Hormone therapy involves using medications and treatments to supplement hormones that are lacking or imbalanced in the body. At Balance Health Clinic hormone clinic in Chugiak, we specialize in testosterone and other hormone replacement therapy (HRT) to help both men and women suffering from symptoms of low hormone levels.
Some key things to know about hormone therapy:
Below we’ll explore specific topics around hormone therapy and what we offer at Balance Health Clinic to the Chugiak community. We emphasize the importance of timely treatment and provide recommendations to make the most of your therapeutic experience.
Many residents of Chugiak struggle with symptoms that accompany declining testosterone levels. Known as “low T,” testosterone deficiency becomes increasingly common in men after age 30. In women, testosterone imbalance along with low estrogen and progesterone also triggers troublesome symptoms.
Low T and other hormone issues lead to symptoms like:
Without treatment, these effects of hormone deficiency can worsen over time. Research shows older men and women with unresolved low T have higher risks for conditions like:
So getting tested and treated for imbalanced hormones earlier on is vital for protecting long-term health.
Imbalanced hormones also negatively impact mental health. Common emotional symptoms of low T include:
Studies confirm testosterone therapy in deficient men and women can effectively improve energy, mood, motivation and overall well-being. Our clinicians help patients understand all their treatment options during an initial consultation.
Given the troubling symptoms and health risks accompanying low testosterone, getting tested to identify any deficiencies is critical.
Testing helps:
Our clinic offers state-of-the-art testing to diagnose hormone issues for both women and men.
Ideally men get bloodwork done between 7-10 AM when analyzing testosterone levels specifically. Testing later in the day when levels dip may underestimate male deficiency.
Timing also varies for women depending on menstrual cycles and menopause status. Our experienced staff guides proper testing based on the patient’s unique health profile.
We offer comprehensive panels assessing total and free testosterone, estradiol, progesterone, DHEA and other hormones using a simple blood draw.
No prescription is required and we provide flexible testing options:
Reviewing results together, our practitioners confirm hormone deficiencies and make personalized treatment recommendations.
Once hormone imbalances are identified through testing, our licensed hormone therapy specialists design customized treatment plans as appropriate.
Testosterone replacement therapy (TRT) offers a variety of benefits for men and women with clinical deficiencies, including improvements in:
Research also shows TRT can help reduce risks for developing obesity, diabetes, osteoporosis, heart disease, and dementia when used for age-related decline in testosterone.
Ongoing monitoring helps us adjust dosages and therapies to sustain maximum benefits long-term. We offer friendly reminders about follow-up testing and appointments to support continuity of care.
Hormone therapy was first used in the 1930s to treat menopausal symptoms. It was later found that certain hormone regimens reduced the risk of bone fractures and colorectal cancer. However, some regimens were linked to increased health risks, prompting more research into optimal doses and delivery methods.
If testing confirms clinically low testosterone, TRT serves as the front-line treatment approach under guidance of our experienced practitioners.
For men, we offer all forms of TRT including:
Our staff helps male patients weigh the pros and cons of each TRT method to meet their deficit severity, lifestyle and preferences.
Treating low testosterone in women requires a more nuanced approach given the added impacts of estrogen and progesterone deficiency during perimenopause and menopause.
For females, we offer:
TRT in women is viewed as supplemental or supportive of primary estrogen and/or progesterone therapies when indicated.
Regardless the type of hormone therapy selected, patients require periodic lab testing to ensure efficacy and safety during treatment. We assist patients in setting up testing reminders and follow-up visits to check symptoms, ask about side effects, and adjust dosages as needed.
Finding the optimal therapeutic dose improves benefits over time. We also evaluate how factors like travel, illness, surgery or added medications influence hormone metabolism and necessitate treatment modifications.
While TRT and other hormone medications serve as the foundation for improving deficiency symptoms, supporting lifestyle strategies further enhance therapeutic outcomes.
As an integrative clinic, we provide comprehensive treatment plans including pharmaceutical, nutraceutical and lifestyle components customized to your needs.
Certain nutritional supplements offer added hormone-balancing and symptom relief, including:
We offer professional-grade supplements to complement hormone treatments if desired. Ongoing testing also checks key markers like zinc and vitamin D to inform supplementation needs.
Adopting healthy lifestyle habits provides the foundation needed for successful testosterone therapy. We offer tips on:
Sleep - Prioritizing 7-9 hours nightly, sticking to consistent bed/wake times, limiting alcohol and optimizing sleep hygiene. Melatonin supplements can also help sync circadian rhythms.
Exercise - Incorporating at least 30 minutes daily of heart-pumping and muscle-building activity; Options in Chugiak like hiking, skiing, snowshoeing, gym workouts, recreational team sports.
Stress relief - Trying yoga, martial arts, deep breathing routines, meditation, massage therapy, acupuncture, regular sauna use, limiting news/social media. Psychotherapy is advised for mood disorders.
Healthy diet - Focusing on whole foods, vegetables, lean meats as tolerated, keeping processed foods, sugar, refined carbs minimal; Staying hydrated.
Weight management - Mitigating obesity protects long-term health; Even 5-10% loss boosts T levels if overweight; Intermittent fasting is another option.
Limiting alcohol - Heavy drinking depletes testosterone reserves.
Smoking cessation - Working to curb nicotine dependence which decreases testosterone.
Adopting healthier routines ultimately amplifies and sustains the benefits of TRT. Our providers also collaborate with dietitians, mental health pros and personal trainers to offer multi-faceted care.
We help identify local Chugiak resources to actualize recommended lifestyle changes, like gyms, massage studios, mindfulness centers, and farmers markets. Support groups also provide community around shared health struggles.
Given the troubling symptoms and long-term risks accompanying hormone deficiencies, seeking timely testing and treatment is critical - and rewarding.
The experienced clinicians at Balance Health Clinic provide:
We simplify access via:
Convenience - Easily arranging testing and appointments locally in Chugiak.
Cost savings - Accepting major insurance plans to reduce out-of-pocket costs; working with you on financial concerns.
Successfully restoring hormonal balance protects health today and for years ahead. It also prevents progression to more serious conditions linked with deficiency like obesity, diabetes, cardiovascular disease, and cognitive decline.
Don't settle for subpar energy, strength, mood and vitality due to low hormones - help is available! Reach out to Balance Health Clinic to explore your treatment options.
