Age-related hormonal declines contribute to the signs and symptoms of aging. That’s why bioidentical hormones—which are identical to those produced in the human body—are a cornerstone therapy at the Whitaker Wellness Institute.

What is Natural Hormone Replacement Therapy?

One of the hallmarks of getting older is a decline in hormone levels. Production of estrogen, progesterone, testosterone, thyroid, DHEA, melatonin, human growth hormone, and other hormones tapers off after we reach our 20s and 30s. And many experts agree that age-related hormonal deficiencies contribute to the signs and symptoms of aging. That’s why bioidentical hormones—which are identical to those produced in the human body—are a cornerstone therapy at the Whitaker Wellness Institute.

Some of these hormones are available in health food stores or conventional pharmacies. But others are specifically tailored for each individual and must be ordered by a physician through a compounding pharmacy. This degree of personalization, which we pride ourselves on at Whitaker Wellness—affords all patients a hormone regimen that is just right for them.

How Does Natural Hormone Replacement Therapy Work?

When you come to the clinic, your physician will test your levels of various hormones, and if they are low, recommend natural hormone replacement therapy. The goal is simply to bring your levels up to what they were when you were in your physical prime—and help you look and feel better than you have in years. Your individualized program of bioidentical hormones, based on your age and medical status, may include some of the following:

Estrogen and Progesterone

Natural estrogen and progesterone are a godsend for women going through menopause. In addition to helping prevent hot flashes, mood swings, vaginal dryness, bone loss, and other common menopausal concerns, bioidentical estrogen and progesterone protect against heart disease. This is in contrast to the widely publicized negative effects of Premarin, Provera, PremPro, and other synthetic, adulterated drugs that are poor substitutes for natural hormones. Furthermore, bioidentical estrogen and progesterone are better tolerated than conventional drugs. Plus, they give women peace of mind that they’re using therapies that are safe and natural.

Testosterone

Although estrogen and progesterone have been prescribed to women for years, testosterone use has lagged—and older men have suffered as a result. Supplemental testosterone helps build stronger bones and muscles. It improves libido, erectile function, mood, and overall well-being. Testosterone also protects against diabetes and strengthens failing hearts. And it’s not just for men—we also prescribe very low doses of testosterone for our female patients to perk up libido and sexual function.

Thyroid

Hypothyroidism, or low thyroid function, affects about 1 in 8 younger women, 1 in 5 women over 65, and fewer, though significant numbers of men. Yet many people do not realize that their fatigue, weight gain, constipation, depression, and other symptoms may be caused by low thyroid—and ameliorated by thyroid replacement. Although the best-selling brand of thyroid replacement is Synthroid, we never prescribe this synthetic hormone to our patients with low thyroid function. We’ve found a much better solution: natural thyroid replacement, which contains all the active elements of the thyroid gland.

We test all of our patients’ blood level of thyroid hormone, but even if they appear to be in the normal range, we will offer a therapeutic trial of natural thyroid if symptoms warrant. Patients with “normal” thyroid function often respond exceptionally well. This is further evidence that our philosophy at Whitaker Wellness—treat patients, rather than lab numbers—is just good medicine.

Human Growth Hormone

We also evaluate growth hormone levels. By the time you’re in your 60s or 70s, you produce only 15 to 20 percent of your peak levels of growth hormone. Daniel Rudman, MD, reported in the New England Journal of Medicine that when older men were treated with growth hormone, they had improvements in lean muscle, body fat, skin thickness, and other markers that were comparable to turning back the clock 20 years! Growth hormone certainly isn’t for everyone, but it is a huge help for some, especially older people suffering with osteoporosis, sarcopenia (age-related muscle wasting), heart failure, and other conditions.

Melatonin, DHEA, and Adrenal Hormones

Your personalized natural hormone replacement program may also include melatonin, which facilitates sleep and protects against cancer, and DHEA, which helps with abdominal obesity, bone strength, libido, memory, mood, and lupus. Finally, your Whitaker Wellness physician might test your adrenal hormone function and treat deficiencies, if appropriate.

What Conditions Benefit From Natural Hormone Replacement Therapy?
Aging Cancer prevention Constipation
Depression Diabetes Dry skin and hair
Erectile dysfunction Fatigue Heart disease
Heart failure Insomnia Loss of muscle mass
Low libido Lupus Menopausal symptoms
Migraine headaches Obesity Osteoporosis
PMS    

Real-Life Success Stories

Click here to read about how other people just like you used Natural Hormone Replacement Therapy to get back on the road to health.

Additional Information

Click here to read more about Natural Hormone Replacement Therapy.

Contact Us

To learn more about becoming a patient and receiving Natural Hormone Replacement Therapy at the Whitaker Wellness Institute, contact a Patient Services Representative at (800) 488-1500 or click here.

Come See Us

The Whitaker Wellness Institute is located near the Orange County/John Wayne Airport in Newport Beach, California. If you are looking for a place to receive Natural Hormone Replacement Therapy in Orange County, call (800) 488-1500 to make an appointment today.