Frequently asked questions
Bioidentical hormones are an exact structural replica of the hormones naturally produced by the human body. This means that their molecular structure is identical to the endogenous hormones our bodies create, allowing them to function seamlessly within our biological systems. On the other hand, synthetic hormones, although also lab-created, differ structurally from the body's natural hormones. This structural difference can result in varied performance and potential side effects. At Level Up Health, we emphasize the use of bio-identical hormones, as they are designed to precisely match and complement your body's natural hormonal makeup, ensuring a more harmonious and effective treatment outcome.
At Level Up Health, we specialize in Bioidentical Hormone Replacement Therapy (BHRT), which offers numerous benefits for men and women of various ages who are suffering from hormonal imbalances. The advantages of BHRT include improved energy levels, enhanced mood, better sleep, and overall improved quality of life. Our approach to BHRT ensures that each treatment plan is uniquely tailored to the individual, taking into account their specific needs and medical history. To determine the right therapy for you, it's crucial to understand all the available options and how each can positively impact your life and wellbeing. Our expert practitioners at Level Up Health will provide a comprehensive evaluation and guide you through the selection process, ensuring that you receive a personalized treatment plan that best addresses your hormonal needs. By doing so, we aim to enhance your overall health and wellbeing through effective hormone balance. For more detailed information and to schedule a consultation, please contact Level Up Health.
Bioidentical hormones are hormones that have the exact same chemical structure as the hormones naturally occurring in our bodies. This structural similarity allows for better compatibility and has been shown in some studies to cause fewer side effects and risks compared to synthetic hormones. At Level Up Health, we specialize in providing bioidentical hormone therapy to address various hormonal imbalances and improve your overall well-being. Our professional team is dedicated to ensuring that you receive a personalized treatment plan tailored to your specific needs.
It's important to note that bioidentical hormones gained attention after the Women's Health Initiative (WHI), a large study on hormone therapy and women's health, was halted early in 2002 due to the risks associated with synthetic hormones. By choosing bioidentical hormones atLevel Up Health, you are opting for a more natural approach to hormone replacement that aligns closely with your body's own chemistry.
The difference between bioidentical hormones and synthetic hormones is dual fold. Unlike bioidentical hormones, synthetic, or conventional, hormones may be patented by pharmaceutical companies; therefore, dosage varies only by milligrams dictated by your doctor, while the molecular structure of the prescribed hormone is the same for every single person. Bioidentical hormones, on the other hand, are structurally identical to the hormones naturally produced by your body. This means they can be customized specifically to your body's needs. At Level Up Health, we offer tailored hormone replacement therapy plans using bioidentical hormones to ensure a more precise and personalized treatment, aligning with our commitment to providing customized and effective healthcare solutions for our local community.
Bioidentical hormones at Level Up Health are plant-derived hormones, specifically sourced from soy or wild yams, that are designed to be structurally identical to the hormones naturally produced in the human body. These hormones are used to treat hormone imbalances in both men and women, aiming to restore optimal health and wellness. At Level Up Health, bioidentical hormones are tailored to meet individual patient needs, factoring in specific hormone levels and health goals. Depending on the type of hormone required—such as testosterone, estrogen, or progesterone—additional ingredients are carefully selected to optimize effectiveness and suit the preferred delivery method. Our medical professionals at Level Up Health prioritize personalized treatment plans to ensure that each patient receives the most appropriate and effective form of bioidentical hormone therapy for their unique needs.
Hormones play a critical role in regulating many bodily functions. Before menopause, hormones such as estrogen and progesterone are essential for reproductive health and menstrual cycle regulation. During menopause, the natural decline in these hormones can lead to symptoms such as hot flashes, night sweats, mood swings, and osteoporosis. Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT), offered at Level Up Health, can help alleviate these symptoms, improve quality of life, and protect against bone density loss. After menopause, maintaining balanced hormone levels can support overall well-being, help prevent chronic conditions, and sustain energy levels. At Level Up Health, we specialize in personalized hormone treatments tailored to each woman's unique needs, ensuring a holistic approach to health and wellness through all stages of life.
At Level Up Health, we offer testosterone replacement therapy (TRT) because it addresses several health concerns that men may face as they age. Testosterone is a crucial hormone that plays a key role in men's overall health, impacting muscle mass, bone density, mood, and sexual function. As men age, their natural testosterone levels tend to decline, which can lead to symptoms such as fatigue, depression, decreased muscle mass, and reduced libido. TRT can help restore these levels, improving energy, mood, and physical performance. Additionally, our professional team ensures that each treatment plan is personalized to meet individual needs, promoting optimal health and well-being. If you're experiencing symptoms related to low testosterone, we invite you to consult with our specialists at Level Up Health to determine if TRT is right for you.
Are hormones affecting your sex drive? The answer is likely a resounding yes. Regardless if you are enjoying a healthy sex drive, a high sex drive, or agonizing over a low sex drive, in most cases, your hormones are in control. At Level Up Health, we understand that a balanced hormonal system is crucial for maintaining a healthy sex drive. Hormones such as testosterone, estrogen, and progesterone play significant roles in sexual desire for both men and women. An imbalance in these hormones can lead to various issues, including reduced libido, fatigue, and even mood swings.
What the Research Says: Hormones & Sex Drive
The research on sexual dysfunction and low sex drive is vast and has grown significantly in the last ten years, as sexual functioning and related topics have become less taboo discussions between patients and their doctors.
A 2016 study published in the Journal of Sexual Medicine found that there is a greater prevalence of multiple sexual dysfunctions in women, namely issues with desire and arousal1. Men, on the other hand, generally struggle with a single issue, most frequently premature ejaculation or erectile dysfunction.
