Bioidentical Hormone Therapy

Hormone imbalance can drain your energy, cause weight gain, and diminish your quality of life. At Balanced Health in the Cow Hollow area of San Francisco, California, skilled naturopathic physician Erika Horowitz, ND, and her team offer bioidentical hormone therapy to balance your hormone levels, helping you look and feel healthier and younger. Call the office to schedule a consultation or use the online booking feature today.

What is bioidentical hormone therapy?

Bioidentical hormone replacement therapy uses plant based  hormones just like the hormones your body naturally produces to increase low levels of estrogen, progesterone, testosterone, or other hormones and balance them. Hormone therapy reduces unpleasant symptoms linked with menopause, aging, and other common causes of hormone imbalance.

What are the symptoms of unbalanced hormones?

Some of the common symptoms associated with hormone imbalance include:

• Reduced lean body mass
• Increased body fat
• Weight gain
• Fatigue
• Low libido
• Erectile dysfunction (ED) in men
• Depression
• Mood swings
• Hot flashes
• Vaginal dryness in women
• Other menopause symptoms
• Difficulty sleeping
• Slowed metabolism
• Lower bone density
• Thinning hair
• Skin changes
• Decreased quality of life

Your symptoms may be mild, moderate, or severe. If they bother you, see the Balanced Health experts for an evaluation.

Is bioidentical hormone therapy right for me?

To find out if hormone therapy at Balanced Health is right for you, a skilled provider reviews your symptoms, medical history, and lifestyle habits. They check your vital signs, complete a physical exam, and order blood, urine and/or saliva tests to assess your hormone levels. You might need additional diagnostic tests if you’re at risk of medical problems or have unusual symptoms.

What should I expect during bioidentical hormone therapy?

During bioidentical hormone therapy at Balanced Health, your provider may recommend you try pills, patches, implants, injections, creams, gels, or vaginal applications in women. 

Subdermal pellets placed just beneath your skin release a steady stream of hormones into your bloodstream over time. Your specialist first numbs the treatment area before making a tiny incision and inserting pellets beneath the skin near your upper buttocks. They can replace bioidentical hormone pellets as needed to perfect hormone balance. 

How long does my treatment last?

The Balanced Health team monitors your hormone levels over time using simple blood tests. They alter your treatment plan whenever needed to maintain exceptional results. Hormone therapy is often a long-term treatment.

Lifestyle changes that enhance your outcome include getting regular exercise, maintaining an ideal body weight, eating nutritious foods, keeping stress levels low, and getting plenty of sleep.

To learn more about bioidentical hormone therapy and find out if it’s right for you, call the Balanced Health office or use the online booking tab today.