Hormone Therapy

ANTI-AGING BIOIDENTICAL HORMONE THERAPY

At Omni’s hormone therapy clinic in Olympia, we offer customized anti-aging hormone therapy options for you to stay healthy, happy and feel your best!

As our body ages, we go through various hormonal changes that can affect health and vitality. Common symptoms of hormone imbalance include weight gain, memory decline, fatigue, and muscle loss. A decline in hormones and associated symptoms can manifest as young as 30 years old and progesterone even as early as 20s.

Many people are misdiagnosed, and frequently mistreated - often prescribed medications to treat symptoms like ADD, depression, and anxiety when the underlying cause is a hormone imbalance. Hormones can easily be tested and regularly treated with Bioidentical Hormone Replacement Therapy (BHRT) to improve health and restore energy and vitality.

CALL TO SCHEDULE A COMPLIMENTARY CONSULTATION: (360) 338-0289.

WHAT ARE BIOIDENTICAL HORMONES?

Bioidentical hormones have the same molecular structure as the hormones produced by your own body as compared to those synthetic (and patented) HRT hormones that have some significant differences. Bioidentical hormones are plant-derived, mimic your own hormones and function in your body the exact same way your innate hormones do because your body perceives them as the same. This allows for a natural integration into your body’s physiology. These hormones are used to replace what your body no longer makes as you age or due to other factors (i.e. stress, PCOS, thyroid disorders, disease, etc.)

CALL TO SCHEDULE AN APPOINTMENT:

360.338.0289

BHRT FOR WOMEN

At Omni Centers anti-aging and hormone therapy clinic, we believe every woman is unique and therefore should have a unique treatment to address and improve the side effects of imbalanced hormones. Your sex hormones levels are assessed, and the appropriate bioidentical hormones are prescribed - which may include estrogen in forms of estradiol and/or estriol, progesterone, testosterone, dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA), and pregnenolone.

Hormone levels can start to decline in women in their 20’s & 30’s (resulting in low estrogen, progesterone, and testosterone). BHRT has been used to treat many symptoms including migraines and menstrual headaches (symptoms of hormone imbalance) and menopause.

It also helps with vaginal dryness, incontinence, and urinary urgency/ frequency, to name a few. Moreover, hundreds of studies show natural testosterone to be highly preventative against breast cancer, osteoporosis, Alzheimer’s dementia and heart disease.

Other hormone imbalances that can be supported with BHRT include Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) and Estrogen Dominance. The goals of BHRT therapy include alleviating the symptoms caused by the natural (or other) decrease in production of hormones by the body, giving the protective benefits which were originally provided by naturally occurring hormones, and re-establishing a hormone balance.

TOPICAL HORMONES: Hormone creams come from a compounding pharmacy where they are created specifically for you. They are absorbed through the skin and go directly into the blood stream - avoiding being changed by the liver, like what happens with oral administration.

TROCHES: Often used with progesterone, troches dissolve under tongue and absorb into blood stream through mucus membrane, therefore largely avoiding changes by the liver.

BHRT PELLETS: Pellets deliver a consistent release of hormone levels over an extended period, typically 3 to 6-months. The procedure takes approximately 10 to 15-minutes, and most people are comfortable resuming daily activities immediately after their appointment. Best of all, pellets consistently release small physiologic doses of hormones avoiding fluctuations - as seen with some other methods of delivery, they bypass the liver, and do not affect clotting factors nor increase the risk of thrombosis. This is a great option for those who don’t want to deal with daily and weekly applications of hormones. Learn more about Hormone Therapy for Women here.

CALL TO SCHEDULE AN APPOINTMENT:

360.338.0289

BHRT FOR MEN

Men experience a similar decline in hormone levels that women experience when they go through menopause. This is known as andropause in men, and this change occurs more slowly starting around the age of 30. Testosterone levels in men typically drop about 1% per year. It is estimated that 40% of men between the ages of 54 to 64 have levels below the lower limit of normal.

These lower levels of testosterone play a critical role in the quality and quantity of life in males. The decline in testosterone levels have been shown to be a risk factor for heart disease, high blood pressure, high cholesterol levels, osteoporosis, and diabetes. The goal of testosterone replacement in men is to bring the levels back into a normal range with the goals of improving energy, sexual function, and muscle mass along with the many other benefits. Testosterone Replacement Therapy (TRT) can restore and maintain health and wellness.

TOPICAL HORMONES: Hormone creams come from a compounding pharmacy where they are created specifically for you. They are absorbed through the skin and go directly into the blood stream - avoiding being changed by the liver, like what happens with oral administration.

SHOTS: IM (intramuscular) or SubQ (subcutaneous) injections deliver a fast-acting hormone that is convenient with direct absorption (you absorb 100% of the hormone in the injection of your specific dose).

BHRT PELLETS: Pellets deliver a consistent release of hormone levels over an extended period, typically 3 to 6-months. The procedure takes approximately 10 to 15-minutes and most people are comfortable resuming daily activities immediately after their appointment. Best of all, pellets consistently release small physiologic doses of hormones avoiding fluctuations - as seen with some other methods of delivery, they bypass the liver, and do not affect clotting factors nor increase the risk of thrombosis. This is a great option for those who don’t want to deal with daily and weekly applications of hormones. Learn more about Hormone Therapy for Men here.

