Bioidentical hormones are identical in molecular structure to the hormones naturally produced in the human body. As we age, our hormone levels decline, leading to unpleasant symptoms associated with menopause, andropause, adrenal fatigue, and other hormone imbalances. Replacing declining hormones with bioidentical versions can alleviate these symptoms and help people feel youthful, energized, and healthy again.
Some key benefits of bioidentical hormone replacement therapy (HRT) include:
Our experienced practitioners customize bioidentical hormone treatment protocols based on your unique lab testing and symptoms. We use topical gels and creams rather than synthetic hormone pills, which can increase risk of blood clots and stroke.
Bioidentical hormones offer a safer, gentler approach to keep both men and women feeling their best as they age.
The first step in pursuing hormone replacement therapy is diagnosing any imbalances through lab testing. We check levels of key hormones like estradiol, testosterone, DHEA-S, progesterone, cortisol and more to pinpoint areas of deficiency.
Common symptoms pointing to potential hormone declines include:
However, hormone imbalances do not always produce noticeable symptoms right away. We recommend adults get their hormone levels checked periodically as a preventative measure, starting in their 30s. This allows us to detect and address any deficiencies early on, optimizing wellness long-term.
Hormone levels decline slowly over time. People often dismiss subtle changes like fatigue, weight gain and reduced sex drive as normal effects of aging. However, allowing hormonal imbalances to persist long-term raises future health risks.
Estrogen deficiency puts women at increased risk of osteoporosis later in life. Low testosterone in men is linked to heart disease, diabetes and neurological decline. Stress hormone elevations suppress the immune system over time.
The gradual nature of hormonal decline means patients often don’t realize how unwell they feel until treatment corrects the imbalance. Our patients frequently report feeling “like my old self again” after beginning HRT, as various aspects of health improve.
By diagnosing and treating hormone imbalances early, patients can enjoy optimal wellness as they transition into midlife and beyond.
We offer extensive hormone testing to accurately gauge patient deficiencies, including:
Testing is performed through either blood draws or saliva collections. We can conveniently conduct sample collections in home or office visits.
Detailed test results enable our practitioners to design fully customized, science-based hormone treatment plans to suit each patient's unique needs.
Once we identify hormone deficiencies through testing, our practitioners develop personalized treatment protocols using FDA-approved, pharmacy-compounded bioidentical hormones.
We create customized prescriptions of high quality topical gels containing bioidentical estradiol, testosterone, DHEA and other hormones based precisely on each patient's lab test results and symptom profile.
Declining estrogen is responsible for the most prominent menopausal symptoms like hot flashes, vaginal atrophy and osteoporosis risk in women.
We prescribe topical estradiol gels in the ideal potency to alleviate discomforts while optimizing feminizing benefits related to skin health, collagen production and emotional regulation.
Estrogen replacement therapy can provide immense relief from troublesome menopausal symptoms to help women feel like themselves again.
In both sexes, testosterone plays a crucial role in libido, energy levels, cognitive function and cardiovascular health.
Testosterone gels enhance vitality and well-being in aging men and women. Our practitioners work closely with patients to calibrate testosterone dosing to alleviate symptoms of andropause and low libido without causing excess hair growth or other unwanted side effects.
For perimenopausal women navigating simultaneous declines in estrogen, progesterone and testosterone, we often recommend combination gels containing a blend of bioidentical hormones to balance all three simultaneously without an excess of any one.
The right combination therapy relieves menopausal symptoms while supporting feminizing characteristics long-term.
We also design adjunctive therapies using pharmacy-prepared DHEA, thyroid hormone or hydrocortisone gels when indicated by test results.
Patients apply hormone gels to upper arm, thigh or abdomen once daily. We teach you the proper techniques to maximize absorption while avoiding transference to others.
Hormone therapy dosing requires continual fine-tuning based on patient response over 6-12 months. We schedule multiple follow up blood tests and symptom reviews to ensure your customized protocol achieves treatment goals optimally and safely.
Most patients experience noticeable improvements in energy, sleep, emotional wellness, sexual health, body composition and menopause/andropause symptoms when hormone levels are restored to optimal balance under our practitioners’ guidance.
The doctors and nurse practitioners at Optimal Hormone Health Center specialize exclusively in hormone replacement therapy and balancing. We have advanced certifications in age management medicine, regenerative therapies and functional approaches to optimize wellbeing.
