Bioidentical Hormone Replacement Therapy

Hormones need to be balanced to optimize your health and wellbeing. It is important for the provider to understand the labs they are drawing and unfortunately it seems that they don't. A normal range on a lab doesn't mean that your levels are normal. Hormone therapy is important and treating menopause, post menopause, and low testosterone is important. In Springfield, we do provide hormone pellets for low t treatment and women's hormones. 

Hormones are regulatory substances produced by the body to stimulate specific cell or tissue action. 

Estrogen plays a vital role in:

• Development of female reproductive organs, including the uterus, fallopian tubes, and vagina.
• Regulation of the menstrual cycle, promoting the growth and shedding of the uterine lining.
• Maintenance of bone density and cardiovascular health.
• Maintenance of healthy skin, hair, and vaginal tissues.
• Influencing mood, cognitive function, and sexual desire.

Progesterone is primarily produced by the ovaries after ovulation. Its main functions include:

• Preparing the uterus for pregnancy by thickening the uterine lining and promoting implantation of a fertilized egg.
• Regulating the menstrual cycle and promoting the shedding of the uterine lining during menstruation.
• Supporting and maintaining a pregnancy by inhibiting uterine contractions and promoting the growth of blood vessels in the uterus.
• Affecting mood, sleep, and body temperature regulation.

Testosterone: While often associated with males, testosterone is also present in females, albeit in smaller amounts. Testosterone contributes to:

• Maintenance of bone density and muscle mass.
• Regulation of sexual desire and arousal.
• Influencing mood, energy levels, and cognitive function.

Luteinizing Hormone (LH) is produced and released by the pituitary gland and in females, LH plays a key role in the menstrual cycle and ovulation.

• During the menstrual cycle, LH levels rise in response to increasing levels of estrogen.
• A surge in LH triggers the release of a mature egg from the ovary (ovulation) approximately 24 to 36 hours later.
• Following ovulation, the empty follicle in the ovary develops into the corpus luteum, which produces progesterone to support a potential pregnancy.
• LH levels also play a role in the regulation of hormone production in the ovaries, including the production of estrogen and progesterone.

Follicle-Stimulating Hormone (FSH) is also produced and released by the pituitary gland. FSH plays a crucial role in the development and maturation of ovarian follicles, which contain immature eggs.

• At the beginning of the menstrual cycle, FSH levels rise, stimulating the growth and development of several follicles in the ovaries.
• As the follicles grow, they produce estrogen under the influence of FSH.
• The rising estrogen levels feedback to the pituitary gland, leading to a decrease in FSH production and the selection of a dominant follicle.
• The dominant follicle continues to grow and mature, while the other follicles degenerate.
• The high estrogen levels produced by the dominant follicle eventually trigger the LH surge, leading to ovulation.

Hormones interact in a delicate balance throughout a woman's menstrual cycle, influencing the reproductive processes and overall well-being. Fluctuations in hormone levels can lead to various symptoms, such as changes in menstrual cycle patterns, mood swings, hot flashes, breast tenderness, and more. Hormonal balance can be influenced by factors such as age, pregnancy, menopause, medical conditions, medications, stress, and lifestyle choices. 

Testosterone is a hormone that plays a crucial role in the development and maintenance of male reproductive tissues and characteristics. Hormone therapy is essential for low T treatment! 

Testosterone is primarily known for its role in male sexual development and function. It promotes the development of male reproductive organs, such as the testes and prostate, and is responsible for the deepening of the voice, growth of facial and body hair, and increased muscle mass and bone density. It provides the sense of "well-being", improves mood, and provides energy. 

• Testosterone levels can influence mood, cognitive function, and overall well-being in both men and women. Low testosterone levels have been associated with symptoms such as fatigue, irritability, decreased libido, and cognitive changes. 
• Levels naturally decline with age, typically beginning in the late 30s or early 40s. This decline, known as andropause in men, can result in symptoms such as decreased energy, reduced muscle mass, increased body fat, mood changes, and sexual dysfunction. 

Dihydrotestosterone (DHT), which is a potent form of testosterone.

• The body converts testosterone using an enzyme called 5-alpha-reductase into DHT. This occurs in the scalp, prostate gland, and skin.
• DHT has a significant impact on hair growth. In individuals who are genetically susceptible, DHT can bind to hair follicles on the scalp, leading to the miniaturization of the follicles. Over time, this miniaturization process can result in the thinning and eventual loss of hair, contributing to conditions like male pattern baldness or androgenetic alopecia.
• Excessive DHT levels or increased sensitivity of the prostate cells to DHT, can contribute to the enlargement of the prostate gland (BPH).
• Disorders related to DHT activity include androgenetic alopecia (hair loss) & BPH
• Certain medications can target DHT to manage conditions associated with its effects. For example, medications like finasteride and dutasteride inhibit the conversion of testosterone to DHT, helping to reduce hair loss and manage BPH.

Testosterone replacement therapy (TRT) is a medical treatment that involves supplementing testosterone in individuals with clinically low testosterone levels or specific medical conditions. TRT can be administered through various methods, including injections, transdermal patches or gels, and hormone pellets implanted under the skin.