CALL TO SCHEDULE AN APPOINTMENT:

360.338.0289

ADVANTAGES OF BIOIDENTICAL HORMONE THERAPY (BHRT):

  • They are derived from natural plant chemicals (botanicals)
  • Each formula is customized to your individual, unique physiology
  • The dosage is adjusted based on your hormone panel (we monitor closely)
  • They are natural & the body can metabolize them as it was designed to do
  • European Medical studies report they are safer than synthetic versions

CALL TO SCHEDULE AN APPOINTMENT:

360.338.0289

BENEFITS OF BHRT INCLUDE:

  • Reduced urogenital symptoms
  • Reduced insomnia/Improve sleep
  • Reduced depression
  • Improved overall well-being
  • Improved cognition
  • Increased lean muscle and bone mass
  • Increased collagen and elastin-may help improve skin elasticity, hydration, and thickness and reduce wrinkles
  • Decreased hemoglobin A1C in diabetics
  • Increase insulin sensitivity (reduce risk/improve control of diabetes)
  • Reduction in body fat
  • Reduce “bad” cholesterol and improve “good” cholesterol
  • Enhanced mood
  • Improved stress tolerance
  • Improved immune system
  • Reduce/eliminate Hot flashes, Night sweats
  • Facilitate weight loss
  • Improve libido and sexual function
  • Join pain relief
  • Decreases your risk of developing osteoporosis, thyroid problems, cancer etc…

CALL TO SCHEDULE AN APPOINTMENT:

360.338.0289

At Omni Centers, we have professional staff and specialized services to optimize every aspect of your health and beauty. If you are interested in Hormone Therapy, please call us to schedule a free consultation at: 360.338.0289

FAQs

Bioidentical hormones are identical to the hormones your body produces. They mimic your own hormones and function in your body the exact same way your hormones do. These hormones are plant-based, but because of the similarity with natural hormones, your body perceives them the same way. This allows for a natural integration into your body’s physiology. These hormones are used to replace what your body no longer makes as you go through menopause (or menopause). The most popular method of administration of these hormones is by use of a cream, gel, or patch on the skin (i.e. transdermally). If estrogen is taken as a pill, it is first processed through the liver. This stimulates protein associated with clotting factors, which increase the risk of heart disease, stroke and blood clots. When delivered by transdermal routes such as creams or gels, estrogen is not processed first by the liver and does not have these effects. Although estrogen is the main component of Hormone Replacement Therapy for women and relieves most symptoms, natural progesterone is also added to alleviate anxiety and promote better sleep. Estrogen can be dispensed as Estradiol, Estriol, or Bi-Est. Besides Estrogen and Progesterone, women may need other hormones like DHEA, Pregnenolone, and Testosterone.

Depending on what your symptoms are and which hormone(s) your body needs, based on history and lab work, your practitioner may choose to prescribe bioidentical hormones such as estrogen, progesterone, testosterone, thyroid hormones, DHEA, melatonin, or others as needed.
Bioidentical hormone replacement therapy benefits men and women of various ages suffering from hormonal imbalances. Each treatment plan is uniquely tailored to the individual. To select the right therapy, you must understand all the available options for therapy and exactly how bioidentical hormone therapy can enhance your life and wellbeing.

Hormone imbalance in both men and women can result in disruptions in:

  • Sleep cycles
  • Appetite and metabolic function
  • Mood and stress levels
  • Muscle function
  • Reproduction and sexual functions
  • Heart rate
  • Growth and development

Imbalances in hormones can wreak havoc on your body, from fatigue and depression to muscle aches, dry skin, and thinning hair. Women often experience hormone imbalance during menopause as hot flashes and vaginal dryness, along with mood swings. Men often notice hormone imbalance by a decreased sex drive, osteoporosis and decreased muscle mass.

Bioidentical Hormone Therapy is an all-natural alternative to traditional hormone replacement therapy and derived from plant-based estrogens that are chemically identical to those in the human body. BHRT options include pills, creams, injections, and patches. Dr. Lauren will work with you to create a customized plan, as well as continuously monitor hormone level and progress. Once a plan of action is determined, the bioidentical hormones will be administered to balance the hormones or lack thereof within your body.  As BHRT adjust your hormone levels, you may see improvements in bone density, mood, sleep patterns, libido, weight maintenance and more.
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 on that drug. Additionally, synthetic hormones are not created structurally the same as human endogenous hormones, which often leads uncomfortable side effects. While synthetic hormones can mimic the effects of endogenous hormones on certain biological pathways, they rarely offer the same effectiveness at a deeper, molecular level.

