Considering Bioidentical Hormone Replacement Therapy? Here’s What You Need to Know

As we age, our hormone levels naturally fluctuate, leading to a variety of symptoms that can impact our daily lives. One of the most significant changes occurs with estrogen, particularly in women approaching menopause. If you are considering bioidentical hormone replacement therapy (BHRT) to address these hormonal changes, understanding how estrogen levels shift over time is key to making an informed decision.

Understanding Estrogen and Menopause

Estrogen is a crucial hormone in women, responsible for regulating menstrual cycles and supporting overall health. Throughout a woman’s reproductive years, estrogen levels rise and fall in a predictable pattern, influencing the menstrual cycle. However, as women approach menopause, their estrogen production declines significantly.

Menopause, which typically occurs around age 51, is defined by the cessation of ovarian function. When the ovaries stop producing estrogen and other key hormones, estrogen levels drop dramatically—though not to zero, as the adrenal glands still produce small amounts. This hormonal shift can lead to a range of symptoms, including:

• Hot flashes
• Night sweats
• Mood swings
• Fatigue
• Vaginal dryness
• Decreased bone density

For some women, these symptoms are mild and manageable. For others, they can be severe and long-lasting, affecting quality of life for years after menopause.

The Role of Bioidentical Hormone Replacement Therapy (BHRT)

BHRT is designed to restore hormonal balance using compounds that are chemically identical to the body’s natural hormones. Unlike synthetic hormone replacement therapy, bioidentical hormones are derived from plant sources and are customized to match an individual’s hormonal needs.

Many women turn to BHRT to alleviate the uncomfortable and sometimes debilitating symptoms associated with menopause. By replenishing estrogen levels, BHRT can help:

• Reduce hot flashes and night sweats
• Improve mood and mental clarity
• Enhance sleep quality
• Support bone health
• Maintain skin elasticity and hydration

Is BHRT Right for You?

There is no universal “right” or “wrong” estrogen level—each woman’s hormonal needs are unique. If you are experiencing significant discomfort due to hormonal fluctuations, BHRT may be a viable option for relief. Consulting with a hormone health specialist can help determine the best course of action based on your specific symptoms, medical history, and lifestyle.

Looking Ahead

Hormonal health is a complex and evolving field, and understanding how estrogen affects both women and men is crucial. Stay tuned for upcoming discussions on testosterone levels and how estrogen plays a role in men’s health.

If you are considering BHRT and want to learn more, schedule a consultation at 757-223-0940 or watch our webinar. Taking proactive steps toward hormonal balance can help you regain control of your well-being and live your best life.

Does a Woman Need Testosterone?

At the Center for Hormone Health and Wellness, we frequently receive questions about testosterone and its role in women’s health. One of the most common inquiries is: Do women need testosterone? The answer is a resounding yes! Testosterone is a crucial hormone for women, playing a significant role in overall well-being.

Understanding Testosterone in Women

Many people are surprised to learn that throughout a woman’s lifetime, she actually produces more testosterone than estrogen. This underscores the importance of testosterone in maintaining various bodily functions. It is often referred to as the vitality hormone because it contributes to energy levels, mental clarity, libido, and quality of sleep. Additionally, testosterone plays a role in reducing joint pain and overall physical discomfort.

Health Benefits of Testosterone

Beyond its immediate effects on daily vitality, testosterone is also protective against various health conditions:

• Brain Health: Testosterone helps prevent cognitive decline and is one of the best ways to reduce the risk of dementia.
• Heart Health: It offers protective benefits against heart disease.
• Bone Strength: Testosterone is one of the most effective treatments for osteoporosis, helping to maintain bone density and strength.
• Breast Health: Research indicates that testosterone can help lower the risk of breast cancer.

Prioritizing Hormonal Balance

Given its wide-ranging benefits, testosterone is arguably just as, if not more, important than estrogen in women’s health. If you have questions or are interested in learning more about bioidentical hormone replacement therapy, we are here to help.

Visit us at the Center for Hormone Health and Wellness at 711 Brick Kiln Boulevard in Newport News, or call us at 757-223-0940 to schedule a consultation. We look forward to supporting your journey to optimal health!

Considering Bioidentical Hormone Replacement Therapy? Here’s What You Need to Know

If you’re exploring the benefits of bioidentical hormone replacement therapy (BHRT), you may have heard about hormone pellet therapy. At the Center for Hormone Health and Wellness, Dr. Clark and his team specialize in this treatment, using estrogen and testosterone pellets to help restore hormonal balance and improve overall well-being.