Our experienced practitioners leverage precision testing and custom compounding pharmacies to provide truly personalized, cutting edge hormone therapy protocols. We stay up to date on the latest medical research to incorporate beneficial new therapies using growth factors, peptides and other regenerative technologies alongside traditional bioidentical HRT.
Optimal Hormone Health Center opened in 1999 as the first dedicated bioidentical hormone clinic in London. Over the past 25 years, we have successfully treated thousands of patients. Our out-of-the-box protocols combining bioidentical hormones with customized nutrition, supplement plans and fitness guidance consistently generate transformative improvements in patient health, vitality and quality of life.
We accept all major insurance plans and private pay options. Please () for more information or to schedule a consultation.
Bioidentical hormones are not necessarily safer or more effective than synthetic hormones for menopausal symptoms. However, some women report preferring them because they more closely mimic the body's natural hormones. More research is still needed to fully understand the risks and benefits.
Customizing hormone dosing through testing provides the foundation for successful treatment. However, diet, exercise, stress management and other lifestyle factors also significantly impact therapy outcomes.
We counsel all patients beginning HRT on practical healthy lifestyle modifications to complement the benefits of balanced hormones. Key recommendations include:
Prioritizing a Mediterranean style diet emphasizing vegetables, healthy fats, high quality proteins, complex carbohydrates and minimal sugars enhances hormone therapy results by providing the cellular building blocks for renewal.
We also customize supplement recommendations based on patient lab results and health goals. Key nutrients like high quality fish oils, vitamin D, magnesium, zinc and adaptogenic herbs augment hormonal balance.
Consistent strength training and cardio exercise helps sensitize tissues to circulating hormones for more pronounced benefits. As little as 30 minutes per day of walking vastly amplifies improvements in body composition, energy levels and mental health from HRT.
We provide referrals to excellent local gyms, yoga studios and private trainers tailored to your fitness capabilities and interests.
Chronic stress elevates cortisol, which can dampen thyroid function, provoke insulin resistance and cause testosterone metabolism to become overly aromatized into estrogen.
Learning to actively relax through regular massages, sauna use, meditation and nature exposure moderates stress hormone levels for optimal hormone balance.
Committing to hormone-optimizing lifestyle upgrades empowers more transformative revitalizations in health from bioidentical HRT.
Milder temperatures and more sunshine hours from April through September present the optimal window for initiating hormone replacement. The warmer, brighter weather supports positive mindset shifts to embrace treatment as an investment in health. Patients also tend to be more active during summer, reinforcing hormonal benefits.
As light and heat stimulate beneficial vitamin D production, winter and early spring blood tests more easily detect certain deficiencies. We often recommend patients get baseline labs drawn November-February, then designing summer treatment launches once test results become available to maximize odds of a smooth start.
Healing hormone imbalance requires reducing demands on the adrenal glands mediating cortisol production. Despite London’s hectic cultural footprint, we refer patients to many local havens supporting relaxation during treatment.
Tranquil neighbourhoods like Little Venice, Hampstead Heath and Richmond provide escape from bustling central London into quiet gardens and peaceful parks ideal for HRT patients to practice calming mindfulness while walking.
For rainy days, we recommend delightful area spas like the Ironmonger Row Baths, where hot soaks ease muscle tension. Fantastic Thai massage studios abound locally for affordable self-care.
And vibrant culture from world class museums to West End theatre productions provides uplifting diversion from everyday stressors during HRT integration.
While diet and lifestyle determine 80% of health outcomes, regular activity accelerates hormone therapy improvements in energy, body composition and mood. We refer patients to excellent local gyms, yoga centers and private trainers tailored to your present fitness and health status.
For those needing gentle reconditioning, studios like HeartSpace offer restorative options. Barrecore Fusion combines ballet-inspired training with gentle Pilates suitable for beginners. And PureGym facilities across London provide affordable access to strength equipment when transitioning towards more intense training.
Outstanding parks in all outer boroughs give residents and visitors ample room for walking, jogging and recuperating in nature while undergoing treatment.
In addition to customized prescription bioidentical hormones, we also offer:
We also provide referrals to outstanding local specialists for needs beyond our practice, from cardiac testing to integrative oncology support.
Optimal Hormone Health Center leverages strong practitioner partnerships regionally to ensure HRT patients receive seamless support addressing all health goals.
Please () to learn more or schedule a bioidentical hormone consultation. We look forward to helping you reclaim optimal wellness!
