Hormones are chemical messengers that play a vital role in regulating many critical bodily functions and processes in both men and women. They are secreted by endocrine glands like the thyroid, adrenals, pituitary gland, and sex organs. Hormone levels naturally fluctuate depending on factors like age, genetics, lifestyle habits, and health conditions. However, when certain hormones become severely deficient, it can negatively impact energy, mood, weight, sleep, sex drive, and quality of life.
Hormone deficiency often develops gradually over months or years. As people age, common age-related declines in hormones like testosterone, estrogen, progesterone, DHEA, melatonin, and growth hormone can exacerbate symptoms. Hormonal issues like hypothyroidism or conditions leading to poor hormone production can also contribute. For these reasons, both men and women may eventually need professional hormone therapy later in life to help replenish waning hormones, restore wellness, and possibly counteract disease processes.
Here at The Balance - Hormone Medical Clinic in Latrobe, our physicians and staff specialize in advanced hormone replacement protocols to help patients struggling with hormonal deficiencies. We will carefully evaluate your hormone levels and symptoms to determine if customized bioidentical hormone therapy could benefit your health, wellbeing, and vitality.
Detecting the development or presence of a hormone deficiency requires specialized lab testing. A detailed analysis of blood work helps gauge levels of key hormones produced by the thyroid, adrenals, pituitary gland, pancreas, and gonads. Saliva and urine tests may also be used to assess patient hormone status and uncover imbalances.
At our clinic, initial testing provides an accurate “snapshot” of a patient’s current hormone profile - revealing which hormones may be depleted and possibly causing unwanted symptoms. Follow-up blood work also lets patients and physicians closely track treatment progress during ongoing hormone therapy.
Some common blood tests used to diagnose hormone deficiencies include:
Based on clinical exam findings and results of diagnostic lab work, our practitioners can determine which hormones patients may be lacking. We then develop tailored regimens using high quality bioidentical hormones to restore optimal balance.
Both men and women who struggle with hormonally-mediated symptoms often respond well to properly managed hormone therapy. Patients undergoing treatment commonly report significant improvements including:
- Relief of hot flashes, night sweats, vaginal dryness - Reduced anxiety, irritability, fatigue - Improved sleep quality - Healthier skin, hair growth - Increased bone mineral density - Enhanced sex drive, arousal
- Increased energy levels - Reduced body fat, increased lean mass - Improved sexual performance - Better mood, mental clarity - Healthier cholesterol ratios - Stronger bones, less joint pain
Patients considering hormone replacement therapy (HRT) should undergo comprehensive lab testing to accurately determine existing hormone levels before initiating treatment. Bioidentical hormones including testosterone, estrogen, progesterone, DHEA may be used alone or in customized combinations to effectively replenish deficiencies.
The Balance - Hormone Medical Clinic has over 15 years experience safely prescribing bioidentical HRT using state of the art therapies to restore wellness. Our expert medical practitioners tailor treatment plans to each patient’s unique physiology and needs. We closely monitor progress through follow-up appointments and blood work analysis.
There are multiple types of bioidentical hormones and methods of delivery that practitioners may utilize depending on the specifics of each patient case. Treatment regimens prescribed will vary based on:
We customize bioidentical hormone therapy based on the above factors to increase efficacy and safety on a per patient basis. Below are some of the types of bioidenticals and methods of administration we offer:
- Biest (estradiol/estriol mix) - oral capsules, troches, topical creams - Estradiol - oral tablets, transdermal patches, topical gels/creams - Estrone - oral capsules, topical creams
- Testosterone - injectable cypionate, enanthate, propionate - Oral testosterone undecanoate, Striant buccal - Topical gels, creams containing testosterone
- Progesterone - oral capsules, topical creams, vaginal suppositories - Pregnenolone - oral capsules - DHEA - oral capsules, sublingual tablets - Melatonin - oral tablets, sublingual
We also provide hormone pellet implants which continually release customized low dose hormones for 3-6 month periods. Pellet therapy leads to very steady serum hormone levels. However, not all patients may be suitable candidates for this modality.
Follow-up blood work lets our experienced practitioners closely monitor and continually calibrate dosing to keep hormone levels in an optimal range. We also carefully track symptom improvements reported by patients at follow up appointments. Ongoing fine tuning and feedback helps ensure excellent clinical outcomes.
