What are hormones?
Hormones play important roles in the function and health of your body. As you get older, your production of certain hormones, namely the sex hormones, decreases. For women, these hormonal changes may begin during their 30s and 40s as they approach menopause.
Changes in your hormones can affect how your body works and cause unpleasant symptoms, such as hot flashes, night sweats, insomnia, and mood changes. Traditionally, these hormonal changes were treated with synthetic hormone replacement therapy. However, studies found that synthetic hormone replacement therapy may increase your risk of having a heart attack or stroke.
Dr. Caitlin Fanning, ND is a naturopathic doctor who uses natural therapies for the treatment of many conditions and offers an alternative hormone treatment with bioidentical hormones.
What are bioidentical hormones?
Bioidentical hormones are a natural form of hormone therapy. The hormones have the same chemical structure as the hormones in your body. When supplemented with bioidentical hormones, they act just like your own hormones and can restore your levels and relieve your symptoms.
Would I benefit from bioidentical hormones?
Dr. Caitlin Fanning, ND determines if you would benefit from bioidentical hormones during your consultation. She takes a whole-person approach to care and conducts comprehensive examinations to evaluate all aspects of your health, including your physical, spiritual, social, emotional, and mental health, to be able to develop the most appropriate treatment plan to improve your overall wellness.
During your evaluation, she reviews your medical history and symptoms and conducts a physical exam. She also obtains information related to your lifestyle, including your diet, exercise, stress, and digestion.
To determine if your hormone levels are the cause of your symptoms, Dr. Caitlin Fanning, ND requests lab work, including special DUTCH urine testing to assess your hormone levels. If your hormone levels are low, Dr. Caitlin Fanning, ND develops a comprehensive plan and may include a personalized bioidentical hormone replacement plan to optimize your levels.
What can I expect during bioidentical hormone treatment?
You should experience an improvement in your symptoms with bioidentical hormone replacement treatment. Dr. Caitlin Fanning, ND continues to monitor you, your symptoms, and your health and adjusts your treatment plan as needed.
To learn more about the benefits of bioidentical hormones, call Pacific Coast Integrative Health today or use the online booking tool to request an free 15 minute Alignment Call.
