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What are bio-identical hormones?
The term “bio-identical” refers to hormones that are chemically identical to those naturally produced by your body. These plant-derived formulations closely mirror your body’s own hormones, making them a safe and effective option for restoring balance. While certain FDA-approved hormone therapies — such as Estrace, Climara, Vivelle-Dot (estrogen replacements), and Prometrium (a progesterone replacement) — are available, many patients find greater benefit with personalized, compounded bio-identical hormones.
At Tenpenny Integrative Medical Center in Middleburg Heights, Ohio, we specialize in bio-identical compounded formulations. This personalized approach allows us to design prescriptions that fit your exact needs, based on saliva or blood test results. Unlike one-size-fits-all pharmaceutical options, compounded hormone therapy is customized to your body’s unique requirements, helping restore energy, balance mood, and improve overall wellness.
Compounding also makes it possible to combine multiple hormones—such as vaginal estrogen with testosterone—into a single, easy-to-use treatment. If you’re sensitive to certain creams or topical applications, our trusted pharmacy partners provide a wide variety of delivery options to ensure comfort and effectiveness.
If you’re searching for bio-identical hormone replacement therapy in Cleveland or Northeast Ohio, Tenpenny Integrative Medical Center offers the expertise, testing, and personalized care you need to feel your best.
How do you test my hormones?
At Tenpenny Integrative Medical Center in Middleburg Heights, OH, we use advanced testing methods to measure your hormone levels and create a personalized treatment plan. Our team primarily relies on blood testing to evaluate key hormones such as estrogen, progesterone, testosterone, and DHEA-S.
In some cases, we may also recommend blood-spot testing or saliva testing for additional insight into your hormone balance. These specialized tests help us identify deficiencies or imbalances with accuracy, ensuring that your bio-identical hormone replacement therapy (BHRT) is tailored to your unique needs.
By using the right type of hormone testing for your situation, we can design a plan that supports energy, mood, metabolism, and overall well-being.
What Are the Side Effects of Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT)?
Like any medical treatment, hormone replacement therapy (HRT) can have potential side effects. At Tenpenny Integrative Medical Center in Middleburg Heights, OH, we carefully monitor your hormone levels through blood or saliva testing to minimize risks and ensure your treatment is tailored to your needs.
1. Abnormal Bleeding
Occasionally, hormone therapy may stimulate the endometrial lining and cause unexpected bleeding. This can appear as light spotting or, more rarely, as heavy as a normal period. Abnormal bleeding may result from:
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A prescription dosage that is too high (leading to endometrial hyperplasia)
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Uterine polyps
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Uterine infection
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Endometrial cancer
If you experience vaginal bleeding while on HRT, it’s important to make an appointment with your healthcare provider to determine the cause and next steps.
2. Breast Tenderness
When your body has been low in estrogen for an extended time, introducing estrogen therapy can sometimes cause temporary breast tenderness. This usually resolves within a few weeks. If it persists, it may mean your estrogen dosage is too high or that you are low in iodine.
3. Supporting Breast Health
We strongly recommend that women using hormone replacement therapy include an annual thermogram as part of their overall breast health program. Thermography is a non-invasive, heat-sensitive scan that can detect potential concerns up to seven years earlier than mammography. Supporting your body with breast health supplements, especially iodine, is also important for long-term wellness.
Is hormone replacement right for me?
Hormone replacement therapy (HRT) can be prescribed for a variety of reasons, but at Tenpenny Integrative Medical Center in Middleburg Heights, OH, our philosophy is to use the smallest effective dose to relieve your symptoms while keeping safety a top priority.
For women, hormone replacement is most effective for easing:
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Hot flashes
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Night sweats
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Insomnia
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Vaginal dryness
Hormones are sometimes used to help with low libido, depression, weight management, cognitive support, and bone health. However, results in these areas can vary greatly from person to person, for both men and women. That’s why we carefully evaluate your needs with testing before recommending a personalized treatment plan.
Do I have to take both estrogen and progesterone prescriptions?
Not always. In some cases, based on your symptoms and test results, we may recommend natural bio-identical progesterone alone. It’s important to understand that natural progesterone is very different from synthetic pharmaceutical progestins.
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Synthetic progestins are linked to side effects such as blood clots, high blood pressure, and increased vaginal bleeding. They are also contraindicated during pregnancy.
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Natural bio-identical progesterone, on the other hand, is safer and often our first choice before adding an estrogen prescription.
This individualized approach allows us to recommend what your body truly needs, without unnecessary risks.