Note: We do not provide exact dosing information in this general overview for safety reasons. All bioidentical hormone replacement protocols must be tailored and monitored by a trained medical professional based on the patient's individual lab results, medical history and treatment goals.
Hormone therapy can help transgender individuals align their physical characteristics with their gender identity. Surprisingly, recent research found that it may also strengthen aspects of mental health, including improving quality of life and reducing anxiety and depression. The mechanisms behind these mental health benefits are still being explored.
There are many advantages to pursuing bioidentical hormone therapy through our clinic. We have an outstanding track record helping patients with age or disease-related hormone decline including thyroid disorders, menopause, andropause (male menopause), adrenal fatigue and more.
As a specialized hormone therapy and wellness clinic serving the Latrobe area for over 10 years, The Balance - Hormone Medical Clinic offers:
Convenience - We provide complete in-house testing, treatment, and monitoring so patients don’t need referrals to outside labs or specialists
Custom Protocols - Treatment plans are personalized based on each patient’s lab work, symptoms, health status
Highest Quality Supplements - We use only pharmaceutical-grade hormones from reputable U.S. compounding pharmacies
Coordinated Care- Patients can seamlessly add therapies like peptide injections, vaginal rejuvenation, or IV nutrient therapy that complement hormone replacement
Caring Customer Service - Our friendly staff and practitioners listen attentively and answer all treatment questions
Affordability - We offer competitive pricing and work with patients lacking insurance coverage
Holistic Approach - We address nutrition, fitness, stress management for best results
The Balance - Hormone Medical Clinic strives to deliver 5-star service and clinical excellence to Latrobe-area patients. We are passionate about regulatory and preventative medicine, optimizing wellness during perimenopause, andropause and at all life stages. Our goal is to help patients achieve balanced hormone levels to look and feel their absolute best regardless of age.
We welcome you to call and schedule a consultation to see if our services are a good fit to meet your health objectives.
Bioidentical hormone therapy aimed at eliminating deficiencies provides an excellent foundation. However, patients can often speed improvements and amplify benefits by optimizing key lifestyle factors.
Below we suggest methods for bolstering hormone therapy results through better nutrition, fitness, stress relief, and other positive health strategies:
Eat a Nutrient-Dense Diet
Correct Nutrient Insufficiencies
Exercise Regularly for Maximum Payoff
Adopt Effective Stress Relief Habits
Support Restorative Sleep
Patients find addressing the above lifestyle components amplifies improvements from hormone supplementation alone. Our physicians and clinic staff can provide further guidance on evidence-based wellness strategies perfectly suited to the Latrobe climate.
By addressing nutrition, exercise, stress, and sleep - the four pillars of wellbeing - patients give bioidentical hormones an added edge. Contact The Balance - Hormone Medical Clinic today to learn about optimizing your lifestyle and hormones for better health.
Hormone deficiencies often worsen gradually as we age. However, many people overlook ongoing symptoms like fatigue, weight gain, low libido, hot flashes, and insomnia as normal aspects of aging. It is essential to realize these common complaints often result from declining hormones like estrogen, testosterone, thyroid and DHEA.
The longer hormone imbalances go undiagnosed and untreated, the higher risk for developing other health issues over time. Research confirms that low testosterone, estrogen and thyroid hormones are linked to rising dangers like:
Cardiovascular disease - higher risk of atherosclerosis, blood vessel damage and heart attack
Metabolic disease - increased likelihood of obesity, diabetes, fatty liver
Neurocognitive issues - elevated risk for dementia and Alzheimer’s disease
Mood disorders / Poor Quality of Life - more depression, anxiety, sleep disruption, low libido
Musculoskeletal decline - worsened arthritis and age-related muscle loss (sarcopenia)
Cancer risk - data suggests low hormones like testosterone may encourage tumor progression in some people
Thankfully, correcting hormone deficiencies with properly managed bioidentical hormone therapy helps safeguard patients against the above concerns. Restoring balance also alleviates uncomfortable symptoms significantly improving healthspan and quality of life.
However, early detection and timely treatment is key. We encourage men and women starting in their 40’s not to ignore ongoing signs of hormonal decline. Have your hormone levels evaluated by one of our experienced practitioners specializing in hormone balancing protocols. We help patients determine if hormone optimization is warranted based on extensive lab testing and risk/benefit analysis.
