Hormone therapy refers to the administration of hormones to supplement low hormone levels in order to restore hormonal balance. Maintaining optimal hormone levels is essential for overall health and vitality. Deficiencies in key hormones can lead to undesirable symptoms and negative health impacts in both men and women.
Hormone replacement can provide life-changing relief from troublesome signs and symptoms, while also preventing chronic disease. HRT helps patients feel more energized, stronger, calmer, and healthier. When delivered properly and monitored regularly, hormone therapy is extremely safe and highly effective.
Elite Hormone Therapy specializes in advanced hormone testing and cutting-edge replacement protocols tailored to each patient's unique needs. Read on to learn more about common hormonal imbalances we treat and the benefits of getting properly tested and treated through our Palm Bay hormone therapy clinic.
Hormones are chemical messengers that control important bodily functions like metabolism, growth, sexual function, reproduction, mood, inflammation, and much more. They are produced and released by glands throughout the body.
Some key hormones we commonly test and treat imbalances for include:
Hormone balance is intricate and individualized. An excess or deficiency in any hormone can trickle down to negatively impact overall health and hormone choreography. We specialize in testing a wide range of hormones, finding the root imbalance, and creating personalized treatment plans.
The overarching goal with any hormone therapy is to safely optimize hormone levels within an ideal range based on the patient’s unique physiology, medical history, genetics, symptoms, and health goals. This is accomplished through an integrative treatment approach that typically involves:
We conduct advanced blood, saliva, urine, and symptom-survey testing to gauge baseline hormone status. This reveals excesses, deficiencies, and ratios the body needs help balancing. Ongoing testing then helps monitor and adjust replacement dosages to keep hormones stabilized at ideal levels.
Bioidentical hormones have a molecular structure identical to hormones made in the human body. This allows receptor binding and physiological effects to be exactly the same. Common delivery methods include:patches, injections, gels/creams, pellets, and oral medications depending on the patient’s needs and preferences.
Certain vitamins, minerals, and supplements help facilitate more efficient hormone production and bodily utilization. We provide patients with targeted nutrient support strategies.
Factors like diet, exercise, sleep, and stress powerfully influence hormone health. We offer customized lifestyle coaching to help patients support their hormone balancing treatment plans.
There are many supposed “anti-aging clinics” and “hormone therapy centers” out there. Unfortunately, subpar testing, cookie-cutter protocols, neglected safety monitoring, and lack of symptom tracking is all too common. This leads to poor patient outcomes and higher risk.
Elite Hormone Therapy stands apart through our:
We also stand out with our subtle, comfortable clinic environment, abundance of free parking, and competitive pricing.
Put your trust in our highly-trained hormone specialists with decades of collective experience restoring health, confidence and vitality to thousands of patients just like you.
The rest of this guide explores common hormonal imbalances, symptoms, testing, treatment specifics, and the local Palm Bay area in more detail.
Key Hormone Imbalances
Below we overview some of the most common hormonal deficiencies we effectively treat:
Hormone therapy can help transgender individuals align their physical characteristics with their gender identity. Interestingly, recent research found hormone treatment also improved transgender people's mental health and quality of life by reducing gender dysphoria. This suggests hormone therapy plays an important role in transgender health beyond physical changes.
Testosterone is often thought of strictly as the “male” hormone. In reality, optimal testosterone is vital for both men and women. The gonads and adrenal glands in both sexes produce it, just in different proportions.
Many men start experiencing declining testosterone in their 30’s and 40’s. In women, low testosterone is most common after menopause. However, we test men and women of all ages based on symptoms.
Potential indications of low testosterone include:
Testosterone deficiency can stem from different issues, including:
Primary hypogonadism: Testes or ovaries not producing enough natural testosterone due to inherited conditions, infection, injury, medications, etc.
Secondary hypogonadism: Pituitary gland not secreting enough hormones that trigger gonadal testosterone production. Often caused by benign pituitary tumors, inflammation, head injuries, etc.
Normal “andropause” aging: Testosterone slowly declines in many men over 50. In women, levels rapidly plunge after menopause unless properly addressed.
