Hormone therapy involves supplementing the body with hormones that have become depleted. It is most commonly used during menopause and andropause to alleviate symptoms associated with declining estrogen, progesterone, and testosterone levels. However, hormone imbalances can occur at other times as well.
Some of the most common reasons individuals seek hormone therapy include:
Hormone therapy aims to restore hormone levels back to optimal ranges in order to eliminate unwanted symptoms and help patients feel their best.
There are two main types of hormones used in hormone replacement therapy:
Here at Rejuvenate Hormone Clinic, we exclusively use bioidentical hormones in our treatment plans. Extensive scientific research has shown bioidentical hormones to be safe and effective. They have the same molecular structure as the hormones produced in men and women, allowing them to bind to receptors and mimic the action of innate hormones.
Many patients see better results with bioidentical hormones compared to synthetic versions. Since they are biochemically equivalent to endogenous human hormones, side effects are minimized. This makes them ideal for long-term use under medical supervision.
Hormone therapy is not a one-size-fits-all solution. The experts at Rejuvenate Hormone Clinic tailor custom treatment plans addressing each individual's unique hormonal needs and health goals.
We begin with advanced diagnostic testing to get a full picture of your hormone levels. This includes blood tests, saliva tests, symptom questionnaires, and comprehensive physical evaluations. Identifying hormone imbalances allows us to prescribe a personalized combination of bioidentical estrogen, progesterone, testosterone, DHEA, thyroid hormone, and other hormones as needed.
The dosage, route of administration, and hormone ratios are optimized for your body. Many patients notice improvements very quickly once their hormone levels are restored. As you progress through treatment, we continue to monitor your symptoms and adjust the therapy accordingly.
Follow-up testing ensures hormone levels remain balanced in the ideal range. Our holistic approach focuses on helping you feel healthy, energetic, and vibrant throughout the phases of your life.
Correcting hormone deficiencies through bioidentical hormone therapy provides a wide array of benefits:
Hormone therapy is highly effective at relieving symptoms associated with menopause, andropause, thyroid disorders, and other hormone imbalances:
Regaining control over these unwanted symptoms makes a remarkable difference in quality of life. Patients report feeling like themselves again.
In addition to alleviating deficiency symptoms, balanced hormone levels impart positive effects on long-term health:
By supporting overall wellness, hormone therapy helps maintain health and vitality decades into the future.
Patients consistently report substantially improved satisfaction with life after beginning hormone therapy. By eliminating frustrating menopausal or andropausal symptoms, individuals are able to fully enjoy this stage of life.
Regaining motivation, productivity, and zest for life allows people to thrive socially and professionally. For many, optimized hormones make them feel like "themselves" again, restoring the inner vitality they feared was lost forever.
The first step in hormone therapy is assessing your current hormone levels through laboratory testing. This gives us a baseline to identify deficiencies and imbalances.
Some of the key hormones we evaluate include:
Estrogen levels decline sharply during perimenopause and menopause. Low estrogen contributes to hot flashes, night sweats, vaginal dryness, accelerated skin aging, mood changes, weight gain, and loss of bone density.
Blood tests and/or saliva tests check estradiol and estrone levels. We look for reduced estrogen production by the ovaries as well as imbalances between different estrogen metabolites that can occur.
Measuring reproductive hormone levels including estradiol allows us to identify peri-menopause and menopause. This timing has implications for types of hormone therapy we recommend. We take care to diagnose and fully treat all aspects of estrogen deficiency.
Progesterone works synergistically with estrogen to regulate the menstrual cycle during reproductive years. It helps stabilize the endometrium and maintains early pregnancy.
After menopause, even lower progesterone levels can cause symptoms like anxiety, sleep disruption, and weight gain. Progesterone testing reveals if supplementation is indicated.
We also evaluate progesterone levels relative to estrogens. The ideal ratio of progesterone to estradiol in women is 100-500:1. An imbalanced ratio can exacerbate estrogen-dominance.
Testosterone regulates libido, muscle mass, bone density, motivation, and cognitive function in both men and women. Low testosterone is increasingly common, contributing to fatigue, weight gain, and metabolic issues.
Testing free and total testosterone levels in saliva and serum determines if testosterone therapy is warranted. Normalizing testosterone resolves many bothersome symptoms.
DHEA (dehydroepiandrosterone) is an androgen precursor hormone made by the adrenal glands. DHEA exerts many beneficial effects on energy, mood, immune function, muscles, and metabolism. DHEA levels naturally decrease with age.
We test DHEA-S serum levels to identify any need for DHEA supplementation. Optimizing DHEA is an excellent way to support overall vitality.
Thyroid disorders are very common, especially in women over 35. Imbalances in T3, T4, and TSH thyroid hormones lead to dysfunction of overall metabolism.
Symptoms like unexplained weight gain, fatigue, hair loss, cold intolerance, constipation, and depression can indicate low thyroid function. Checking TSH, free T3, free T4, and thyroid antibodies determines if thyroid medication is warranted.
In addition to these major hormones, we may also check levels of melatonin, cortisol, IGF-1, or other hormones based on your symptoms. Comprehensive testing gives us maximum insight into optimizing your hormone environment.
