Charlotte, North Carolina Bioidentical Hormone Replacement Therapy Doctor, Scott Shapiro, M.D. at Dr. Scott’s Restorative Health is driven to educate patients on the importance of hormone balance. Understanding what hormone therapy is will help you decide if this therapy best addresses your health concerns. Bioidentical Hormone Replacement Therapy is the replacement of male and female hormones which the human body has made naturally until sometime in middle age when it begins to fail. In women, this stage of life is known as menopause and in men as andropause.
“The level of care, compassion and service from the whole staff was such a blessing to me in starting to make positive changes in my life. I had hormone issues that no one else seemed to figure out. Other doctors just told me I was crazy. Dr. Scott worked with me and I remember him telling me I was not alone and he would be there to help me every step of the way! I have never felt better in my life. Everyone sees such a big change in me. Thank you Dr Scott!!” – Melinda K.
What is Bioidentical Hormone Replacement Therapy?
Hormones are chemicals that are produced by the glands in our bodies. Hormones secrete from our glands in much the same way that sweat secretes from the pores on our skin. As hormones are released into the bloodstream, they travel to tissues and organs where they bind to specific receptor sites.
Receptor sites and hormones send messages throughout the body to perform various functions that are critical to keeping our bodies at optimum health. A balanced flow of hormones keeps us healthy and lengthens our lifespans. With age, this healthy, balanced flow of hormones can deteriorate and, in some cases, stop all together.
Hormone levels can drastically decrease as we get older, wreaking havoc on our bodies and resulting in accelerated symptoms of aging. Hormone therapy works to reestablish the way the body sends messages to organs to keep them healthy. It also helps return hormone levels to their original balance and strength. Both men and women can experience the challenges and discomforts of an imbalanced endocrine system, as well as the long-term health benefits that come with Bioidentical Hormone Replacement Therapy.
How are Bioidentical Hormones Better than Synthetic Hormones?
Synthetic hormones have extra molecules that are not recognized by the body, so they are not broken down as easily by the body’s enzymes. This means that they can stay in the body longer, and over time could turn into toxins or carcinogens. The body has an easier time assimilating bioidentical hormones because they are identical in molecular structure to the hormones made in the body. This allows them to be quickly accepted and used by the body.
Bioidentical hormones fit like a lock and key with the body’s cell receptors, whereas non-identical hormones are often only partially recognized in the body and will take up cell receptor sites that they should not be attached to. Because bioidentical hormones are an exact fit to cell receptors and they mimic the body’s hormones, most patients do not experience unpleasant side effects. Another positive side to bioidentical hormones is that they can be dosed to meet exact and specific needs. Previous forms of hormone replacement therapies prescribed the same dosage to different patients. With Bioidentical Hormone Replacement Therapy, each person’s unique levels are considered and the exact amount needed of a hormone is prescribed.
Charlotte North Carolina Bioidentical Hormone Replacement Therapy Doctor, Scott Shapiro, M.D. at Dr. Scott’s Restorative Health in Indian Trail, North Carolina cares about the quality of hormones prescribed and uses only the finest treatments and therapies.
