Bioidentical Hormones for Thyroid Health in Philadelphia

The endocrine system is a sophisticated network of glands and the hormones they create. A critical component of this system is the thyroid, a small, butterfly-shaped gland located in the lower front of your neck. The main job of thyroid hormones is to help your body use energy efficiently, keep you warm, and ensure your muscles, brain, heart, and other organs function correctly. When this gland works as it should, you likely don’t give it a second thought. However, if normal thyroid function is disturbed, it can lead to a range of uncomfortable symptoms.

Because thyroid hormones regulate so many different processes in your body, an imbalance can cause severe and widespread issues. Thyroid problems typically appear in two main forms. When your thyroid gland fails to produce enough of the T3 and T4 hormones for healthy function, the condition is known as hypothyroidism. Conversely, when the thyroid produces an excess of T3 and T4, the condition is called hyperthyroidism.

At YoungerMeMD, our specialists in the Delaware Valley help patients achieve thyroid balance through advanced anti-aging medicine.

The Broad Impact of Your Thyroid

Body Temperature

Do you often feel overheated or wake up drenched in sweat? Are you always the first to perspire during a workout? Or perhaps you experience the opposite, needing a jacket in a room where everyone else is comfortable. An imbalanced thyroid can produce too much or too little hormone, causing your internal thermostat to malfunction and your body temperature to rise or fall.

Breathing

An overactive or underactive thyroid can weaken your respiratory muscles, leading to breathing difficulties. If you struggle with labored breathing, sleep apnea, or frequent hyperventilation, balancing your thyroid hormones could be the solution to help you breathe easier.

Heart Rate

The hormones your thyroid produces are crucial for heart function and regulating your heart rate. If you have a hyperactive or underactive thyroid, you might develop complications from skewed blood pressure and cholesterol levels.

Nervous System

Your body operates like a machine, requiring every part to work in sync for optimal performance. A thyroid imbalance can manifest as impaired cognition, difficulty concentrating, headaches, and persistent fatigue.

Muscle Strength

Skeletal muscles make up 30-40% of your total body mass, and thyroid hormones are essential for their development, function, and regeneration. A hormonal imbalance can lead to muscle weakness, pain, and even an intolerance to exercise.

Menstrual Cycles

A woman’s menstrual cycle can be unpredictable on its own, but adding a thyroid hormone imbalance can make it feel completely out of your control. Thyroid issues can affect the heaviness of your flow, cause irregularity, or even make your period stop for months at a time.

Mood

Individuals with hyperthyroidism or hypothyroidism may experience depression, anxiety, and irritability. These mood shifts can disrupt your entire lifestyle by affecting your appetite, sleep patterns, and ability to focus on work or daily tasks.

Cholesterol Levels

If you’ve been advised to monitor your cholesterol, it may be time to check your thyroid hormone levels. These hormones assist the liver in processing blood, and if this process is too fast or too slow, it can result in unhealthy cholesterol levels, putting you at risk for numerous health problems.

Weight & Metabolism

The thyroid’s primary function is to control your metabolism. A hormone imbalance can make it difficult for your body to determine how to use energy. You might experience a skewed basal metabolic rate and other metabolic irregularities. If you find it hard to gain or lose weight, a thyroid check is a good idea.

Diagnosing Thyroid Imbalance

Hypothyroidism
Hypothyroidism is the result of an underactive thyroid. Its symptoms, such as joint and muscle pain, irregular periods, and weight gain, can mimic other health conditions. Therefore, a diagnosis cannot be based on symptoms alone. YoungerMeMD Anti-Aging Clinic will conduct a blood test to measure your levels of thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) and T4. If the results show high TSH with insufficient T4, a diagnosis of hypothyroidism is confirmed.

Hyperthyroidism
Hyperthyroidism is caused by an overactive thyroid, which results from excess production of T4 and T3, speeding up the body’s metabolism. This can cause symptoms like weight loss, hand tremors, and an irregular heartbeat. Similar to hypothyroidism, YoungerMeMD will perform a physical exam and a blood test. If the results indicate excessive T4 levels with low TSH, further testing, such as a radioiodine scan or thyroid ultrasound, may be performed to determine the cause of your overactive thyroid.

Healing Your Thyroid With BHRT

Bioidentical Hormone Replacement Therapy (BHRT) can help restore balance to your endocrine system and relieve the pressure on your thyroid. BHRT uses bioidentical hormones, which are an exact molecular match to the ones your body produces naturally.

Progesterone deficiency or estrogen dominance is often found in people with thyroid disorders. Supplementing your body with bioidentical progesterone can help bring it back into equilibrium. Other hormone-related issues may also be affecting your endocrine system. At YoungerMeMD, we work with you to identify the root cause of your symptoms and create a personalized treatment plan for your specific needs.

Frequently Asked Questions About BHRT

Starting a Bioidentical Hormone Replacement Therapy (BHRT) program often comes with questions. Below, we’ve answered some of the most common ones.

How is BHRT different from conventional HRT?
The primary distinction lies in the hormones used. Traditional HRT uses synthetic hormones with added chemical components that are patentable. These additives may be inert or could be recognized by your body as foreign substances, potentially causing side effects. BHRT uses hormones that are structurally identical to those your body naturally produces, minimizing the risk of rejection. They are also derived from natural plant sources like yams and soy.

Can I purchase bioidentical hormones online?
While some websites claim to sell bioidentical hormones, buying them online is risky. The origin of these products is often untraceable, meaning they may not be regulated for quality or accuracy. You might not even be getting real hormones. Even if you find a legitimate source, you won’t know which hormones you need, the correct dosage, or the best delivery method without a doctor’s guidance.

What forms does BHRT come in?
Bioidentical hormones are prepared by a compounding pharmacy and are available in several forms, including pills, patches, subdermal pellets, creams, and injections. Your BHRT doctor can help determine the form that will work best for you.

What is the cost of BHRT?
The cost depends on the specific hormones, dosages, delivery method, and duration of treatment. For an accurate price, please schedule a consultation with YoungerMeMD.

Is BHRT covered by insurance?
Insurance plans vary, so coverage depends on your specific policy. It is best to contact our office to discuss if we accept your insurance plan, and then follow up with your provider to confirm coverage details.

Are bioidentical hormones safe?
When prescribed and monitored by a qualified BHRT doctor, BHRT is generally considered safe. Any potential risks or side effects associated with your specific treatment plan will be thoroughly reviewed with you before you begin.

What conditions does BHRT treat?
BHRT is used for numerous conditions caused by or resulting in a hormonal imbalance. It can treat the underlying condition or manage its symptoms.

What if my question isn’t answered here?
We are happy to answer any questions you have before, during, and after your treatment. Contact YoungerMeMD to get the information you need or to schedule your initial consultation.