Hormone therapy provides solutions for hormone deficiency that helps patients regain optimal levels of hormones like testosterone, estrogen, and progesterone. This allows the body to function properly and reduces unpleasant deficiency signs like fatigue, weight gain, and loss of sex drive. Equilibrium Hormone Institute has years of experience providing customized natural hormone therapy plans to residents of Saint Paul and surrounding areas. We offer various therapies including testosterone replacement therapy (TRT) and bioidentical hormones. Read on to learn the basics of hormone therapy and why it's crucial to seek timely treatment.
Hormone deficiencies negatively impact quality of life. As we age, hormone production naturally declines causing unpleasant symptoms. Other times, diseases or gland malfunctions hasten deficiencies. The most common hormones that decline are:
Rebalancing hormones alleviates deficiency signs and allows patients to thrive again. Our practitioners fully evaluate patients, order informed consent lab tests, analyze results, and create customized treatment plans. We offer both synthetic and bioidentical hormone therapy options to suit each patient's needs and preferences.
Hormone replacement therapy (HRT) gets your hormones back to optimal levels so you feel like yourself again. Equilibrium Hormone Institute specializes in HRT - schedule a consultation today to see if you're a candidate.
The first step is getting the right tests to reveal any hormonal deficiencies. Equilibrium Hormone Institute orders thorough panels that are far more insightful than basic tests. We check reproductive and adrenal hormones for both men and women. For women, we also test thyroid and screen for potential risks like cancers that could be aggravated by treatment. Tests for men include:
- Testosterone - Checks free and total T levels - Estradiol - Monitors how much converts to estrogen - DHEA and cortisol - Screens adrenal gland function - SHBG - Measures protein affecting usable testosterone - Vitamin D, B12, and lipids - Checks contributing factors
After identifying hormone deficiencies, our practitioners work closely with patients to create customized treatment plans to restore optimal hormone balances safely.
Testosterone replacement therapy (TRT) is the most common treatment Equilibrium Hormone Institute provides. Our skilled practitioners have exceptional expertise in TRT using gels, injections, pellets and other methods to suit each patient's lifestyle and preferences.
Benefits of TRT include:
Bioidentical hormones like testosterone closely match the molecular structure of hormones made in the human body. As a result, the body readily recognizes and utilizes them effectively. TRT with bioidentical testosterone allows men to regain optimal vitality safely by restoring levels to normal ranges.
We also provide TRT therapy for transgender patients transitioning as part of their treatment plans. Our LGBTQ-affirming practitioners help trans folks achieve hormonal balances matching their gender identity goals.
Women experiencing perimenopause or menopause symptoms find relief through estrogen replacement therapy (ERT). As the body stops ovulating and estrogen production declines during the menopause transition, women suffer hot flashes, vaginal dryness, sexual dysfunction, emotional changes, sleep disruptions, and accelerated bone loss.
ERT alleviates these symptoms by replenishing estrogen to optimal levels. Equilibrium Hormone Institute offers both synthetic estrogen and bioidentical estrogen replacement tailored to each woman's needs. Patients report feeling like themselves again thanks to:
Estrogen plays many essential regulatory roles in the female body. Allowing levels to decline untreated leads to reduced quality of life and long term health consequences. Our compassionate practitioners guide patients through perimenopause and menopause safely with individualized ERT treatment plans.
Hormone therapy can help transgender individuals align their physical characteristics with their gender identity. Studies show that after transitioning with hormones, most transgender people report improvements in quality of life, decreased anxiety and depression, and greater comfort in their bodies. Hormones allow them to live as their authentic selves.
While hormone therapy provides enormous benefits restoring balances, patients optimize their results by adopting healthy lifestyle habits concurrently that support the endocrine system. Our functional medicine doctor offers evidence-based recommendations on:
Nutrition: Follow an anti-inflammatory diet high in fruits, vegetables, lean proteins, nuts and omega-3s. Minimize sugar, refined grains and processed foods. Ensure adequate intake of zinc, magnesium and B vitamins which aid hormone production and balance mood.
Exercise: Perform both cardio and strength training most days of the week. Weight bearing moves strengthen bones protecting against osteoporosis accelerated by hormonal changes during menopause.
Stress Management: Chronic stress taxes the endocrine system. Set boundaries, practice relaxation techniques like breathwork and meditation, and make time for self care. Consider therapy if intense anxiety or depression persists despite hormone treatment.
Preventative Care: Get regular check ups to catch any new conditions early, especially for women over 40. Have annual skin checks, breast exams, pap tests, lipid profiles, bone density scans and colonoscopies when recommended.
Adopting a holistic approach amplifies the benefits of HRT for optimal restoration of wellness and vitality.
With convenient locations throughout the Twin Cities metro, Equilibrium Hormone Institute has provided exceptional care to residents of Saint Paul and surrounding communities for over 15 years. We offer a variety of advantages as the leading hormone clinic in the region:
Our compassionate practitioners invest ample time listening and designing treatment plans to meet each patient’s unique needs and health goals. We provide attentive monitoring, dosage adjustments when necessary, and helpful health habit coaching to ensure optimal outcomes. Equilibrium Hormone Institute strives to make HRT accessible by accepting most major insurance plans.
We also understand Saint Paul's brutal winters and seasonal affective disorder exacerbated by hormone changes. The best times to begin treatment are early spring through late fall when plentiful sunshine boosts vitamin D naturally. Year round, we recommend light therapy lamps to compensate for shorter winter days. Plentiful parks and lakes provide scenic spots for reflection and fresh air during treatment. The city boasts exceptional restaurants catering to various dietary needs, from uptown to Grand Avenue to West 7th Street. Area yoga studios and gyms offer many outlets to manage stress and stay active during hormone therapy.
Equilibrium Hormone Institute empowers Saint Paul residents struggling with hormonal imbalances to reclaim energy, strength and passion for life. Contact us today for a consultation to review your symptoms, order necessary tests, and get started on your path to optimal hormone health.