But how exactly does this process work? Let’s break it down.

What Is Hormone Pellet Therapy?

Hormone pellet therapy involves the insertion of small, bioidentical hormone pellets under the skin, where they gradually release hormones into the body. This method provides a steady, consistent level of hormones, avoiding the fluctuations often seen with other delivery methods like creams or injections.

How Is the Procedure Performed?

Many patients wonder how these hormone pellets are placed. The procedure is quick and minimally invasive:

• The pellets are typically inserted in the hip or buttock area.
• The skin is cleaned, and a local anesthetic is applied to numb the area.
• A tiny incision is made, and the pellets are placed just under the skin in the subcutaneous tissue.
• The incision is small enough that it does not require stitches.

How Long Does the Procedure Take?

The procedure is incredibly fast:

• For women, it takes about two minutes.
• For men, it takes around five minutes due to the higher dosage requirements.

What Is the Recovery Like?

One of the biggest advantages of hormone pellet therapy is the minimal downtime. Patients can go about their day immediately after the procedure. However, there are a few simple aftercare instructions to follow:

• Avoid strenuous activities, especially exercises that heavily engage the gluteal muscles, for the first few days.
• Resume normal daily activities, as long as they do not put excessive strain on the treatment area.

Is Hormone Pellet Therapy Right for You?

Bioidentical hormone replacement therapy can offer significant benefits for individuals experiencing hormonal imbalances, including improved energy levels, better mood, enhanced cognitive function, and increased libido. If you’re considering this treatment, a consultation with a qualified provider can help determine if it’s the right option for you.

At the Center for Hormone Health and Wellness, we are committed to helping you achieve optimal health through safe and effective hormone therapies. Contact us today at 757-223-0940 to schedule your consultation or watch the webinar to learn more about how BHRT can improve your quality of life.

The Role of DIM in Bioidentical Hormone Replacement Therapy

At the Center for Hormone Health and Wellness, we are committed to providing comprehensive guidance for those considering bioidentical hormone replacement therapy (BHRT). One crucial aspect often overlooked is the role of supplements in supporting optimal hormone metabolism. In particular, a supplement called DIM (diindolylmethane) can be highly beneficial for both men and women undergoing BHRT.

The Importance of Supplements in Hormone Therapy

A well-balanced diet and proper supplementation can enhance the effectiveness of hormone therapy. We generally recommend that all individuals take a high-quality multivitamin and extra vitamin D to support overall health. However, when it comes to bioidentical hormone replacement, DIM is a supplement that can provide specific benefits.

What is DIM?

DIM, short for diindolylmethane, is a phytonutrient derived from cruciferous vegetables such as broccoli, cauliflower, kale, Brussels sprouts, and cabbage. While these vegetables naturally contain DIM, you would need to consume large amounts daily to obtain the desired benefits—making supplementation a more practical option.

How DIM Supports Estrogen Metabolism

Estrogen, particularly estradiol, plays a critical role in both male and female health. However, as estrogen is metabolized in the body, it can follow different pathways—some of which are healthier than others. Certain breakdown products of estrogen can increase the risk of conditions like breast and uterine cancer, while others have protective effects.

DIM promotes a healthier metabolism of estrogen by directing it toward protective pathways. This means that individuals taking DIM as part of their hormone replacement therapy may reduce their risk of hormone-related cancers while supporting overall hormonal balance.

Additional Benefits of DIM

Beyond its role in estrogen metabolism, DIM offers several other advantages for those undergoing BHRT:

• Enhances Free Testosterone Levels: Testosterone exists in both bound and free forms in the body. The free form is the active hormone responsible for its beneficial effects. DIM helps release bound testosterone, allowing it to function more effectively.
• Prolongs Hormone Pellet Efficacy: For those using hormone pellet therapy, DIM can extend the duration of the pellets’ effectiveness. Women typically experience benefits from their pellets for about four months, while men may see results for up to six months.
• Supports Prostate Health in Men: By promoting healthier estrogen metabolism, DIM helps reduce the risk of prostate-related issues.

Why You Should Consider DIM with BHRT

Given its numerous benefits, DIM is a highly recommended supplement for anyone undergoing bioidentical hormone replacement therapy. By supporting healthy estrogen metabolism, enhancing free testosterone levels, and prolonging the effectiveness of hormone therapy, DIM can help optimize your results.

