Depression

Depression can have a significant impact on one's life, affecting daily activities, relationships, and overall well-being.

While various factors can contribute to the development of depression, one crucial aspect is the imbalance of hormones in the body. Hormones regulate the levels of neurotransmitters, including serotonin, which is responsible for mood and emotions. When hormone levels decrease, serotonin can also drop, leading to symptoms of depression.

The relationship between hormones and serotonin is complex. Hormone levels can fluctuate due to factors such as stress, diet, and exercise. Studies have shown that hormonal imbalances significantly contribute to depression. This is why maintaining a healthy hormonal balance is essential to promoting mental health.

If you are experiencing feelings such as sadness, hopelessness, irritability, brain fog, or sleep disruptions, it may be worth considering the role of hormones in your mental health.

Book a consultation to help identify any imbalances. Labs may also be ordered to determine the best course of treatment.

Insomnia

Difficulty falling asleep or staying asleep, frequent waking, daytime napping, extreme daytime fatigue, and restlessness are common issues that can arise due to changes in estrogen and progesterone levels during a menstrual cycle. In the follicular phase, these hormones can make us feel more drowsy, while in the luteal phase, it can be harder to fall asleep. However, as we age and these hormones decrease, sleep problems and irritability may become more prevalent.

Thyroid imbalances can also contribute to disrupted sleep patterns. Hyperthyroidism can cause restlessness making it difficult to fall asleep where on the other hand, hypothyroidism can cause fatigue and lethargy and linked to sleep apnea which also disrupts sleep.

Lets not forget about testosterone which also decreases in both men and women. Reduced levels can also contribute to poor sleep and has been linked to snoring and insomnia.

As a result, it is crucial for individuals to pay attention to their overall hormonal health and seek medical advice if they are experiencing ongoing sleep issues. By addressing underlying hormone imbalances, individuals can improve their overall sleep quality and ultimately, their overall well-being.

Lab and Hormone Replacement

Hormone imbalances can affect energy, mood, metabolism, and overall well-being. Our online Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT) program provides a convenient way to assess and optimize hormone levels from the comfort of your home.

How It Works:

1. Initial Consultation: A virtual visit to discuss symptoms, medical history, and goals.
2. Comprehensive Lab Testing: Bloodwork is ordered through local labs or may be completed at your primary care office to check hormone levels (e.g., testosterone, estrogen, progesterone, thyroid, cortisol).
3. Personalized Treatment Plan: Based on results, a tailored HRT plan is created, including bioidentical hormones, supplements, and lifestyle recommendations.
4. Ongoing Monitoring: Regular follow-ups with symptom tracking and lab reviews to adjust treatment as needed.

By balancing hormones, this program helps improve energy, sleep, weight, mental clarity, and overall vitality in a safe and convenient way.

Examples of Bioidentical Hormone Prescriptions

Bioidentical hormones are designed to mimic the body’s natural hormones, offering a more personalized and often better-tolerated approach to hormone replacement therapy (HRT). They come in various forms, including creams, gels, patches, troches, injections, and capsules.

1. Estrogen (for menopause, perimenopause, low estrogen symptoms)
   
   • Estradiol (E2):
     • Compounded estradiol creams/gels
     • Estradiol patches (e.g., Vivelle-Dot, Climara)
     • Estradiol vaginal creams (e.g., Estrace, BiEst - estradiol + estriol)
2. Progesterone (for hormone balance, sleep, anxiety, uterine protection)
   • Micronized Progesterone (Prometrium) – oral capsules
   • Compounded progesterone creams or troches
3. Testosterone (for low libido, energy, muscle mass, mood in both men & women). This is a controlled substance. DEA may require in-person visits in future.
   • Compounded testosterone cream or gel
   • Testosterone cypionate or enanthate – injectable form
4. Thyroid Hormones (for hypothyroidism, metabolism, fatigue)
   • Compounded T3/T4 combinations
   • Natural Desiccated Thyroid (NDT) – Armour Thyroid, NP Thyroid

These prescriptions are often customized based on lab results and individual symptoms for optimal hormone balance.