Hormone levels can be assessed from blood draws, saliva sampling, or urine tests. We choose the ideal testing medium for each hormone.
Blood testing offers accuracy but only shows hormone levels at a single point in time. Saliva and urine testing can be done multiple times throughout the day to assess fluctuations.
Oral progesterone requires saliva testing, for example, since serum levels do not accurately reflect tissue concentrations. We combine testing modalities to gain a complete picture.
Once hormone testing is complete, we can confidently construct a customized treatment plan. The route of administration, dosage, and specific hormones are tailored for you.
For symptomatic women going through menopause, estrogen replacement (ERT) remains the gold standard. When initiated early in menopause, studies show estrogen therapy increases longevity and reduces risk of cardiovascular disease, osteoporosis, and dementia.
Estrogen is prescribed in bioidentical forms including estradiol, estrone, and estriol. We can administer estrogen via oral tablets, sublingual drops, patches, gels, creams, pellets, or pellet implants depending on your needs and preferences.
Transdermal ERT (with creams, gels or patches) avoids first-pass liver metabolism which reduces side effects. Circulating estradiol levels mimic natural cyclic variation when administered transdermally.
Ultra-low dose transdermal ERT maintains optimal estradiol levels while minimizing risks. We raise the dosage gradually until symptoms are fully relieved, with regular follow-up to ensure you respond well.
Progesterone therapy is used for women with an intact uterus to counteract potential proliferation of the uterine lining from estrogen therapy. Natural progesterone has a protective, anti-estrogenic effect on breast tissue as well.
Micronized oral progesterone capsules or progesterone creams can restore optimal levels. We recommend cycling progesterone in a lunar pattern throughout each month, mimicking natural fluctuations through the menstrual cycle.
Our clinicians carefully evaluate your progesterone to estrogen ratio. The synergistic combination helps stabilize mood, sleep, weight, and other parameters.
Testosterone is beneficial for both men and women. Male testosterone levels decline gradually from the age of 30 onwards. Low testosterone contributes to loss of vitality and increased cardiovascular risks.
We prescribe bioidentical testosterone gels, creams, patches, pellets, or injections to normalize testosterone levels in men. Benefits include increased libido, energy, muscle mass, and motivation. Mood, erectile function, and cognition improve as well.
For women, small doses of testosterone can transform health. Transdermal testosterone supplements combat fatigue, poor concentration, low libido, weight gain, and bone loss in estrogen-deficient women. Finding the optimal dose gives outstanding results.
Balancing thyroid function is key for overall wellbeing. We prescribe bioidentical T4/T3 medications as needed to resolve hypothyroidism or hyperthyroidism.
Relieving symptoms of fatigue, sluggish metabolism, and mental fog greatly enhances energy and zest for life. Follow-up testing confirms thyroid levels normalize in the optimal range.
DHEA is a safe, effective anti-aging hormone with minimal side effects. DHEA supplements (25-50 mg/day) can benefit energy, immunity, sexual function, muscle strength, mood, memory, and metabolism.
We check follow-up DHEA-S blood levels to ensure you achieve protective levels. Patients note an inner sense of vitality and well-being from optimizing their DHEA status.
Hormone therapy can have some surprising benefits beyond transitioning. For example, testosterone therapy has been shown to increase bone density and reduce risk of osteoporosis in older cisgender men. Estrogen therapy may improve cognitive function in postmenopausal cisgender women. Hormones play complex roles in health that we are still discovering.
To get maximum benefits from hormone therapy, we provide personalized guidance on diet, exercise, stress reduction, and other lifestyle factors that influence hormone balance:
At Rejuvenate Hormone Clinic, your health is our top priority. Our staff provides caring support so you can achieve your maximum potential. Following individualized lifestyle recommendations alongside hormone therapy will help you look and feel your absolute best.
Here in Kenosha, Wisconsin, we enjoy a four-season climate on the picturesque shores of Lake Michigan. Kenosha provides the perfect setting to embrace a balanced lifestyle during hormone therapy.
The moderate climate means outdoor activities can be enjoyed year-round. Walking and cycling Kenosha's beautiful trails and parks allows you to destress while getting your daily exercise. The area features many scenic golf courses, tennis clubs, yoga studios, and recreational facilities to stay active.
Kenosha's growing culinary scene offers nutritious dining options to fit any diet. Farm-to-table restaurants source local ingredients to craft delicious heart-healthy meals. Several health food stores provide natural products to support wellness.
Cultural attractions including museums, music, art fairs and community events means there is always something fun happening in town. Yet Kenosha maintains a peaceful small-town feel perfect for relaxation.
Lake Michigan beckons with its stunning sunrises, sailing, beaches and scenic shoreline trails. Studies show being near water provides powerful stress reduction and immune system benefits.
Kenosha has much to offer for spiritual development as well, including meditation centers, places of worship, and holistic wellness providers.
Our comprehensive directory lists the best wellness businesses in town to support you during hormone therapy:
Kenosha truly provides an uplifting community where you can flourish during hormone therapy and beyond. Our staff is always glad to offer referrals to the best wellness providers in the area.
Many factors can trigger declining hormone levels, including:
Identifying and addressing the root causes allows hormone therapy
