Bioidentical Hormone Replacement

Board-Certified Family Nurse Practitioner located in Columbia Falls, MT

Bioidentical Hormone Replacement Services Offered In Columbia Falls, MT

If you’re experiencing signs of a hormone imbalance, such as hot flashes, mood swings, or weight gain, bioidentical hormone replacement can help relieve your symptoms. Board-certified family nurse practitioner Angela St John, FNP-BC, provides individualized care for menopause, andropause, and other hormonal disorders at Hometown Clinic in Columbia Falls, Montana. Angela and her team perform comprehensive blood, saliva, and urine testing to determine whether bioidentical hormone replacement is the right solution for you. Call the family practice today or schedule an appointment online to learn more.

What is bioidentical hormone replacement?

Bioidentical hormone replacement uses chemicals derived from plants to restore your depleted hormone levels. Hormones are chemicals that regulate functions such as your body’s temperature and digestion. When hormones aren’t balanced, you can experience uncomfortable symptoms, like hot flashes or weight gain.

Traditional hormone therapy uses synthetic hormones to restore low levels of estrogen and testosterone. While effective, synthetic hormones can cause side effects, such as nausea and bloating.

Bioidentical hormones are chemically identical to the hormones your body already produces, so they’re less likely to cause side effects.

How does bioidentical hormone replacement work?

Bioidentical hormone replacement supplements the hormones your body already creates. While synthetic hormones are typically available in premeasured doses, bioidentical hormones are customizable. Angela tailors your dosage to restore your exact hormonal imbalance, which can result in better outcomes.

Who should consider bioidentical hormone replacement?

Many people with hormone imbalances can benefit from bioidentical hormone replacement therapy. The two most common conditions it addresses are:

Menopause

Menopause is when a woman stops menstruating. Once perimenopause begins and then into menopause, estrogen levels can decline rapidly, leading to symptoms such as:

Hot flashes
Night sweats
Mood swings
Weight gain
Osteoporosis
Fatigue
Low libido

Menopause symptoms can affect your self-esteem and diminish your quality of life. Addressing hormonal imbalances may help relieve your discomfort.

Andropause

Andropause is a loss of testosterone, which often affects men as they age. Testosterone is responsible for many male characteristics, including hair growth and fat distribution. Low testosterone can cause several uncomfortable side effects, including:

Low libido
Erectile dysfunction
Increased abdominal fat
Lost muscle mass
Depression
Fatigue
Mood swings
Hair loss or thinning

Declining testosterone levels can also interfere with your ability to concentrate and retain information.

What can I expect from bioidentical hormone replacement?

Bioidentical hormone replacement is available in multiple forms, including:

Creams
Gels
Patches
Injections

Angela and her staff offer saliva, blood, and urine testing to determine the best form for your needs. After creating your plan, Angela provides detailed instructions on taking bioidentical hormones. Injections may require no maintenance on your part, while topical treatments may need to be applied daily.

Every 3-6 months, Angela performs testing to ensure your treatment is working. She can make adjustments to your plan as needed.

Bioidentical hormone replacement is a safe, effective treatment for hormonal imbalances. To learn more, call Hometown Clinic today or schedule an appointment online.