Other influencing factors: Poor sleep, extreme stress, vitamin D deficiency, obesity, diabetes, opioid pain medications, chemotherapy, radiation exposure, and more.
Accurately gauging testosterone status involves blood testing total and free testosterone, estrogen ratios, SHBG levels, and checking for related deficiency markers like low vitamin D. Testing pituitary hormones helps determine if its a gonadal production issue or secondary cause. We also analyze genotype hormones like DHEA-S.
Options for addressing low testosterone include:
Elite Hormone Therapy crafts fully personalized testosterone balancing treatment plans combining the most appropriate options based on the patient's needs, preferences, symptoms, and budget. We then monitor and adjust the plan as needed over time for optimal safety and results.
Estrogen and progesterone are reproductive hormones involved in signaling ovulation, preparing the uterus for implantation, supporting pregnancy, and more. Both also influence various functions like brain activity, mood, skin, heart health, and bone strength through cellular receptors all over the body.
After menopause, estrogen and progesterone production halt which can trigger an array of undesirable effects if not properly addressed:
Hormonal imbalance symptoms may include:
The most common cause of estrogen/progesterone imbalance is menopause and aging. However, other potential reasons include:
Comprehensive menopause hormone panel testing provides clarity on estrogen, progesterone and key accessory reproductive hormone levels via blood, saliva, or urine samples. Pelvic exams check vaginal cell structure. Bone density scans help assess degeneration. Medical history, genetics, age, and lifestyle factor into diagnosis.
Balancing estrogen & progesterone often entails:
We personalize combination protocols to the patient's unique physiology and preferences. Follow-up testing allows adjusting dosages to reach ideal hormone balance.
The thyroid gland releases hormones that govern core body functions:
T3 (triiodothyronine) T4 (thyroxine)
Low thyroid function, or "hypothyroidism," is extremely common yet often undiagnosed. Over 15% of Americans have clinical or subclinical hypothyroidism.
Women over 35 are much more susceptible, along with anyone with a family history of thyroid disorders. Environmental toxins, chronic stress, poor diet, insulin resistance, immune issues, and hormonal shifts after pregnancy also increase risk.
Potential hypothyroid indications include:
Common reasons for declining thyroid function include:
Hashimoto’s disease - Autoimmune inflammation damaging the thyroid. Responsible for 90% of hypothyroid cases.
Pituitary dysfunction - The pituitary isn’t secreting enough Thyroid Stimulating Hormone (TSH), which triggers the thyroid.
Hyperthyroid treatment - Radioiodine ablation or anti-thyroid medications for Graves can swing hormone output too far, causing hypothyroidism.
Thyroid surgery complications - Removing benign nodules or thyroid cancer can impair hormone production.
Iodine deficiency - Low dietary iodine prevents adequate T3 & T4 output.
Medications - Lithium, amiodarone, interferon alpha, interleukin-2, etc. disrupt thyroid function.
Radiation overexposure - Fluoroscopy tests, radiation therapy for cancers like lymphoma, etc.
Accurately diagnosing hypothyroidism involves blood testing TSH, free T3, free T4, thyroid antibodies,Reverse T3 and other markers. Saliva testing also gauges free thyroid hormone bioavailability. We pinpoint the specific cause, like Hashimoto’s or pituitary dysfunction.
Bioidentical thyroid hormone medication like T3/T4 combinations or natural dessicated thyroid supplements are the most common and effective treatment approach. We also address potential nutritional deficiencies in iodine, vitamin D, selenium, iron, probiotics etc. that can hamper thyroid function. Detoxification, stress reduction, sleep support, and blood sugar stabilization all help optimize treatment response.
The adrenal glands produce over 50 different hormones. Most famous is cortisol which manages immune function, inflammation, metabolism, pH balance and the stress response.
Adrenals can become overworked and fatigued by high demands. This impairs cortisol rhythms and DHEA, progesterone, estrogen and testosterone output which gives rise to various undesirable effects.
