difference naturally-derived hormone replacement can make in your life. Regain more youthful energy levels, think more clearly, reduce menopausal and andropausal symptoms, lose weight and feel better with our customized hormone solutions. We look forward to helping you regain the energy, mood and lifestyle you once knew.

Regain more youthful energy levels, think more clearly, reduce menopausal and andropausal symptoms, lose weight and feel better with our customized hormone solutions. We look forward to helping you regain the energy, mood and lifestyle you once knew.

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Hormone function declines with age in both men and women.
Conditions such as andropause, menopause, peri-menopause, adrenal dysfunction, thyroid imbalance, metabolic syndrome and sexual dysfunction require hormone evaluation to restore balance.

Symptoms of hormone imbalances may include weight gain, low energy, hair loss, low sex drive, depression, anxiety, mood swings,hot flashes, insomnia, poor focus, memory loss, sleeplessness, fatigue, joint pains, muscles cramps, dry skin, exhaustion and more.

We have extensive training in bioidentical hormone replacement and understand the complex interactions involved when balancing hormones. We consider dietary and environmental toxins, genetic and lifestyle factors, offering a comprehensive evaluation including thorough history and specialty testing to allow us to create a personalized treatment plan just for you.

Bio identical Hormone Therapy and personalized programs include a comprehensive medical and personal lifestyle and symptom evaluation, testing – saliva, urine and/or blood laboratory analysis, natural hormone balancing, ongoing evaluations with testing when needed, quality compounded pharmacy prescriptions, highest quality supplementation, stress reduction, nutrition and fitness programs and recommendations.