Aging Doesn’t Have to Mean Getting Older

Our culture has a grim attitude toward aging, but the truth is that getting older has many upsides. People over 55 often report higher levels of personal happiness. As you approach retirement or welcome new grandchildren, you may feel excited to enter your “golden years.” But sometimes, painful physical symptoms can make aging difficult.

As you get older, you may notice changes in your weight or mood. Many people also experience problems with intimacy. These changes often result from hormone fluctuations. We know that hormone imbalances can make it hard to enjoy your favorite activities. That’s why we’re proud to offer bio-identical hormone therapy. This treatment can ease your symptoms and even reverse some part of the aging process.

Read on to learn more about the benefits of bio-identical hormones.

Understanding the Endocrine System

Your body’s endocrine system controls your hormones, which are biological messengers between cells. These messengers regulate cell signaling through the DNA, resulting in improved physical processes including, mood, libido, energy, sleep, concentration, memory and many more.

Many health problems can disrupt your endocrine system, but if you’re over 50, age-related changes are a likely culprit. As you age, most hormone levels decrease. Even slight changes in your hormones can trigger painful, confusing symptoms.

What Are the symptoms of a Hormone Imbalance?

If you struggle with age-related hormone changes, you might notice:

• Weight gain
• Sexual problems
• Pelvic pain
• Incontinence
• Mood changes
• Fatigue or loss of energy

Many people also notice changes in their skin tone and texture. Your skin may seem dry or prone to acne or wrinkles. Declining hormone levels can make you look and feel older than your age.

What Causes Hormone Imbalance?

As you age, your body produces less of certain key hormones. Your tissues may also become less sensitive to hormones. Some glands in your body may work less effectively. Your body might also metabolize hormones at a slower pace.

Hormonal changes are common in older adults. The aging process can be particularly hard on women who experience major hormone shifts after menopause. Menopause symptoms often begin in your 40s and last for several years.

Are Hormone Changes Reversible?

Hormone imbalances have a profound impact on your long-term health. Low hormone levels are linked to obesity, heart disease, and bone fractures. Without treatment, patients often struggle with a poor quality of life and a decline in overall health and wellness.

For many years, people believed that age-related hormone imbalances were inevitable. Today, we know better. Hormone imbalances can be identified through proper testing and individualized care.

How Can I Get My Hormones Checked?

We know that hormone imbalances are painful and frustrating. Treatment begins with an in-depth, confidential evaluation. First, we ask about your symptoms and discuss your concerns. We also consider other health problems that may affect the aging process.

Next, we perform a series of laboratory blood and urine testing, which can accurately assess your hormone levels. We review your test results and help you understand your results. If your results show a hormone imbalance, we discuss your options for treatment.

What Is Hormone Replacement Therapy?

Hormone replacement therapy (HRT) can provide lasting symptom relief. HRT replenishes the hormones in your body. This treatment is ideal for many patients struggling with age-related hormone changes.

If your hormone levels have declined over time, HRT can help. HRT restores your body’s natural balance and helps you feel younger. This treatment relieves many symptoms associated with aging, including sexual dysfunction. HRT also provides lasting relief for women going through menopause.

What Are Bio-Identical Hormones?

I offer bio-identical hormone replacement therapy (BHRT), through my sister practice at BodyLogic MD of Greenville. Bio-identical hormones are derived from natural sources like plants. These hormones are chemically identical to those produced by your body. Your body can use bio-identical hormones to fuel essential physical processes. When compared to traditional HRT, bio-identical hormones may carry fewer risks.

If you opt for bio-identical hormones, our team customizes your prescription. BHRT is not one-size-fits-all. Instead, we reference your recommended testing to create a targeted blend of hormones. We also track your treatment response through further advanced testing as needed.

My team schedules follow-up appointments to track your results. We confirm that your hormones have stabilized. Once your hormones are optimized, we provide maintenance treatments to preserve your results.

How Is Treatment Administered?

You can receive hormone medications through:

• Pills
• Skin patches
• Topical creams and gels
• Injections
• Implants

If you opt for bio-identical hormones, pellet therapy is an excellent option. I am a national speaker and physician trainer for pellet therapy. With pellet therapy, hormones are released in a more physiologic method. Sustained release allows for an improved response and respects the body’s natural circadian rhythm. Pellets are inserted under your skin, into the subcutaneous fat during a simple in-office procedure. The procedure is painless.

Over time, the pellet releases hormones to help support your body’s natural processes. The sustained release of pellet therapy helps combat age-related hormones and respect natural body physiology. Many pellet therapy patients notice improvement within days, but some may take several weeks for an optimal response.

Eventually, the hormone pellet dissolves as it’s absorbed into your body. During your pellet therapy, we order blood and urine testing to measure your hormone levels. We then adjust your dosage for further hormonal optimization and continuity of care.

When Will I See Results?

It can take some time for your hormones to stabilize. Many patients report some improvement within days of starting treatment. But some may not see full results for several months as hormonal adjustments may be required for optimal response.

Is HRT safe?

Studies have shown that bio-identical hormones are safe and effective for patients struggling with the aging process. Hormone optimization improves your mood, energy levels, and intimate wellness. Because hormones regulate your metabolism, treatment may help you manage your weight. Hormones support the anabolic side of the metabolism to signal muscle development and burn fats.

Bio-identical hormones help with other signs of aging, such as wrinkles and hair loss. Patients who have undergone cancer treatment appear to receive special benefits from BHRT. Many cancer treatments disrupt your natural hormone balance. BHRT can help stabilize your hormones, so you can feel “normal” again.

However, BHRT may not be right for everyone. Rest assured that my team offers in-depth guidance for patients considering this treatment. We review your medical history and help you choose a safe, effective treatment.

If BHRT isn’t a good fit, there are a range of alternate treatments. RMI specializes in anti-aging and intimate wellness therapies. We work with you to find a solution that meets your needs. For best results, we recommend a healthy lifestyle that supports hormone stability.