Bioidentical Hormone Replacement Therapy St. Louis

- Care Credit
- In-House Financing
- E-Newsletter
- Youthful for Life
- Membership

Bioidentical Hormone Replacement Therapy
We’ve used bioidentical hormone replacement therapy (bHRT) for years in our clinical practice, and many of our patients have had great success with it. However we’ve found that everyone feels their best when their treatment is customized to their individual needs. There are many different forms of bioidentical HRT that work in different ways, and everyone responds according to their unique physiology. Therefore it’s important to understand that while bHRT can provide amazing results in some, others need more support or different kinds of support to get the same balance and balance equals results.

What are "bioidentical hormones"?
Bioidentical hormones are manufactured in the lab to have the same molecular structure as the hormones made in your own body. Conversely, synthetic hormones are intentionally different. Drug companies invent synthetic hormones that are patentable because they can’t patent a bioidentical structure, (Premarin, Prempro, and Provera are widely used examples).

At The Youthful Body, we start with an individualized approach. We begin with laboratory tests of hormone levels. We then prescribe a precise dosage of bioidentical estrogens, progesterone, testosterone, and/or DHEA that is prepared at a registered compounding pharmacy. Each patient is then monitored carefully through regular follow-up hormone panels to ensure each patient gets symptom relief at the lowest possible dosage. In the initial stages, we do a hormone panel every 3 months. Once balance is restored, we do one panel every 6 months

Is bHRT the first step to hormonal balance?
Bioidentical hormones can work wonders, but they aren’t necessarily the first place to turn when hormonal imbalance is a problem. In our experience, the great majority of women can rebalance their hormones without the use of drugs, and even without HRT in any form. We have found that about 85% can find relief through a natural approach that combines medical-grade nutritional supplements, gentle endocrine support, and dietary and lifestyle changes. We recommend that every woman start with this combination approach as the foundation to her health.

We’ve developed an approach that supports the hormonal pathways upstream of where problems arise and develop into full-blown symptoms requiring stronger hormonal replacement therapy. Our dietary guidelines are based on the latest research in clinical nutrition and dietary endocrinology. Our nutritional supplements fill the nutritional gaps that are common in today’s diet. And our herbal supplements offer phytocrine support to rebalance all three of the major sex hormones most prone to disharmony in perimenopause, menopause, and andropause: estrogen, progesterone, and testosterone.

Even with this foundation, a minority of women will need to add prescription-strength hormone supplements to get complete relief, at least through a transition period. We recommend they use bioidentical hormones, preferably in a compounded form personalized to their needs by an experienced practitioner.

Either way, it’s important that the hormones be used in addition to the combination approach outlined above. Note that Suzanne Somers and Oprah are among this minority — they began with a healthy diet and lifestyle that supported the endocrine system, but still experienced intractable symptoms.

We don’t recommend that any hormones be used long-term unless essential for symptom relief, and then only with a complete risk assessment. We also don’t support the idea that bioidentical hormone therapy should be used indefinitely as some kind of fountain of youth.

Are bioidentical hormones better than synthetic hormones?
We long ago concluded that the answer to this question is yes. But that doesn’t mean bioidentical hormones are perfect.

The great appeal of bioidentical hormones is that they are natural, and our bodies can metabolize them as it was designed to do, minimizing side effects. Synthetic hormones are quite strong and often produce intolerable side effects. Moreover, the compounded bioidentical hormones can be matched individually to each woman’s needs — something that’s just impossible with mass-produced products.

Is hormone replacement therapy only for women?
No, many men find themselves quietly suffering from symptoms such as weight gain, decreased energy, drive, depressed mood, loss of muscle mass and libido. These are all symptoms that can be improved with hormone replacement therapy. There are countless numbers of men that are needlessly suffering from the symptoms of andropause or testosterone deficiency.

We perform a male hormone panel so that we can safely treat testosterone deficiency without exposing the patient to excessively high testosterone levels. This brings balance and restores vigor that was once missing.

Can bioidentical hormones be used for breast cancer patients?
We just do not have enough data to rule out HRT in every case, and prefer to look at each woman’s particular situation, history, pathology, and blood work. Dr. Mills has breast cancer patients who, like Suzanne Somers, use low-dose bioidentical hormones by choice. These women have researched the issues, discussed them with their healthcare provider, and made a well-informed decision for themselves.

Medical Weight Loss in St Louis Missouri
Congratulations on choosing medical weight loss! If you are serious about losing weight, medical weight loss is the fastest, safest way to lose weight available today. If you are tired of diets that just don’t work, or you’ve lost weight and gained it back over and over again, you owe it to yourself to visit a physician that specializes in Medical Weight Loss. Dr. Falconer has specialized training in the field of bariatric medicine and is an expert in the field of medical weight loss. With products and services unavailable to commercial weight loss programs, medical weight loss out-competes the field with impressive results that can’t be achieved without the supervision of a physician.

The most important aspect of any weight loss program is the ability to keep the weight off long-term once you’ve lost it. Although weight loss may be rapid, the primary focus of medical weight loss is to provide counseling which enables the person to maintain their weight loss permanently. The medical staff at The Youthful Body provide highly effective behavioral and motivational counseling aimed at helping patients make good decisions in real-life situations. They pride themselves on creating strong relationships with their clients that lead results that were previously unattainable.

People who are overweight or obese are at greater risk for heart disease, diabetes, stroke, high blood pressure, and cancer. Reducing one's body weight can dramatically reduce those risks and impact every aspect of your life, improving your mood and relationships as well as your productivity at work and home. Many patients on medical weight loss find they need fewer medications for hypertension, high blood pressure, and high blood sugar. The benefits are significant!

The cost of medical weight loss is surprisingly affordable; special introductory offers are available for new patients. Contact us today for more information. You’ll find Dr. Falconer and his courteous staff members are dedicated to helping you reach your goals.