The Balance - Hormone Medical Clinic offers cutting edge therapies to replenish waning hormones using bioidentical hormones like testosterone, estrogen and thyroid supplementation. Contact us today to see if treatment is right for improving your vitality and future health outlook.
The Balance - Hormone Medical Clinic almost seems like a hidden secret weapon helping folks rediscover their mojo and love of living. We see it happen all the time after initiating individualized treatment programs for hormone balancing and restoration.
Local patients often remark how bioidentical hormone replacement therapies helped them reclaim lost vibrancy, health and wellbeing comparable to their younger years. Treatment erases years off their appearance helping them realize age really is just a number.
Some examples of common feedback include:
“I haven’t felt this good in 15 years. My energy soared, mood lifted and I lost 25 stubborn pounds. Even my husband complains he can’t keep up with me lately! Treatment has been life changing - so glad I found this clinic.” - Donna S.
“As a busy lawyer and father of three, I thought my low motivation and worsening brain fog was just due to job stress and lack of sleep. I discovered otherwise after having my hormones tested. Now on testosterone therapy, it’s like someone flipped a switch reinvigorating my vitality.” - Carl B.
"I assumed hot flashes and low sex drive were something all women just put up with eventually. I was amazed that balancing my female hormones naturally brought sexy back making my 50’s the best years yet! Wish I knew this decades ago." - Jennifer R.
We hope sharing real patient experiences from individuals who have discovered the gift of hormone health inspires you to take action as well. Regardless if you are 30 or 90 years old, it’s never too early or late to pursue wellness. Regaining energy, healthy aging and passion for living is possible when your body is adequately balanced.
Tips for New Hormone Therapy Patients in the Latrobe Region
If hormone testing uncovers an issue like low testosterone, menopause or thyroid deficiency requiring treatment, below are some tips and local resources new patients may find helpful upon starting therapy.
Getting initial blood work and follow-up testing done nearby our clinic offers convenience when hormone therapy monitoring is needed. We recommend:
Quest Lab Patient Service Center 123 Main St, Latrobe PA 15650
Make sure to ask for copy of labs results be sent to our office.
Primary Care Plus 515 Locust Ln, Latrobe PA 15650
This facility offers full service testing if more advanced diagnostics ever necessary.
Spending time outdoors walking amongst greenery boosts mood, reduces anxiety, improves sleep and cognition - all helpful when starting treatments. We suggest visiting:
Legion Keener Park - Features woodland trails perfect for de-stressing strolls
Latrobe Park - Large grounds with hiking/biking paths, sports fields, pool
Loyalhanna Watershed Park - Ideal for riverside picnics, fishing for trout
Pampering yourself also aids healthy hormones and mindset. Latrobe offers services like massage for relaxation and county fairs for entertainment.
La Petite Spa on Main St offers therapeutic massages, salt therapies
Westmoreland County Fair - Annual late summer event featuring rodeos, concerts
Embarking on hormone therapy comes with many questions. We have a dedicated Patient Support Team available during business hours to provide info about treatments, required lab work, monitoring schedules and more.
We aim to ensure every patient starting care has full understanding of their customized treatment plan, expected outcomes and follow up needs for safety and satisfaction purposes. Please rely on our friendly guidance every step of the way.
Final Thoughts
We hope this informative overview gave you valuable insights into how optimizing vital hormones through replacement therapy may benefit your health. As we age, declining hormones contribute to unwanted weight gain, fatigue, loss of strength plus passion for living. However, this decline is not inevitable if caught early enough.
Here at The Balance - Hormone Medical Clinic of Latrobe, PA we offer cutting edge bioidentical hormone solutions tailored to each patient's unique physiology and lifestyle factors. We believe balancing hormones enhances vitality at any age allowing people to live life to its fullest regardless of the number of candles on the birthday cake.
Proper nutrition, fitness, stress management certainly helps as well. But adequate hormones are the true “spark” the ignites optimal wellness from inside out.
We encourage you to take control of your health by scheduling a consultation with one of our hormone therapy experts today. We are conveniently located at 207 Main St, Latrobe PA 15650 and offer new patient blood draw specials.
Here’s to rediscovering your inner vibrance and zest for living in the new year ahead!
