Hormone replacement therapy (HRT) refers to the treatment of age-related hormone deficiencies through external administration of hormones. As we age, hormone levels gradually decline, leading to unpleasant symptoms and increased health risks. HRT can help restore optimal hormone levels, alleviate deficiency symptoms, and protect long-term health.
At Vitality Balance Clinic clinic in Wilton Manors, our physicians specialize in customized bioidentical hormone replacement therapy (BHRT). We thoroughly evaluate each patient's unique hormonal status and lifestyle factors to develop individualized treatment plans. Read on to learn more about:
- Prevalence of hormone deficiencies
- Impacts on quality of life
- Long-term health risks
- Common symptoms - Testing options
- Our expertise and credentials - Personalized care
- Available therapy types - Delivery methods - Dosage adjustments
- Diet and exercise - Stress management - Local wellness resources
Age-related hormone decline is extremely common, affecting millions of women and men. Without treatment, deficiencies can seriously impact quality of life while raising risks for various chronic diseases. Restoring balance with HRT can help mitigate symptoms and protect long-term health.
Hormonal imbalances often develop gradually. Even small declines in key hormones can trigger unpleasant signs. Common deficiencies include:
As we continue aging, hormone levels drop further. Without treatment, deficiencies can seriously reduce enjoyment of life.
Moderate to severe hormone imbalances often produce symptoms that negatively impact quality of life, such as:
Without treatment, patients often struggle with worsening symptoms for years as hormones continue to decline with advancing age.
If left untreated, hormone deficiencies also raise the risk for various chronic diseases, including:
Restoring hormone deficits through timely treatment can mitigate risks. Patients report reclaiming their health, vitality and quality of life with properly managed HRT.
Because hormone testing often gets overlooked, millions suffer from deficiencies without an accurate diagnosis. We offer comprehensive lab testing and closely evaluate signs and symptoms to assess hormone status.
No two patients present exactly the same way. However, typical deficiency symptoms involve several of the following:
Careful evaluation of symptoms provides clues, but does not reliably indicate which hormones are deficient or to what degree. Testing helps clarify the underlying imbalances.
We utilize advanced medical lab testing to accurately diagnose hormone status, including:
These tests objectively reveal which hormones are low, adequate or excessive - information essential for developing the right treatment regimen.
Testing also provides baseline metrics for continued monitoring to ensure hormones normalize with therapy not just now, but in the years ahead. We will recheck labs periodically and adjust HRT dosing appropriately if any values drift out of range.
Accurate testing combined with expert analysis facilitates properly identifying and addressing hormone deficits for the unique needs of each individual.
With advanced diagnostics and years of specialized training, our practitioners confidently develop customized treatment plans to restore hormone balance. We build close doctor-patient relationships focused on your long-term health.
Our clinic only employs board-certified practitioners fully licensed in the state of Florida with extensive additional education in age management medicine, regenerative therapies and hormone replacement protocols. We stay current on the latest medical research to incorporate new proven approaches.
Required credentials to join our clinical team include:
We also have nurses, patient care coordinators, and specialists in nutrition, fitness and mental health to provide complete support.
Hormone therapy produces the best results when carefully tailored to each unique patient. We take time to listen and address all your concerns. Key elements of our approach include:
Comprehensive lab testing - We thoroughly assess all major hormones plus key biomarkers to clarify imbalances.
Individualized treatments - Based on test results and symptom evaluation, we custom design combinations of hormones, dosages and delivery methods for your needs.
Ongoing fine tuning - Follow up testing allows preciously adjusting therapy until all hormones normalize within ideal ranges for your age and gender.
Convenient accessibility - You can readily contact our clinic with any questions or concerns via phone, email or our patient portal. We promptly respond.
Our goal is to optimize HRT therapy to improve wellbeing, slow aging and enhance longevity. We see patients as partners in care.
Recent research has shown that hormone therapy started early in menopause may provide cognitive benefits for some women. A 2021 study found that women who began estrogen-based hormone therapy within 6 years of menopause had better verbal memory and fewer symptoms of depression up to 15 years later compared to women who did not take hormones.
Vitality Balance Clinic offers all proven hormone therapy options. We thoughtfully determine the best evidence-based regimens tailored to correctly address each patient's individual needs and preferences.
Common types of bioidentical hormone replacement therapy we prescribe include:
Estrogen - Oral tablets - Transdermal patches - Topical creams or gels - Vaginal creams
Testosterone
- Injections
- Transdermal gels
- Buccal tablets
- Subdermal pellets
Thyroid (levothyroxine) - Oral tablets
Androgen antagonists - Help block testosterone conversion to DHT in prostate tissue
Cortisol modulators - Aid chronic stress adaptation
We also address growth hormone deficits, melatonin regulation, and other less common hormone imbalances as indicated.
Various methods allow administering customized hormone combinations, including:
Oral - Hormone tablets, liquids or sublingual drops that absorb under the tongue
Topical - Transdermal patches, gels or creams applied to skin
Vaginal - Localized estrogen creams relieve urogenital symptoms
Injections - Deep intramuscular shots lasting several weeks per dose
Implants - Tiny pellet implants placed under the skin provide sustained hormone release
These options facilitate precision dosing and good bioavailability for each hormone type. We thoughtfully determine optimal delivery methods to meet treatment goals while accommodating individual preferences.
Finding the right dose matters. We carefully titrate dosages up or down based on follow up testing and symptom evaluation until full benefits manifest and labs normalize. This often requires multiple small adjustments over months. Patience is key - it takes time to undo years of gradual deficiency.
With properly managed regimens, most patients enjoy full correction of hormonal deficits within 6-12 months. We provide ongoing medical supervision over the long run to ensure optimal results.
While HRT effectively restores hormone levels, complementary lifestyle measures further amplify benefits. We offer guidance on nutrition, fitness, stress reduction and local wellness resources.
Following hormone-supportive eating patterns facilitates treatment success, including:
This nourishes the body while avoiding blood sugar spikes and inflammation that disrupt endocrine function.
We provide personalized nutrition advice and refer interested patients to RDs or weight loss programs if indicated.
Engaging in regular physical activity provides extensive health advantages, including:
Aim for a mix of aerobic activity, strength training and flexibility workouts most days of the week. We suggest local gyms and fitness resources tailored to your needs.
Chronic stress takes a toll on the entire hormonal cascade. Learning to actively relax protects hormone health:
Wilton Manors offers abundant complementary outlets to support mind-body health during HRT, including:
Medical labs - LabCorp, Quest Diagnostics
Parks - Richardson Historic Park, Hagen Park
Trails - Riverwalk & Greenway Trail System
Gyms - Planet Fitness, ActivFit
Yoga - Blue Moon Yoga & Mellow Flow Studio
Healthy dining - Fresh First, Green Bar & Kitchen
We encourage taking full advantage of area amenities to enhance vitality.
With properly managed therapy, most patients report substantially increased wellbeing, health and quality of life. We consider it a privilege to help patients optimize and sustain hormone balance for the long run. Please contact Vitality Balance Clinic today to explore whether HRT is right for you.