Bioidentical hormones mimic the affinity of human endogenous hormones; therefore they are effective on more biological pathways, at all levels. Because bioidentical hormones are an exact structural replica of endogenous hormones, side effects are rarely observed, and in the event you do experience side effects, talk with your doctor—the dosage may simply need to be adjusted. The added benefit of bioidentical hormones is that each dose is tailored specifically for your needs, not simply what doses the pharmaceutical company offers (as is the case with synthetic hormones.)
In young postmenopausal women, Hormone replacement therapy (HRT) is a safe and an effective tool to alleviate moderate to severe menopausal symptoms and to prevent long-term degenerative diseases such as osteoporotic fractures, cardiovascular disease, diabetes mellitus and, possibly cognitive impairment. Dr. Lauren is very conscious of common patient concerns, such as the increased possibility of breast cancer linked with Hormone Replacement therapy as well as controversies regarding compounded hormones. All of your concerns regarding these issues can be addressed at your appointment.
Hormones affect a multitude of pathways in the body. Women may experience fluctuations in their hormone levels throughout the lifespan. Imbalances can occur due lifestyle and environmental factors, as well as expected changes, such as onset of menses, pregnancy, childbirth, perimenopause, menopause, and post-menopause. Imbalances of hormones, including estrogen, progesterone and testosterone can lead to many uncomfortable experiences, like night sweats, hot flashes, mood swings, depression, and anxiety. The most common decline seen in menopausal and post-menopausal women is estrogen. When estrogen levels become unbalanced, women may experience symptoms such as low libido and bone loss. The bone loss that women experience due to declining estrogen levels can lead to osteoporosis and increase the likelihood of bone fractures. Adjustments to a woman’s hormone levels through bioidentical hormone therapy and lifestyle changes can reduce or eliminate these discomforts and improve overall health and well-being
  • Fatigue
  • Hot flashes
  • Mood swings
  • Thinning hair
  • Vaginal dryness
  • Reduced sex drive
  • Painful intercourse
  • Irregular or diminishing menstruation
  • Weight gain (specifically in the abdomen, hips and thighs)
As men age, production of the hormone testosterone begins to decline and many men experience symptoms of low testosterone. Testosterone is the hormone that is responsible for maintaining mental focus, energy, metabolism, muscle mass, fat levels, and sex drive. By balancing a man's hormones with bioidentical hormone therapy, men can restore vitality and reduce the symptoms of low testosterone (also known as andropause).
Traditional doctors do not usually have the time or the resources to seek expertise in bioidentical hormones. Omni Centers physicians undergo extensive training in bioidentical hormone therapy and have specialized knowledge of anti-aging medicine
The answer is likely 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. For some patients, emotional and psychological factors play a role in sexual desire. For both men and women, sex drive that has diminished with age, menopause, andropause, or pregnancy is likely linked to a hormonal issue. Approximately 70 percent of low libido issues are related to a hormonal imbalance. A low libido due to hormonal imbalance does not mean that you are helpless. In fact, you can take an active role in resetting your hormones to reclaim your sex drive.

Start feeling better today —contact Omni Centers and begin your journey toward total wellness
While all our programs are individualized to the patient, your prescriptions will most likely include varying levels of the following hormones:

  • Testosterone
  • Pregnenolone
  • Estrogen (Bi-Est)
  • Progesterone (must be administered whenever estrogen is given and used to help protect the uterus from cancer and to prevent other estrogen side effects)
Your doctor will carefully review your medical questionnaire and records and will prescribe the exact amount needed to optimize your levels. We use a combination of lab testing and monitoring your results to identify the ideal dosages.
Yes, numerous studies have shown that hormone therapy is safe when administered in the correct dosage and monitored by a qualified physician.
Some patients begin to feel the effects immediately. In general, we ask that you give the plan between 4-6 weeks for best results.
Hormone replacement therapy may provide the following benefits for women:
  • Restored vaginal lubrication
  • Increased sex drive and pleasure sensations
  • Strengthened bones
  • Rebuilding lean body mass
  • Decreased body fat
  • Improved cognitive functions, including memory and focus
  • Increased energy and stamina
  • Lowered triglyceride and LDL cholesterol levels
  • Thickened hair


Testosterone/Hormone replacement therapy may provide the following benefits for men:
  • Increased muscle mass
  • Increased libido
  • Reduced fat
  • Improved sexual performance
  • Has been shown to lower cholesterol levels
  • Strengthened bones
  • Minimized symptoms associated with diabetes
  • Sharpened mind
  • Improved mood
  • Improved skin tone and elasticity
  • Increased energy and stamina
Dr. Lauren will carefully consider your medical and family history, genetic factors, and review your baseline lab tests to select the hormones for your specific needs. Hormone replacement therapy typically takes 1-3 weeks to optimize and restore your hormonal balance to regular levels. An effective and safe hormone replacement program will always involve ongoing monitoring to ensure that dosage levels remain appropriate. To that end, you will have lab testing and follow-up visits with Dr. Lauren every 3-6 months.
Bioidentical hormone therapy has a few potential side effects which are classically linked to dosage—as your hormone levels improve, your dosage may need to be adjusted. If you notice side effects, contact your physician.

  • Men and women have reported increased aggressiveness, acne or irritability during the initial phases of testosterone hormone therapy, but these issues are generally resolved as levels become balanced.
  • 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 is always recommended that you communicate side effects to your physician to be promptly addressed.