Common adrenal deficiency symptoms may include:
Reasons someone might develop adrenal exhaustion:
Chronic work overload - Physical or psychological
Sleep deprivation
Emotional trauma - Grief, relationship turmoil, PTSD
Blood sugar imbalances - Diabetes, hypoglycemia
Nutritional deficiencies - B-vitamins, vitamin C, magnesium
Autoimmune conditions - Chronic inflammation
Infections - Acute or lingering viruses, Lyme disease
Saliva testing provides a non-invasive analysis of circadian cortisol curves over 24 hours in addition to DHEA. We also check adrenal-influencing nutrients and antibodies. Comprehensive questionnaires help build lifestyle context.
Methods for rebuilding worn-out adrenal glands include:
Adaptogenic herbs and supplements - Rhodiola, ashwagandha, vitamin C sustained release
Hemp/CBD oil - For anxiety and inflammation
Stress management - Addressing root causes
Blood sugar balancing diet - Stable energy, no crashes
Micronutrients & vitamins - B5, B6, vitamin E, selenium
Income, relationship & work improvements - Lifestyle optimization
Bioidentical pregnenolone - Acts as a master precursor hormone
Sleep hygiene - High priority
Gentle movement - Yoga, walking. No excessive training.
Detox protocols - Sauna therapy, broth fasts
Palm Bay Area Guide
As a Palm Bay hormone therapy clinic, most of our patients come from the surrounding Central-South Brevard County region or northern Indian River County.
Below we provide more details on this beautiful coastal area to help visitors and new residents get properly oriented while establishing care at our hormone health center.
Palm Bay has close to 120,000 friendly residents. It sits due west across the Indian River Lagoon from the Atlantic Ocean beaches, snugly nestled between Melbourne and Vero Beach along I-95 corridor by US-1.
The city houses excellent medical infrastructure like Health First's Palm Bay Hospital, yet maintains a relaxed small town charm with abundant nature preserves and parks. It’s mainly residential neighborhoods dotted by shops and eateries mostly around the 192 and Babcock corridors.
The climate stays mild and sunny year-round, ranging from average winter lows around 52°F to summer highs of 90°F. Outdoor patios allow comfortable dining open-air almost anytime. Afternoon sea breezes help moderate the heat.
There’s wonderful recreation potential all over Palm Bay and the wider Space & Treasure Coast regions. Favorite local attractions and activities patients enjoy include:
Riverfront parks - Picnics, strolls, paddling, fishing
Golf courses - Duran, Baytree National, Habitat
The Drift Kitchen - Refined New American cuisine
Bonefish Willy’s - Laid-back waterfront seafood
Intracoastal Brewing Company – Local craft beer
Turkey Creek Sanctuary – Extensive nature trails
Andretti Thrill Park – Go-karts, rides, games, bowling
EFSC Planetarium – Space shows, laser displays
Muriel Nutt Park – Disk golf course
Wickham Park Equestrian Center – Horseback rides
SunShop Studios – Fun creative art classes
Brevard Zoo – Crystals clear lagoon beach
When you aren’t busy enjoying all the recreation, attractions, shops and eats within the Palm Bay environs, it's an easy drive over to the Atlantic coast beaches, Kennedy Space Center complex, Port Canaveral cruise port, world-class golf courses, Sebastian Inlet State Park, quaint historic downtown Melbourne village or upscale Vero Beach restaurants and parks.
Why Timely Hormone Testing & Treatment Matters
Maintaining optimal hormone balance greatly safeguards long-term health, quality of life and active longevity. Like finely tuned instruments in an orchestra, your body’s intricate hormone system must be calibrated properly.
Declining hormones are an inevitable part of aging. However, deficiency symptoms and downstream effects creep in slowly and subtly...often long before most consider getting tested or seeking treatment.
Without optimization, reduced hormonal vigor and synchronization sets off a cascade potentially encompassing:
Accelerated aging and disease progression
Loss of strength, endurance and independence
Low libido, sexual dysfunction
Weight gain and body composition decline
Negative impacts to heart, brain, immune function, and cancer risk
In both men and women, plummeting hormone levels after the reproductive prime ages of the 20’s-40’s play a huge role in age-related deterioration across body systems.
Rectifying imbalances
