Hormones are responsible for regulating many of your body’s functions, affecting everything from energy levels to metabolism. Throughout different stages of life, your body may not always produce the right balance of hormones needed for good health. When this happens, it can lead to noticeable changes in how you feel.
At Meliora Integrative Medicine in the Evanston and Chicago area, we offer hormone therapy to support patients when natural hormone production isn’t enough. Hormone therapy can help you regain energy and improve your well-being. This treatment offers a direct solution to the body’s changing needs.
How Hormones Contribute to Overall Health
Hormones are substances produced by glands in your endocrine system and released into the bloodstream. Once released, they travel to different organs and tissues, delivering signals that regulate various bodily functions. They control mood regulation, immune response, reproductive health, and more. Your body has different hormones in charge of different things. Two of the most well-known hormones that contribute to overall well-being are testosterone and estrogen. While they are often recognized for their role in sexual health, they also play a part in other aspects of health, including energy levels, mood regulation, and bone health.
When these hormones are in balance, your body functions efficiently, maintaining stable energy levels, effective digestion, and better cognitive performance. However, imbalances in hormones such as estrogen, testosterone, or thyroid hormones can lead to fatigue, weight gain, mood swings, and even chronic health issues if left unaddressed.
What Is Bioidentical Hormone Replacement Therapy?
Bioidentical hormone replacement therapy (BHRT) uses hormones derived from plant sources to restore the body’s natural balance and alleviate symptoms caused by hormonal imbalances. BHRT is often recommended for patients experiencing menopause, andropause, or thyroid dysfunction. Bioidentical hormones closely mimic those that the body produces, potentially reducing the risk of adverse effects while effectively addressing the underlying hormonal deficiencies.
How Hormone Therapy Can Impact Your Quality of Life
Hormone Therapy and Emotional Well-Being
When your hormones are balanced, you may notice a big difference in how you feel emotionally. With hormone optimization, patients may experience fewer ups and downs and may have an easier time regulating emotions. After hormone therapy, you may be able to reconnect with activities and interests that have taken a backseat due to fatigue or mood swings. By stabilizing hormones, personal and professional relationships can benefit since your body is better equipped to handle stress and you can engage with others in a more positive way.
Hormone Therapy for Mental Clarity and Cognitive Function
As hormones like estrogen, testosterone, and thyroid hormones fluctuate, they can affect your mental sharpness. When we address imbalances through hormone optimization, you might notice a clearer mind, sharper focus, and an easier time handling tasks both at work and in your personal life. Many patients report that their creativity and problem-solving skills improve, along with a reduction in “brain fog.” Long-term, this kind of hormonal balance may also help prevent cognitive decline, keeping you mentally agile as you age.
Enhanced Physical Fitness and Energy With Hormone Therapy
Low energy and reduced endurance are some of the most common symptoms we see when hormone levels are out of balance. Bioidentical hormone therapy can restore your energy and physical capabilities. With balanced hormones, you may notice increased stamina and better muscle recovery after exercise, allowing you to maintain or even improve your fitness. You may also find it easier to manage your weight and keep stubborn fat from areas like your abdomen.
Improvements in Sexual Vitality and Intimacy With Hormone Therapy
Hormonal imbalances can take a toll on sexual wellness for both men and women. Whether it’s reduced libido, difficulty with intimacy, or feeling disconnected from your partner, these issues can stem from hormonal changes. Hormone replacement therapy (HRT) can restore balance and improve your sexual health.
Building Resilience in Aging With Hormone Therapy
Aging can bring about various changes in the body, from decreased energy to changes in skin texture and elasticity. Anti-aging hormone therapy alleviates many of these concerns, helping you feel more vibrant as you age. If you are experiencing symptoms of menopause, hormone therapy can help you still feel like yourself while your body goes through these changes.
Preventing Health Problems With Hormone Therapy
When started in women under 60 or near menopause, hormone pellet therapy has been shown to reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease. Hormone therapy can also help lower the risk of osteoporosis, dementia, and stroke. These benefits promote long-term health in both men and women.
Hormone Therapy Benefits
Hormone optimization is a relatively simple and non-invasive treatment. For many patients, the process involves regular visits for assessments and adjustments, with minimal to no downtime. Hormone therapy can be delivered through various methods, such as creams, injections, or patches, but we prefer hormone pellet therapy which slowly releases hormones over time. Because the treatment is designed to integrate smoothly into your routine, it doesn’t require major lifestyle changes.
What to Expect From Your Hormone Therapy
The best way to determine whether natural hormone therapy through pellet insertion is right for you is through blood testing. We will perform these tests to see which hormones you need. During the procedure, we will make a small incision in your hip or buttock area and insert the pellets into the fatty tissue. These pellets are about the size of a grain of rice. The insertion only takes around 15 minutes, and you won’t need stitches after the procedure.
After the insertion, most patients can go about their day with little to no downtime. You might experience some mild bruising or soreness at the insertion site. The pellets will continue to release hormones for several months, and we’ll monitor your progress with follow-up appointments to make any necessary adjustments.
Is Hormone Therapy Right for You?
At Meliora Integrative Medicine, we offer hormone therapy in the Evanston and Chicago areas to help balance your hormones and improve your energy, mental clarity, and overall well-being. With pellet insertion at our hormone therapy med spa, you can achieve consistent hormone levels with minimal disruption to your routine. To learn more, call us at (847) 440-4355 or contact us to schedule a consultation or fill out our online form.