Get Expert Guidance on Your Hormone Health

At the Center for Hormone Health and Wellness, we are here to help you make informed decisions about your hormone therapy and overall wellness. If you have questions about DIM or BHRT, we invite you to reach out to us.

Location: 711 Brick Kiln Boulevard, Suite D, Newport News, Virginia 23602
Phone: 757-223-0940

For personalized guidance on your hormone health journey, contact us today!

At the Center for Hormone Health and Wellness, Dr. Thomas W. Clark and his team are often asked two questions. 

The first question is ‘How long will it take to notice a difference after receiving treatment with bio-identical hormone replacement pellets?’ and the second question is commonly, ‘How long will the treatment last?’  We will address both of these questions for you in this blog.

Wouldn’t it be nice if once you were treated with bio-identical hormone replacement pellets you noticed results immediately and those results lasted for life?  Unfortunately, it is not quite that simple.

After you are evaluated, treatment is decided upon, and your pellets are placed, you will not notice a change right away.  In fact, it generally takes about five weeks for your pellets to really kick in.  However, most people start noticing some changes and improvement in their symptoms within about one to two weeks.  Most commonly, we hear patients state that they start noticing they have a little more energy, or they are thinking a little more clearly, or sleeping better. 

For women, once your pellets are placed, they typically last for about three to four months.  For men, it is usually about six months. Everyone begins to notice some return of their corrected symptoms at slightly different times. 

You may wonder why treatment lasts longer for men.  The reason is that men are typically treated with higher doses.  Therefore, they last longer.  Once your symptoms start to return, it is time for your next treatment. 

To supplement this information, you are encouraged to watch an informative short webinar that reviews what you need to know about bio-identical hormone replacement therapy.  If you have other specific questions or are ready to get started, visit https://www.cfhhw.com or give us a call at (757) 223-0940.

The short answer is ‘yes’.  Estrogen is typically thought of as a female sex hormone.  However, it is also present in males, although in lower quantities than in females. 

Men do not actually make estrogen.  The estrogen in men comes from the testosterone breaking down into estrogen.  It is important that men have the right ratio of testosterone to estrogen.  Typically, we like to see about 5% or less estrogen compared to their testosterone levels.  For example, if your testosterone level is 1,000, it is preferable for your estrogen to be about 50 or less.  When a man’s estrogen level becomes too low, they can become edgy.

You also don’t want your estrogen level to be too high.  If it is, you will tend to get a little more emotional and may develop symptoms such as breast discomfort.  Subsequently, men may feel as if their testosterone levels are low when actually, it may be fine and in reality, their estrogen levels are a bit too high. It is important to note that as you age, your testosterone levels tend to fall, yet more of the that testosterone is converted to estrogen.  This is why we want to monitor and keep the correct ratio.

In men, estrogen is important for several aspects of their health, including:

Bone Health:  Estrogen helps maintain bone density and prevent osteoporosis.  It works in conjunction with testosterone to support bone health.

Cardiovascular Health:  Estrogen has a protective effect on your cardiovascular system, helping to maintain healthy cholesterol levels and blood vessel function.

Brain Function:  Estrogen plays a role in cognitive function and mood regulation in men.

Sexual Function: It helps regulate sexual function and libido in men, although testosterone is the primary sex hormone when it comes to sexual function.

Immune System:  Estrogen may also have some immunomodulatory effects in males.

The balance between estrogen and testosterone is essential for overall health in both men and women.  An imbalance in these hormones can lead to various health issues.  If you have concerns about your hormone levels or their effects on your health and well-being, please reach out to us at https://www.centerforhormonehealthandwellness.com or watch our informative webinar on the website.  You can also reach out to us via our website to get started on your journey to balanced hormones and feeling your best. 

At the Center for Hormone Health and Wellness, we typically use pellets to treat low hormone levels. It’s one of the best ways to optimize your hormone levels to combat the symptoms commonly associated with  menopause in women and aging for both women and men.

Bioidentical hormone replacement therapy (BHRT) involves placing small pellets containing hormones that are bio-identical to the hormones you produce typically in the buttock or hip area.  The pellets generally last a good four months for women and about six months for men.  You can even watch a short webinar about this process at https://www.cfhhw.com

You may wonder – what is actually in the pellet?  Well, it’s basically the hormone. That’s it.  The pellets include either bioidentical testosterone or bioidentical estrogen (specifically estradiol).

