At Elements Integrative Wellness, Mandy Jarvis., our experienced Nurse Practitioner, specializes in Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT) to help you regain balance, vitality, and well-being. Hormone imbalances can impact everything from energy levels and mood to metabolism and cognitive function, often leaving individuals feeling drained or out of sync. Addressing these imbalances through personalized HRT can restore harmony within the body, alleviating symptoms associated with aging, stress, and hormonal shifts. Benefits of HRT include improved energy, enhanced mood, increased muscle strength, better sleep, and support for bone density and heart health. Mandy J. is dedicated to creating customized treatment plans to help you feel your best and reclaim a vibrant, balanced life. Schedule a Free 30 Minute HRT Consultation with Mandy Jarvis by calling 307-352-9602
The following content is a summarized version of this document which provides additional information about Hormone Replacement Therapy.
Click on each of the topics below to learn more about the various aspects of Hormone Replacement Therapy.
For both men and women, replenishing deficient hormones—such as thyroid, testosterone, estrogen, progesterone, DHEA, and growth hormone—can greatly improve health and quality of life. While conventional medicine often views aging as inevitable, recent advances suggest that hormone replacement can help prevent many age-related issues, including heart disease, stroke, cancer, and cognitive decline.
Research shows that restoring hormone levels to a youthful balance can enhance longevity, quality of life, and overall resilience. Hormones regulate critical body functions like reproduction, immunity, and metabolism. As we age, hormone production and cellular responsiveness decline, leading to symptoms we associate with aging. BHRT addresses this by restoring optimal hormone levels to maintain health, energy, and vitality.
Bioidentical hormones, derived from natural sources like soy and yams, match the body’s own hormones more closely than synthetic versions, offering a safer alternative with fewer side effects. This emerging approach in preventive medicine helps slow the effects of aging, enabling people to remain healthier, more energetic, and better able to manage daily stresses.
Although BHRT cannot stop aging entirely, it can significantly slow the physical and mental decline that typically accelerates after midlife, providing a smoother and more resilient aging process. Properly managed hormone therapy is an essential part of preventive medicine, complementing diet, vitamins, and exercise to maintain youthful health and vigor.
Hormones, produced by endocrine glands, play a vital role in cell activity, increasing metabolism, protein synthesis, cellular repair, and replication. As we age, cell receptors become less sensitive to hormone signals, leading to decreased tissue healing and repair. This often requires higher hormone levels to maintain optimal health, especially for thyroid hormones.
While we can’t reverse aging, hormone therapy can slow its effects, enhancing quality of life. Until genetic advancements in age reversal become feasible, current preventive measures—like balanced nutrition, exercise, caloric restriction, antioxidants, and optimal hormone replacement—offer the best path to maintaining health and vitality.
Bioidentical hormones are identical in structure to those naturally produced by the body, unlike synthetic hormones. Pharmaceutical companies focus on synthetic versions since bioidenticals can’t be patented, making them less profitable. This is why most doctors prescribe synthetic hormones—pharma companies promote them and fund research to support their use.
Bioidentical hormones are typically derived from plants and can be customized at compounding pharmacies, which create individualized dosages and forms like pills, creams, or liquids. These pharmacies offer tailored solutions with pharmaceutical-grade, micronized ingredients for optimal absorption. Health food store products, in contrast, often contain lower, less effective doses.
Unlike synthetics, bioidentical hormones don’t show harmful effects in studies, offering a safe alternative with many benefits. They are effective when monitored and adjusted to maintain optimal hormone levels for balanced health.
As we age, hormone levels decline, but maintaining youthful hormone levels can improve health and vitality. Traditional medicine often considers low hormone levels in older adults as “normal,” but research shows that optimal hormone replacement can counter many aging effects, such as muscle loss, osteoporosis, sleep issues, and even certain age-related diseases like heart disease and diabetes. Restoring hormone balance improves energy, muscle tone, and mental well-being.
Hormone replacement therapy (HRT) can reshape bodies, reduce midsection fat, and improve skin health. To be effective, HRT requires proper dosing to achieve optimal hormone levels, but many patients are on inadequate regimens. Physicians not trained in optimal HRT may not monitor or adjust hormone levels effectively, so patients should seek physicians knowledgeable in this field for the best results.
For decades, estrogen has been prescribed to relieve menopausal symptoms such as hot flashes, insomnia, and vaginal dryness, greatly improving quality of life. Women using estrogen often report better skin, muscle tone, mood, energy, and sexual health, as well as reduced risks of osteoporosis, heart disease, and cognitive decline.
