Apr
As holistic providers, the Connecticut Center for Integrative Medicine offers natural alternatives to conventional pharmacological and therapeutic approaches. These alternatives extend to our approach to addressing hormonal imbalances. A significant majority of women will experience some degree of hormonal imbalance in their lifetimes. These fluctuations are often brought on by natural changes during pregnancy and perimenopause/menopause. Persistent imbalances may also be due to conditions such as thyroid disorders and adrenal fatigue.
Our doctors in Stamford, Connecticut, may recommend Bioidentical Hormone Replacement Therapy (BHRT). BHRT uses plant-derived hormones that are identical in molecular structure to human hormones. The hormones used in conventional therapies are derived from synthetic or animal sources, and they differ in chemical composition from the hormones produced by your body naturally. For this reason, BHRT is characterized as a natural alternative to standard or synthetic HRT.
Because of their identical chemical and molecular structures, BHRT can be properly processed and metabolized by your body. These natural hormones are not associated with long-term adverse side effects. In general, BHRT is highly effective and safe, with a low risk of side effects and complications. Additionally, our providers practice personalized medicine. BHRT aligns well with this approach because we can tailor the dose to your one-of-a-kind needs, based on specific lab results. Compare this to conventional HRT, which usually involves mass-produced dosing designed for “universal use” and not personalized to each individual’s needs.
By replacing and rebalancing hormones like estrogen and progesterone, BHRT can be helpful to reduce the severity and frequency of perimenopausal and menopausal symptoms, such as hot flashes, vaginal dryness, mood swings, poor quality sleep, low libido, night sweats, and “brain fog.” BHRT also helps to manage chronic conditions, such as stress-induced adrenal fatigue and thyroid disorders, which disproportionately affect women.
Once we have completed a thorough hormone assessment, we can tailor BHRT exactly to your specific needs. BHRT may be introduced in numerous ways, including implanted grain-of-rice-sized pellets and creams, gels, lotions, patches, pills, or shots. Pellets are often discussed alongside BHRT because they offer slow, long-term release of hormones for consistent and ongoing dosing. As the hormones are gradually released, you may find that your symptoms become more manageable.
No. In fact, we offer a vast range of products and therapies in conjunction with or as an alternative to hormone replacement. These options include nutritional counseling (“food as medicine”), botanicals and nutraceuticals, acupuncture, mind-body medicine, and lifestyle support. As true holistic, naturopathic, and functional medicine providers, we do not have a narrow or standardized conception of medicine. We have numerous approaches and treatments to choose from, and these interventions can evolve as your health improves and changes.
If you are interested in learning more about natural hormone therapy, request an appointment! Call the Connecticut Center for Integrative Medicine at (866) 320-6402 to speak with a member of our team today. Our Stamford office is a convenient, 10- to 15-minute drive from Greenwich, and is also proud to serve individuals from Fairfield, Darien, Norwalk, New Canaan, and surrounding areas.
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