Female BHRT

Female BHRT at HPI Therapy

The human body contains a mesh of hormones. Each hormone produced, has its own function within the body and regulates one or more features. From physical and mental growth to emotional stability, hormones play a vital role in health.

In general, women are more susceptible to hormone complications and deficiencies than men. These symptoms adversely affect their quality of life and many of them appear much earlier than menopause. Some of the most common (post-menopause) hormonal deficiency symptoms in women include, but are not limited to:

The HPI Approach

The human body contains over a hundred hormones. They work in collaboration and control a number of bodily functions – ranging from reproductive health and fertility to overall mood, feeling of well-being and energy levels. Deficiencies in any hormonal level can therefore create adverse effects and disrupt the health and well-being of women.

HPI Therapy offers Bio-Identical Hormone Replacement Therapy (BHRT) for women. With a team of qualified and experienced medical experts and technicians, we combine a series of tests with an overall lifestyle approach to replace all depleted hormone levels and restore youth and vitality in women of all age groups.

Our quality services include:

Estradiol Testing

This testing measures the level of estradiol within your body. It is also known as the E2 Test. Estradiol is a hormone which is essential for the growth and development of female sex organs. These include the vagina, fallopian tubes and uterus. It is also essential for breasts development, during puberty.

Lower levels of estradiol indicate late puberty. These can also lead to infertility and abnormal menstrual periods. E2 Test involves obtaining a blood sample through venipuncture. A trained phlebotomist will then analyze the blood for estradiol level.

This test is highly recommended for unusual weight loss, frequent urination, major eating disorders and frequent abdominal pain in women (and young girls).

Progesterone Testing

Progesterone is an essential female hormone produced by the ovaries. It preps up the uterus for implanting a fertilized egg. After implantation, the hormone helps in pregnancy by maintaining the inner uterine lining.

If you’re planning to have kids, it might be a good idea to have your progesterone level tested beforehand. Elevated progesterone level indicates that ovulation has already occurred. Meanwhile, stillbirth, miscarriage and unusual bleeding from the uterus indicate that there is a deficiency of progesterone within your body.

High levels of this hormone also indicate adrenal or ovarian cancer, especially in middle-aged women. This condition is known as congenital adrenal hyperplasia. In contrast, low levels of progesterone can cause fetal death, abortion or toxemia of pregnancy. Progesterone supplements and other therapeutic measures are recommended for treatment, after a blood-based progesterone test in women.

Thyroid Hormone Testing

In men and women, the thyroid gland uses iodine to produce two different hormones: the thyroxine (T4) and the triiodothyronine (T3). Both hormones work together to regulate metabolism, body temperature, heart rate and motor skills.

Thyroid deficiencies can lead to a number of disorders. These include hyperthyroidism, hypothyroidism, thrytoxic periodic paralysis and hypopituitarism. In women, thyroid hormonal imbalance can lead to excessive weight gain, insomnia, overall fatigue and muscle weakness, intolerance to cold, menstrual irregularities and sensitivity to light.

A total thyroid test is recommended if you experience any of the above mentioned symptoms. Under normal conditions, the level of T4 within the body ranges from 4.5 – 11.2 mcg/dL (micrograms per deciliter) and 100 – 200 ng/dL (nanograms per deciliter) for T3.

Testosterone Testing

It is a common myth that testosterone is a male hormone. The truth is that it is an androgen and is produced (in small quantities) in the ovaries as well. It plays a vital role in fertility and reproductive health in women, as well as puberty-related changes within the body.

Too much testosterone can lead to absent or irregular menstrual periods. Women with high testosterone also develop more facial and body hair than others. Severe cystic acne, increased muscle mass, heavy and husky voice and enlarged clitoris are some of the many undesirable effects of excessive testosterone in women.

Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS) is a condition, caused by excessive testosterone, which renders women incapable of childbearing. Other symptoms include obesity and an apple-shaped body. Blood-based testosterone tests can identify the hormonal level in women and help a medical practitioner recommend the best remedy for the purpose.

DHEA Testing

Dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) is hormone produced by the adrenal glands. As a natural steroid, this hormone regulates a number of body functions – ranging from emotional well-being and bone strength to menstruation.

Over the recent years, DHEA has been a subject of extensive research. In both male and female athletes, this hormone is responsible for strength, speed and stamina. In women, the hormone is medically proven to improve skin quality and texture.

This proves that DHEA-sulfate deficiency leads to prolonged fatigue, frequent mood swings, emotional instability and a short concentration span. After the age of 30, the DHEA levels within the human body begin to decline. This gives rise to a number of health risk factors which include type 2 diabetes, weakening of immune system, adrenal fatigue, anorexia, kidney ailments and liver disorders.

A blood test is required to check the DHEA-sulfate level within the body. The test is used in checking the function of adrenal glands and is often prescribed for women who develop certain “male” characteristics, such as excessive body hair and uneven body fat disposition and distribution. It is also recommended for women with low metabolism and libido.

The normal ranges for DHEA in women are as follows:

To learn more about BHRT for women, please feel free to contact us today!