Low sex drive or impaired sexual function is often linked to the sex hormones: estrogen and testosterone, but imbalances in progesterone, DHEA, thyroid hormones and even cortisol can affect your sexual desire.
Estrogen
Low levels of estrogen can impact sexual functioning and desire in women. Too little estrogen can contribute to vaginal dryness, making intercourse painful. Low estrogen can also impair sleep and cause mood swings, which are rarely a positive influence on sexual desire.
Testosterone
Testosterone is the hormone that has the greatest influence on human sexuality. Low testosterone production can affect sex drive and sexual performance in both women and men. Low levels of testosterone can negatively impact the desire to have sex, cause erectile dysfunction in men, and limit arousal and orgasm in women. Stamina may also be affected in both genders if testosterone levels are low.
Progesterone
A 2013 study found that increased levels of progesterone were correlated with a decreased sex drive in women2. This correlation was noted by tracking and observing hormonal fluctuations throughout the menstrual cycle. When progesterone levels were at their peak, women reported a greater disinterest in sex.
DHEA
DHEA can have implications on sexual health, but since it is a precursor to testosterone, imbalances are often better treated with testosterone therapy. A small study, published in the New England Journal of Medicine, found that women supplementing DHEA reported significant increases in frequency of thoughts about sex, interest in sexual activity and mental and physical satisfaction. Minor side effects were reported, including oily skin, acne, increased body hair and hair loss. Changes in dosage reduced side effects3.
Cortisol
High cortisol levels can affect sexual behavior. High levels of cortisol are common in individuals who are stressed. Too much stress can send the adrenal system into overdrive and cause an influx of cortisol. Excess cortisol leads to unwelcome effects such as fatigue, weight gain and impaired immunity—factors that can lead to a low sex drive or general disinterest in sex. However, a 2008 study found that sexual arousal can be impaired by an increase in cortisol as the result of anxiety about sexual performance4.
Low Sex Drive in Men
Low sex drive in men is most commonly linked to issues with sexual performance, such as erectile dysfunction and premature ejaculation. However, men with a hormonal imbalance may also struggle with the desire to have sex.
Low testosterone is frequently the diagnosis for sexual dysfunction in men. Testosterone plays a role in energy and weight management—two side factors important for sex drive. It also plays a strong role in sexual desire, stamina, arousal and performance.
Erectile dysfunction, which commonly occurs in older men can be influenced by low testosterone. Erectile dysfunction (ED) that is not a result of low testosterone may be treated with a class of drugs known as PDE-5 inhibitors. These drugs enhance blood flow to the penis, which leads to an erection. If this pathway is blocked, as a result of vascular impairment, it can be a sign of more serious diseases, such as high blood pressure, heart disease, stroke or complications with diabetes.
Premature ejaculation is the most common form of sexual dysfunction in men and affects men of all ages for a variety of reasons. Ejaculation is regulated by neurotransmitters, hormones, prostate and erectile dysfunction. The cause of premature ejaculation (PE) may be an issue with one or some of these systems/conditions. For example, hyperthyroidism has been shown to contribute to PE and may be treated with anti-thyroid medications. Serotonin selective reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) which act on the neurotransmitter, serotonin, can help men who are struggling with PE. Prostate issues and erectile dysfunction can also be contribute to the incidence of PE.
Although low testosterone is the most commonly diagnosed factor for low libido and sexual dysfunction in men, it is not the only hormone to play a role. Men who are stressed, depressed or lack sleep may also show a disinterest in sex. These symptoms may be related to high cortisol, or adrenal fatigue, or an imbalance of the thyroid hormones that influence metabolism, energy and sleep.
Our team of professionals offers personalized treatment plans that may include hormone replacement therapy, nutritional guidance, stress management techniques, and counseling services. Our goal is to help you achieve a balanced and satisfying sexual life by addressing the root causes of your concerns. If you're struggling with issues related to your sex drive, we invite you to schedule a consultation with us to explore the best solutions tailored to your needs.
Pellet therapy is a sustainable and efficient delivery method for bioidentical hormone therapy, offered at Level Up Health. This method involves the insertion of a small pellet made of bioidentical hormones under the patient's skin, typically near the upper part of the buttocks. These pellets contain customized levels of hormones like estradiol or testosterone tailored to meet the specific needs of each patient. The pellets are slowly metabolized by the body, providing a consistent release of hormones over a three to six-month period. This method ensures balanced hormone levels and can lead to improved overall well-being. Our experienced medical staff takes great care in the placement and customization of these pellets to ensure optimal results and patient satisfaction.
At Level Up Health, bioidentical hormone therapy is a personalized treatment designed to optimize your hormone levels. However, as with any medical treatment, there are potential side effects to be aware of, which are generally linked to dosage.
During the initial phases of testosterone hormone therapy, for instance, both men and women have reported experiencing increased aggressiveness, acne, or irritability. These side effects often occur as your body adjusts to the improved hormone levels.
Some women have reported breast tenderness, spotting, cramping, and bloating. These symptoms may be experienced initially with estrogen hormone treatment, but resolve as hormone levels become balanced.
Occasionally, hormone therapy patients will complain of itching or redness at the injection or insertion site, these symptoms diminish as the body adjusts to treatment. It's crucial to closely monitor how you feel and inform your Level Up Healthcare Provider if you notice any adverse effects. Dosage adjustments may be necessary to mitigate these symptoms and tailor the therapy more precisely to your needs. Our team at Level Up Health will work with you to ensure that your treatment is both effective and comfortable, guiding you through any adjustments that may be needed for optimal health and well-being.