Humans make three types of estrogen. Estradiol is the most important one. Bioidentical just means it looks exactly the way your body made it throughout your entire lifetime. So, your body knows exactly what to do with it as well. The messages aren’t garbled. The breakdown products are the way they should be because your body is seeing this same hormone configuration literally from adolescence, and throughout your entire life. Again, the hormones in pellet form that are used look exactly the way your body makes it.  

Note – this is a bit different than synthetic hormones. Synthetic hormones do not look exactly the way your body made it.  And, when something doesn’t look exactly the way your body made it, it’s not recognized quite the way it should be.

Your hormones fit into a hormone receptor within your body’s tissues.  Hormones are meant to send a specific message.  If the hormone is synthetic (not bioidentical), then it won’t give the exact message that should be sent to those tissues.  The message can get just slightly garbled.  With your bioidentical hormones, your body knows exactly what to do with it and how to dispose of it. With synthetic hormones, your body doesn’t know exactly what to do with some of these breakdown products. The risk of developing other complications then increases. 

With bioidentical hormone, your body knows exactly what to do with it.  It sends a clear message, and subsequently your body responds in the same way it has throughout your entire lifetime. Thus, the testosterone and estradiol hormone pellets look exactly the way your body always made it.  Bioidentical hormones provide a safer treatment than synthetic hormone alternatives.

You can learn more by watching a video at https://cfhhw.com or if you are ready to get started, reach out to us via the same website or give us a call at  757-223-0940.  We look forward to helping you improve your health, energy and vitality!

We focus on both weight loss and bioidentical hormone replacement here at the Center for Weight Loss Success and Center for Hormone Health and Wellness. We have both corporations right here in one location in Newport News.

It’s very common to have someone come in to see me for hormone replacement and one of the first things out of their mouth is often, “I want hormone replacement because it’ll help me lose weight”. So, is that true? Is it going to help you lose weight? Well, the bottom line to that is, it depends on what hormone we’re talking about.

We talk about testosterone very frequently.  Testosterone is incredibly safe and can help you with some weight loss. But the other hormones, which people are typically coming in to see me for are progesterone and estrogen. Estrogen is often used to treat the symptoms of night sweats and hot flashes, as well as vaginal dryness. It works wonderfully for that. Now, if you were postmenopausal and coming in, and we were giving you estrogen, you would also need to take progesterone. Progesterone helps offset the stimulatory effect of the estrogen to your uterus. If you don’t have a uterus, progesterone is not required.

So, does progesterone affect weight? The most common side effect of progesterone is weight gain. So typically, progesterone isn’t going help you lose weight, and for that reason we try to use the smallest dose possible if it’s absolutely needed. Typically, that is postmenopausal women that still have a uterus and are receiving estrogen.  Thus, we try to avoid progesterone or use the smallest dose possible because it commonly works against weight loss.

What about estrogen then? When we talk about estrogen, it is important to understand that humans make three types of estrogen. Estradiol is the most important one, and typically the one that we are going to replace. The other two estrogens: estrial which is very important in pregnancy, and estrone which we would try to keep to a minimum since estrone typically is a weight gain hormone. In fact, estrone levels tend to go up during the post-menopause phase.

The one we may actually be replacing is estradiol.  Estradiol is typically weight neutral meaning generally doesn’t cause weight gain, nor does it generally cause weight loss.  In really high levels, estradiol can cause weight gain and often rather quickly.

Estrogen, as I talk about frequently, is something we have to be careful with. We want to keep your levels fairly reasonable – the levels that will fix night sweats, hot flashes, and vaginal dryness.  Thus, I try to use the smallest dose of estrogen/estradiol as possible to avoid high levels that can potentially cause side effects such as weight gain.

So, what about testosterone? Testosterone is an incredibly safe hormone. It’s very important for men and women, and we get a lot of leeway with that. When I say a lot of leeway, there isn’t a right and wrong level. It’s what level tends to help fix symptoms as well as not give you side effects. They’re nuisance side effects, acne breakouts, growing wild hairs, and these can be improved with adjusting your dose. I mentioned testosterone is very safe, but how does it affect weight loss? Typically, in the long run, testosterone is going to help with weight loss.  Now, when I say long run, we’re talking about six months to a year or so before it actually starts with helping with weight loss. That’s due to the fact that testosterone helps preserve lean body mass. If you’re working out, you can build lean body mass. Subsequently that will boost your metabolism up significantly. So yes, in the long run it can help with weight loss. In the short run, I say maybe testosterone can help with weight loss. The reason I say maybe is because testosterone by itself won’t help with weight loss you also need to do the work necessary to lose weight (diet & exercise).

