Hormone replacement therapy can help alleviate symptoms associated with declining hormone levels due to aging. Symptoms in men and women may include low energy, weight gain, mood changes, and sexual dysfunction. The document recommends testing for hormone deficiencies and treating them with bioidentical hormones that have the same molecular structure as the body's natural hormones. This therapy can provide benefits such as reduced risks of osteoporosis, heart disease, and Alzheimer's as well as increased well-being and sex drive. Both men and women may experience hormone deficiencies, with women often becoming deficient in their late 30s-40s and many men experiencing lower testosterone after age 50.

1. OPTIMIZE
YOUR LIFE
The older we get, the more depleted
our hormones become. Replacing
those hormones becomes desirable
and leads to a happier, healthier life.
Are Your Hormones Balanced?
If you have any of the following symptoms, you may
be a candidate for hormone replacement therapy.
- Lack of energy or excessive fatigue
- Decrease in strength or endurance
- Decreased “enjoyment” of life
- Often feel sad, grumpy, depressed or moody
- Decreased sex drive / libido
- Foggy thinking or trouble staying focused
- Decreased performance at work or at home
- Abnormal weight gain especially in the waist or hips
- Heightened stress level or unwarranted anxiety
- Memory lapses or recall issues
Female Only Symptoms
- Hot flashes or night sweats
- Vaginal dryness
Male Only Symptoms
- Erections are less strong
What are Bio-Identical Hormones?
When is the Right Time for Hormone Replacement Therapy?
When one becomes deficient in any hormone, it is optimal to replace it. Generally
women will become deficient in progesterone and/or testosterone in their late 30′s
to early 40′s. A lack of estrogen usually doesn’t occur until shortly before or at the
menopause (average age of 51). Replacing all three hormones after the menopause
is usually necessary for optimal hormone balance.
Men can experience testosterone deficiency at almost any age, but it is most
common seen after age 50. By age 55, 50-75% of men experience andropause.
Benefits of Estrogen
Replacement in Women
- Relief of vasomotor symptoms (hot flashes)
- Reduced risk of osteoporosis
- Reduced risk of coronary artery disease
- Reduced risk of Alzheimer’s disease
- Reduced risk of colon cancer
- Relief of vaginal dryness and thinning
- Reduced risk of arthritis
- Life expectancy an average of 3 years longer
Benefits of Progesterone
Replacement in Women
- Counteracts estrogen dominance
- Minimizes risk of endometrial cancer in
women who are receiving estrogen
- May reduce risk of breast cancer
Benefits of Testosterone
Replacement in Women
- Enhanced libido
- Cardiovascular protection
- Increased energy and vitality
- Enhanced feeling of well-being
- Reduced body fat
- Stronger muscles and bones
- Relief of depression
- Cognitive clarity
Benefits of Testosterone
Replacement in Men
- Enhanced libido
- Cardiovascular protection
- Increased energy and strength
- Stronger muscles and bones
- Cognitive clarity
- Enhanced feeling of well-being
- Reduced body fat
- Enhanced erectile function
We test patients with hormone assays (blood tests) to
evaluate baseline hormone status and to help determine
initial dosage of bio-identical hormone replacement
therapy. We continue to assess hormone levels over
the course of treatment to ensure that our patients
are in the optimal hormone range.
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www.carolinahealthspan.com
Bio-identical simply means that the hormone is exactly the same
molecule as that which is naturally made by your body. This is
important because your body recognizes it as such and can
metabolize it normally. The term “bio-identical” does not indicate
the source of the hormone, but rather indicates that the molecular
structure of the replacement hormone is identical to that of
the hormone naturally found in the human body.