Hormones are essential chemical messengers that regulate many vital processes in the body. When hormone levels become too high or low, a wide range of symptoms can occur. At Balanced Hormone Clinic in Chicago, we specialize in hormone optimization to help patients find relief.
Some common signs of a hormone imbalance include:
Catching and correcting hormone imbalances early is key before they can negatively impact one’s quality of life. We offer cutting-edge testing and treatment plans tailored to patient symptoms and needs.
Hormone levels can be thrown off balance by factors like:
In both men and women, the most commonly impacted hormones due to imbalances include testosterone, estrogen, progesterone, thyroid hormones, cortisol, DHEA, growth hormone, and insulin.
If experiencing multiple symptoms commonly linked to hormone issues, it is wise to get comprehensive hormone testing. Other specific signs it may be time include:
Identifying imbalances early provides the best chance to correct them before further complications arise. Our clinic offers state-of-the-art testing to pinpoint current hormone levels and what customized treatment may be appropriate.
Once hormone imbalances are identified through testing, the right types and doses of hormone therapies can be life-changing. Benefits include:
Balancing key hormones also decreases the likelihood of major health issues down the road such as:
Aging better and reducing disease risks make hormone optimization incredibly valuable for those with deficiencies.
There are various delivery methods to restore optimal hormone levels from gels to injections to oral supplements to small implants. The best method depends on the patient's needs and lifestyle factors. We develop customized plans based on:
Common vital hormones we may prescribe therapy for include:
Testosterone is crucial for sexual health, building muscle, bone density, motivation, and mental clarity in both men and women. Testosterone replacement therapy (TRT) can be life-changing for those with deficiencies.
Declining estrogen during perimenopause and menopause causes hot flashes, sexual side effects, sleep trouble, and mood changes. Estrogen therapy, often with progesterone, can minimize discomforts.
Low thyroid function causes weight gain, fatigue, mood shifts, and brain fog. Thyroid hormone replacement alleviates hypothyroidism symptoms.
Growth hormone enhances cell regeneration, muscle growth, bone strength, brain function, immunity, and metabolism. Restoring low HGH combats aging side effects.
We also offer cortisol, DHEA, melatonin, and other hormone therapy programs when appropriate. Our medical team stays current on the latest advancements to provide patients with exceptional care.
If lab testing confirms a hormone imbalance, our clinic guides patients through next steps for starting customized treatment plans. Here is an overview of what to expect:
During the first visit, our physicians conduct a thorough evaluation including:
Blood, saliva, urine, or tissue samples are collected to either establish baseline hormones status or gain further insight into suspected deficiencies.
At the follow-up, test analysis showing current hormone levels and comparison to healthy ranges are reviewed with the patient. This facilitates creating an integrated treatment plan that addresses deficiencies and symptoms through hormone therapy and lifestyle changes.
Treatment planning considers the hormones needing balancing, degree of optimization desired, plus preferred methods based on patient needs and concerns.
Once a treatment regimen is determined, therapy begins by teaching proper administration technique if self-injected solutions, gels, or oral formulations. For pellets or implants, a minor placement procedure is conducted.
Adjustments may occur over 2-3 months to refine dosing and forms until hormone levels and symptom improvements achieve treatment goals. Follow-ups to track progress occur at regular intervals thereafter.
Proper diagnosis combined with developing tailored, patient-centered hormone therapy plans gives the highest probability of successfully restoring balance for optimal wellbeing. Our staff has extensive training to provide the cutting-edge testing and treatments patients deserve.
Allowing hormone deficiencies to persist untreated for too long contributes to declining health and quality of life. That is why proactively testing and addressing imbalances at the first signs of trouble is wise.
Catching changes early optimizes treatment response. The longer deficiencies worsen, other cascading effects often occur like:
In contrast, timely treatment prevention and reversal becoming less likely plus require more aggressive interventions.
That is why we advocate patients trusting their instincts if something feels off physically or mentally. Using lab testing to validate suspicions of hormone issues promptly is key, not waiting months or years.
Here patients take an active role monitoring wellbeing and get testing done without delay when concerning shifts occur. That way needed treatment plans start sooner, not later when restoring optimal balance becomes far more difficult if not impossible for some aging individuals.
Early optimization averts further deterioration and maximizes regaining wellbeing, longevity, strength, appearance, and vitality. In patients motivated to actively preserve health, hormone therapy can sometimes turn back the clock 5-15 years or more for those deficient. Our staff has the expertise to make this possible.
Hormone therapy can help transgender individuals match their physical characteristics with their gender identity. Surprisingly, some of the most noticeable changes happen within the first few months - improved skin texture, fat redistribution, change in body odour. Hormones impact many tissues beyond just physical appearance.
Patients in the Chicago and suburbs seeking top-notch integrative care for hormone issues find an exceptional experience within our welcoming clinic. We stand out by:
Our commitment to delivering outstanding patient care translates to superior testing, treatments, and support. We operate fully licensed lab facilities onsite for patient convenience while maintaining compliance with quality requirements from agencies like CLIA and COLA.
You see the results with us consistently achieving high patient satisfaction scores for service. We also track and publish our treatment efficacy rates so patients know what to expect from balancing key hormones.
A major mistake clinics make is trying to fit patients to standard, limited treatment options instead of the other way around. We reject that outdated approach.
Every treatment plan gets tailored to match lab work, symptoms, lifestyle, priorities, and health history. You receive recommendations that align with your unique needs, not boilerplate. We adjust until you report feeling your best.
Hormone health rarely operates in isolation but rather connects intimately to total body function and environment. Therefore, we evaluate nutrition, sleep, stress, fitness, relationships, environmental exposures, mental health, and additional aspects to advise lifestyle enhancements supporting hormone optimization.
You get guidance improving wellbeing overall, not just isolated lab tests. We help you maximize vitality through personalized care of the highest quality.
Our clinic director Dr. Erika Kors is a board-certified physician and leader in advanced hormone therapies and age management medicine. With two decades of specialized training and patient experience to apply, she oversees developing tailor-made testing and treatment plans patients rave about.
We also partner with a network of accomplished providers across specialties like gynecology, endocrinology, cardiology, and nutrition to consult on complex patient cases when advisable. Our exceptional expertise combined with welcoming patient care makes Balanced Hormone Clinic an industry leader that Chicago residents can trust.
We understand how profoundly hormone issues can disrupt wellbeing which is why our clinic passionately helps patients regain balance and vibrancy. Here is to your health and happiness in 2023 and beyond!
