Hormone therapy Philadelphia, PA - Renew Health Clinic

Introduction to Hormone Imbalances

Hormones are essential chemical messengers that regulate many critical bodily functions. When hormone levels become too high or too low, this can cause distressing symptoms and health issues. Fortunately, hormone therapy offered by clinics like Renew Health Clinic can safely and effectively treat hormonal imbalances.

This informative guide will provide an overview of hormone therapy in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. It covers:

• Common signs and symptoms of hormone deficiencies
• Diagnosing and monitoring hormones
• Types of hormone replacement therapies
• Importance of timely treatment
• Lifestyle recommendations for optimal results
• Renew Health Clinic's experience and approach

Signs and Symptoms of Hormone Imbalances

Imbalances in key hormones like estrogen, progesterone, testosterone, thyroid, cortisol and growth hormone can cause wide-ranging symptoms. Here are some of the most common signs of hormonal imbalances:

Estrogen Dominance

• Irregular or heavy periods
• Fibroids, endometriosis, PCOS
• Tender breasts
• Bloating, weight gain
• Anxiety, mood swings, depression
• Hot flashes, night sweats
• Vaginal dryness
• Fatigue

Low Progesterone

• Infertility, miscarriages
• PMS, menstrual cramps
• Sleep issues
• Anxiety
• Low libido

Low Testosterone

• Low libido
• Erectile dysfunction
• Fatigue
• Loss of muscle mass
• Depression, irritability
• Reduced strength

Thyroid Issues

• Fatigue
• Weight gain or loss
• Hair loss
• Cold sensitivity
• Constipation
• Poor concentration

Recognizing these common hormone imbalance symptoms is key for diagnosis and treatment. Left unchecked, hormonal issues can greatly impact health and quality of life.

Signs and Symptoms Table

Hormone	Symptoms
Estrogen	Hot flashes, heavy periods, fibroids, tender breasts, mood swings
Progesterone	PMS, anxiety, infertility, sleep issues
Testosterone	Low libido, erectile dysfunction, fatigue, depression
Thyroid	Fatigue, weight gain/loss, hair loss, cold sensitivity
Cortisol	Fatigue, depression, weight gain, insomnia

Table 1. Common symptoms associated with hormone imbalances.

Diagnosing and Monitoring Hormone Levels

Accurately assessing hormone status is crucial before developing a customized hormone replacement therapy protocol.

Initial laboratory tests are done to check levels of key hormones like estradiol, progesterone, testosterone, TSH, free T3, free T4 and cortisol. Testing may need to be done at specific times during the menstrual cycle for optimal accuracy.

Follow-up testing is necessary to monitor progress and ensure hormones are maintained in ideal ranges. Our physicians can provide guidance on appropriate testing timelines.

Factors like nutrition, stress levels, sleep quality, exercise habits and use of medications can all impact hormones as well. A holistic approach is best to identify potential underlying causes of hormonal issues. Our clinic develops personalized treatment plans to address both hormone optimization and lifestyle factors for complete wellness restoration.

Overview of Hormone Replacement Therapies

There are various delivery methods available for hormone replacement including pills, injections, gels, creams, patches, pellets and vaginal inserts. The pros and cons of each option can be discussed with your physician to find the optimal choice.

Some key types of hormone therapies include:

Bioidentical Hormones

Bioidentical hormones are structurally identical to the hormones naturally produced in the body. They are derived from plant sources and custom-compounded in a lab for precision dosing. Brand names include BiEst and TriEst for estrogen and progesterone blends.

Compounded Hormones

Along with bioidentical hormones, other medications can be custom compounded based on your doctor