In 2002, media reports raised concerns over estrogen’s safety, especially when combined with synthetic progesterone, which studies link to higher risks of breast cancer and heart disease. However, these risks primarily apply to synthetic hormones, not natural, bioidentical options, which mimic the body’s own estrogen more closely and have not shown the same adverse effects. Unfortunately, many doctors continue to prescribe synthetic hormones despite evidence that natural hormones are safer and more effective.
Bioidentical estrogen, like estradiol, supports heart, bone, and brain health, preventing conditions like osteoporosis and Alzheimer’s. Unlike synthetic options, bioidentical estrogen doesn’t contain harmful additives, such as those found in Premarin. Replacing lost estrogen with bioidentical options can alleviate menopausal symptoms and protect long-term health.
In summary, natural estrogen supports a woman’s health post-menopause, offering protection against many age-related diseases and improving overall well-being. Bioidentical estrogen replacement is recommended for those needing hormone support, allowing women to maintain vitality, strength, and mental clarity as they age.
During menopause, women’s progesterone levels drop, which increases risks of conditions like breast cancer, osteoporosis, and heart disease. Unfortunately, most doctors prescribe synthetic progesterone substitutes, like Provera, which often cause side effects. Unlike natural progesterone, Provera can lead to health risks, including breast cancer.
Natural vs. Synthetic Progesterone
Natural progesterone supports pregnancy and reproductive health safely, while Provera, a synthetic alternative, is unsafe for pregnancy and has been linked to adverse effects. Natural progesterone does not pose these risks and is more effective at balancing hormones without harmful side effects.
Health Benefits of Natural Progesterone
Natural progesterone protects against cancer, supports bone health, and relieves menopausal symptoms. Studies show synthetic progestins increase cancer risk, while natural progesterone has protective effects and fewer side effects, such as bloating and mood swings.
Natural Progesterone and Estrogen Combined
Together, natural progesterone and estrogen protect against osteoporosis, heart disease, and other age-related conditions, offering a safer alternative to synthetic hormones for quality of life and health.
Benefits of Choosing Natural Progesterone
Due to its safety and effectiveness, many women prefer natural progesterone over synthetic options. It works naturally with the body, minimizing side effects and supporting heart, bone, and breast health.
Forms and Usage of Natural Progesterone
Available as capsules, sublingual tablets, and compounded forms, natural progesterone is best absorbed in sublingual forms or prescription capsules. Blood tests are recommended to adjust dosage accurately.
Conclusion: Natural Progesterone for Health and Vitality
Natural progesterone is a safer option than synthetic progestins, offering protection against cancer, osteoporosis, and heart disease while supporting hormonal balance and overall well-being. It is an essential choice for women looking to maintain health at any life stage.
The popularity of bioidentical hormones has led to greater awareness of hormone replacement therapy (HRT) for aging, but some “experts” suggest menopausal women should induce monthly bleeding by pausing progesterone. This idea aims to mimic youthfulness but often deters women from trying HRT altogether.
Do Menopausal Women Need to Bleed?
Menstruation helps prepare the uterus for pregnancy, so there’s no need to resume it post-menopause. Research confirms that menopausal women on HRT don’t need monthly cycles; in fact, unexpected bleeding is a common reason for stopping HRT. Continuous HRT—without breaks—prevents bleeding and improves satisfaction, as stopping progesterone reduces its benefits by 25% each month.
The Benefits of Continuous Progesterone
Continuous use of bioidentical progesterone supports uterine and breast health and prevents abnormal uterine thickening, a potential cancer risk. Studies show that synthetic progestins (e.g., Provera) increase breast cancer risk, whereas bioidentical progesterone provides protection.
Bottom Line
There is no health benefit to monthly bleeding post-menopause. Continuous HRT is safer, more effective, and more convenient, offering lasting health benefits without unnecessary cycles.
Testosterone, traditionally seen as a male sex hormone, is vital for overall health in both men and women. As levels decline with age, symptoms like reduced muscle strength, lower libido, mood changes, and increased risk of osteoporosis can arise. Testosterone replacement therapy (TRT) helps counter these issues by restoring energy, muscle tone, libido, and mood, while also supporting heart and brain health.
Benefits of Testosterone Replacement Therapy
1. Physical Vitality: TRT boosts muscle strength, lean body mass, and overall stamina, helping men feel as energetic and vibrant as in their youth.
2. Sexual Health: By enhancing libido and improving sexual function, testosterone supports a fulfilling and active sex life.
3. Cardiovascular Protection: Studies show TRT reduces heart disease risk by lowering cholesterol, decreasing inflammation, and supporting healthy arteries.
