Bioidentical Hormone Replacement

Biodentical Hormone Replacement An Overview

Bioidentical Hormone Replacement Therapy is a natural way for men and women to achieve hormonal balance and relieve the symptoms of menopause, periomenopause, andropause and thyroid disorder.

At Atlanta Functional Medicine, we offer Bioidentical Hormone Replacement Therapy (BHRT) as just one of the options for our patients. Our therapies are patient-centered and tailored to meet your specific needs and goals. We often take a multi-pronged approach and include nutritional supplementation, stress management and dietary and lifestyle changes for complete health and well being.

Bioidentical hormones are plant-based compounds formulated in a laboratory to be identical to those which the body makes naturally. Many men and women choose bioidentical hormone replacement therapy, also known as natural hormone replacement, as an alternative to synthetic hormones. Some very serious concerns have been raised about the health risks of synthetic pharmaceutical hormone replacement.

Is Bioidentical Hormone Replacement Therapy Safer?

Just because bioidentical hormone replacement therapy is called “natural”, it is not necessarily safer than synthetic hormones. The bioidentical hormones are, however, specifically made for each individual based on the results of extensive hormone testing, and the levels of individual hormones are carefully monitored by the doctors at Atlanta Functional Medicine to ensure the appropriate hormonal profile is maintained.

The physicians at Atlanta Functional Medicine have backgrounds in traditional medicine as well as alternative therapies and are very strict about monitoring patients throughout the course of their treatment. Each patient receives a custom treatment plan with an “exit strategy”, to taper off the use of replacement hormones.

We find that natural hormone replacement therapy is most effective when combined with other holistic therapies such as nutritional supplements, changes to diet and lifestyle, acupuncture and stress management.

Going into the Mind Body Class I was not sure what to expect but right away felt comfortable and not judged. Linda is a compassionate and attentive person and is truly blessed with a gift. This class has equipped me with additional effective coping skills in managing my stress and…Mind-Body Group
I wasn’t sure what to expect with Healing Touch. Linda, the practitioner, really knows what she’s doing. I found the experience to be surprisingly palpable. I could feel the energy moving through its meridians in much the same way it does during acupuncture. I was surprised by a welling up…Healing Touch
"The Mind-Body Skills group that I participated in at Atlanta Functional Medicine was a wonderful experience for me. It improved my sense of well being both physically and emotionally. The class gave me an opportunity to learn new techniques for meditation and relaxation, and it was a safe place to…More Praise for the Mind-Body Skills Group
When I signed up for the Mind-Body Skills group at Atlanta Functional Medicine, I wanted to learn a few stress reduction techniques.  Little did I realize at the time what a life changing experience the class would turn out to be.  Through her vast knowledge and personal experience examples, Linda…The Mind-Body Skills Group: a “Life Changing Experience”
There is simply no better place I know of to get such wonderful holistic type care and advice! They truly know their stuff!John M.
I recently fell and fractured one of my lumbar vertebrae eventually requiring a vertebroplasty.  Through the use of mind body medicine and Dr. Board's natural supplements and regular treatments of acupuncture, I am now recovering rapidly without the use of opiates or pharmaceuticals.Linda H.

Biodentical Hormone Replacement What to Expect

If you are considering bioidentical hormone replacement therapy, the first step is to schedule a consultation with one of our physicians. We will review your medical history, listen to your concerns and answer any questions you have. The next step is for us to do hormone testing and other diagnostic tests.

If bioidentical hormone therapy is right for you, we will discuss your treatment plan and create a compound just for you.

While natural hormone therapy is a successful treatment for many, it isn’t for everyone. We find that some patients are able to avoid any hormone replacement therapy and still achieve relief from their symptoms through a combination of customized nutritional supplementation, dietary changes, acupuncture and stress management.

Biodentical Hormone Replacement FAQs

I want to stop taking synthetic hormones, how do I stop?

You should always consult with a physician before discontinuing any hormone therapy. With any type of hormone therapy, natural or synthetic, you’ll want to gradually wean yourself off of the hormones. Going “cold turkey” could cause severe symptoms that would do more harm to the body. Our physicians can provide one-on-one counseling to help you create a personalized treatment plan that would include discontinuing synthetic hormones.

What are the risks of bioidentical hormone replacement therapy?

There are risks associated with any type of hormone replacement therapy. We attempt to reduce the potential risks by using low, customizable doses of natural hormones for the least amount of time needed. We combine our therapies with other non-drug therapies such as nutritional supplementation, dietary counseling and lifestyle changes, giving you the tools you need to take control of your body and initiate the self-healing process.

Are there any alternatives to bioidentical hormone replacement therapy?

Yes. We offer complete counseling and diagnostic testing to help you determine which treatments are right for you. We always prefer to treat patients with the most natural, least invasive therapy possible. Dietary supplements such as Estrovera are effective at relieving the symptoms of menopause. Other therapies such as acupuncture, biofeedback and dietary changes can also have a profound impact on patients’ symptoms.

Corona Virus (COVID-19) Notice

If you think you have been exposed to COVID‑19 and develop a fever, cough, or difficulty breathing, call your healthcare provider for medical advice. As COVID-19 cases continue to rise, we ask our patients to watch Dr. Elizabeth Board's "PSA about COVID-19" video. For more information aout COVID-19, please follow the link.