Testosterone does fix many symptoms that tend to have negative effects on your life such as poor sleep, lack of energy, no sex drive, brain fog and more. Testosterone helps improve many of these symptoms so you can feel so much better.  This makes your weight loss efforts easier to do.

So, can hormone replacement help with weight loss? The answer really is not as simple as yes or no, it depends on the hormone and hormone levels.  You also need to take into consideration short term versus long term weight loss as described.

If you have questions or want to know more about bioidentical hormone replacement therapy, give us a call here at the Center for Hormone Health and Wellness (757) 223-0940 or visit our website at https://centerforhormonehealthandwellness.com/

We are in our new Kiln Creek location so please stop in and see us.  We are located at 711-D Brick Kiln Boulevard in Newport News, Virginia. We hope to see you soon!

Testosterone can be a misunderstood hormone.  Testosterone actually protects your body from developing certain problems such as problems with your heart, brain, breast tissue, as well as your bones. 

Testosterone is a very important hormone for both men and women.  In addition to the protective mechanisms mentioned, testosterone also tends to significantly improve certain symptoms. These symptoms include low energy, poor quality sleep, brain fog, aches and pains, low sex drive and others.  While these symptoms are more apparent to you day to day.  However, your major organs – heart, brain, breast tissue and your bones – do not present with symptoms usually until there is a bigger problem.

Thus, while you may enjoy relief from every day symptoms, you are doing your body a favor by optimizing your testosterone not only for these symptoms, but for the many protective properties it provides.

Testosterone protects your heart from developing problems.  It protects your brain from developing Alzheimer’s. and helps protect you from developing breast cancer.  In fact, testosterone is actually being used as a treatment for some breast cancers.  And when it comes to your bones, testosterone protects you from developing osteoporosis.  Of note, we have found some of our bio-identical hormone replacement patients have improved their bone density with treatment.

Improving your current symptoms while protecting against long term problems with an optimized testosterone level can be very helpful for both men and women. Why not check your levels, feel better now and avoid waiting for other problems to develop?

You can learn more about what testosterone and other hormone replacement can do for you by visiting https://www.cfhhw.com or simply give us a call at (757) 223-0940. We’re located in Newport News at 711-D Brick Kiln Boulevard. We are here to answer any questions you may have and get you on your way to feeling your best with optimized hormone levels.

What exactly is BHRT? How can it help you?

BHRT stands for bio-identical hormone replacement therapy.  Basically, optimizing your hormones – specifically your estradiol for women and testosterone for both men and women.  This is the natural way to not only balance, but optimize your hormones as you age.

Hormone replacement therapy (HRT) is a fairly straightforward concept.  You already likely know that as you age, the levels of the sex hormone in your body – specifically testosterone and estrogen  – tend to decrease.  For women, this is referred to as menopause.  However, as men age, their hormone levels decrease as well.

Thus, both men and women are potentially candidates to undergo hormone replacement therapy.  However, what does the B in BHRT actually mean?

Bioidentical means that the hormone itself – testosterone or estrogen – looks exactly the way your own body made it.  It is bioidentical. 

Why should you care if your hormone replacement therapy is bioidentical or not? Because synthetic hormones mean that it doesn’t look exactly the way your body made it.  When something doesn’t look exactly the way your body made it, then your body typically won’t know exactly what to do with what is different. Thus, synthetic hormones are potentially metabolized and broken down slightly different. They may still give some of the same good effects that you’re trying to reach with treatment, but if they’re broken down a little bit differently, then those breakdown products also have to be processed.  This is where potential problems can arise.

Bioidentical again means it looks exactly the way your body makes it, so therefore your body knows how to utilize it. It knows which receptors should get it, and subsequently how to break it down just the way it always did throughout your lifetime. Thus, it tends to be a safer form of hormone replacement.

So, bioidentical means it looks exactly the way your body made it. Synthetic means it doesn’t quite look the same.

If you want to learn more, we encourage you to visit our website and send a request to get started or to watch a webinar all about BHRT.  Our website is https://www.cfhhw.com or feel free to call our team at (757) 223-0940.