4. Mental Well-being: TRT helps alleviate mood swings and cognitive decline, including a lower risk of Alzheimer’s disease.
5. Metabolic Health: It promotes fat reduction, lean muscle gain, and better blood sugar management, reducing risks of diabetes and obesity.
Forms of Testosterone Therapy
TRT options include injections, patches, and topical gels. Natural testosterone gels are often preferred as they don’t raise cholesterol like synthetic options and are customizable for ideal blood levels.
Safety and Cancer Concerns
While TRT isn’t recommended for men with active prostate cancer, research shows no link between TRT and increased prostate cancer risk. Instead, low testosterone is more often associated with severe prostate tumors and shorter lifespans.
Conclusion
Testosterone therapy offers men a way to maintain strength, energy, and vitality while reducing risks of heart disease and cognitive decline. With regular monitoring, TRT is a safe, effective option for healthy aging.
Testosterone is a crucial hormone for women, supporting physical and mental health alongside estrogen and progesterone. While testosterone is often seen as a “male hormone,” it plays vital roles in women’s libido, energy, bone density, and skin health. Natural testosterone therapy can help address age-related symptoms like thinning skin, low libido, fatigue, and even prevent osteoporosis—benefits that synthetic testosterone forms lack.
Key Benefits of Testosterone for Women
1. Sexual Health: Testosterone supports libido and enhances sexual satisfaction.
2. Bone and Muscle Strength: It helps maintain bone density, preventing osteoporosis, and supports muscle tone and endurance.
3. Skin Health: It prevents skin thinning, reduces wrinkles, and promotes collagen production.
4. Mood and Cognitive Benefits: Testosterone supports emotional well-being, reduces cholesterol, protects against cardiovascular disease, and enhances memory.
Safe and Effective Use
Only natural testosterone is recommended, available from compounding pharmacies in personalized doses. This approach offers a safer, more effective way for women to maintain vitality and slow the progression of age-related conditions.
Dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA), the most abundant steroid hormone produced by the adrenal glands, serves as a precursor to estrogen, progesterone, and testosterone. DHEA levels naturally decline with age, and research links higher levels with reduced risks of cardiovascular disease, cancer, and aging-related decline. Maintaining optimal DHEA levels supports immune health, brain function, stress relief, and cardiovascular protection.
Key Benefits of DHEA
1. Immune and Cellular Health: DHEA enhances immune function, boosts cell regeneration, and has anti-cancer properties.
2. Metabolic Support: It improves insulin sensitivity, helps manage diabetes, and supports weight and cholesterol control.
3. Aging and Vitality: Higher DHEA levels delay aging symptoms, like fatigue and muscle loss, while improving sleep, energy, and stress resilience.
DHEA supplementation may also benefit individuals with connective tissue disorders like Lupus and provides a promising approach to healthy aging and disease prevention.
Thyroid hormone, produced by the thyroid gland, regulates metabolism, energy, and temperature, supporting overall health. Optimal thyroid levels can help prevent fatigue, cognitive issues, weight gain, and cardiovascular disease, and improve hair, skin, and nail health.
As we age, thyroid hormone levels naturally decline, leading to low energy, mental sluggishness, and other symptoms that may be mistaken for normal aging. However, maintaining optimal thyroid levels can alleviate these symptoms. While standard blood tests often indicate “normal” levels, these may be insufficient for ideal health, especially in middle-aged or older adults. Free T-3 levels offer a more accurate measure of thyroid function.
Many physicians prescribe only synthetic T-4, which doesn’t always convert efficiently to the active hormone, T-3. Studies show that combining T-4 and T-3 in natural forms can better alleviate symptoms. Unfortunately, the influence of pharmaceutical norms often limits this approach. Optimizing thyroid levels is key for better energy, metabolism, and well-being.
Melatonin, produced by the pineal gland, regulates our circadian rhythm and supports deep sleep, which is crucial for immune health. Known for its antioxidant and immune-boosting properties, melatonin aids in maintaining body balance, supports restful sleep, and may even have cancer-protective effects.
Research shows melatonin improves sleep quality, reduces jet lag, enhances immune function, and fights free radicals. A typical melatonin dose is around 3 mg, but optimal amounts vary. Pharmaceutical-grade melatonin, free from contaminants, is recommended for purity. Beyond sleep, it can reduce nighttime urination and even help manage migraines and blood pressure.
With its benefits for sleep, immunity, and overall well-being, melatonin is a safe, natural alternative to prescription sleep aids.
Schedule a Free 30 Minute Consultation with Mandy Jarvis by calling 307-352-9602
