The Orenda Clinic & Apothecary - Toronto Naturopath Clinic focused on Hormone Support, Cancer Care and Fertility
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Bioidentical Hormones (BHRT)

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bioidentical hormone therapy

Hormone replacement therapy tailored to your unique needs


What are Bioidentical Hormones?

Bioidentical hormone therapy (BHRT) is a natural approach to hormone replacement that uses hormones with the exact molecular structure as the ones produced by your body. These hormones are derived from plant-based sources, mainly yams and soy, and are customized to meet your body’s specific needs. Unlike synthetic hormones, bioidentical hormones work in a way that mirrors your body’s natural processes, allowing for more precise monitoring and adjustment.

Since these hormones closely resemble your body’s own, bioidentical hormone therapy can be monitored through blood tests to track how the therapy is affecting you individually. This provides a more customized approach that is often more effective and safer for patients, addressing hormonal imbalances with higher accuracy.

How Bioidentical Hormone Therapy Works

BHRT uses hormones that are bioidentical in structure to your own, making them a highly compatible and effective option for balancing hormones. These hormones can be administered through a variety of methods, including creams, patches, and suppositories, depending on your specific health concerns and preferences. Your naturopathic doctor will work with you to find the optimal treatment plan that aligns with your health goals.

Who Benefits from Bioidentical Hormone Therapy?

Bioidentical hormones help restore balance to the body’s hormonal levels, addressing a wide range of issues, including but not limited to:

  • Perimenopause and Menopause: BHRT can help alleviate common symptoms like hot flashes, night sweats, mood swings, and vaginal dryness.

  • PCOS (Polycystic Ovary Syndrome): BHRT can help regulate menstrual cycles and reduce symptoms such as acne, excessive hair growth, and infertility.

  • Endometriosis: BHRT is often used to manage pain and hormone imbalances associated with endometriosis.

  • Recurrent Pregnancy Loss: BHRT can assist in stabilizing hormonal levels for patients facing recurrent pregnancy loss due to hormonal imbalances.

By addressing the root cause of these conditions, BHRT aims to not only relieve symptoms but also restore long-term health and well-being.

Whatever your hormonal concern may be, the major benefit of bioidentical hormones is that unlike conventional hormone replacement therapy, we can monitor the hormones we give you more accurately through blood work, and therefore customize hormone replacement therapy to you accordingly.

Is Bioidentical Hormone Therapy Safe?

Any type of hormone-based therapy including bioidentical hormones carries risks. Although customized bioidentical hormones are perceived as safer compared to conventional hormone therapy, we are still awaiting better quality research to confirm this.

Despite its benefits, there are still risks involved with BHRT, including but not limited to:

  • Increased risk of blood clots

  • Stroke or heart disease

  • Gallbladder disease

  • Hormone-sensitive cancers, including breast cancer

Additionally, some people may experience side effects such as acne, weight gain, mood swings, and bloating. It’s essential that patients undergo a thorough medical evaluation to ensure that BHRT is appropriate for their specific health needs.

At The Clara Clinic, our Naturopathic Doctors conduct a comprehensive review of your medical and family history, perform updated hormone testing, and work with you to determine if BHRT is the right solution for you. We tailor every treatment plan to your unique needs, ensuring that you receive the most effective care possible.

How We Customize Your Hormone Therapy

One of the most significant advantages of bioidentical hormone therapy is its ability to be individualized. Unlike traditional hormone therapies, BHRT allows for precise, customized treatments based on your blood work and symptoms. The goal of BHRT is not just to reduce symptoms but to restore balance in your entire system.

Your personalized BHRT treatment plan will include:

  • Testing: Blood tests to evaluate your hormone levels

  • Customized Dosage: Tailoring the dose and method of hormone delivery based on your needs

  • Ongoing Monitoring: Regular follow-up appointments to monitor the effects of the treatment and adjust dosages as needed

This personalized approach ensures that your treatment is safe, effective, and aligns with your body’s natural rhythms.

Is Bioidentical Hormone Therapy Right for You?

If you are struggling with symptoms related to hormonal imbalances and are interested in a natural, customized treatment option, bioidentical hormone therapy may be part of the solution for you.

At The Clara Clinic, our Naturopathic Doctors are well versed in BHRT and are committed to helping you achieve hormonal balance and lasting wellness. Schedule your free consultation today to learn more about how BHRT can transform your health.

 

conditions treated

PCOS + Cycle Irregularities

Endometriosis

+ Adenomyosis

Recurrent Pregnancy Loss + Threatened Miscarriage

Perimenopause/ Menopause

Preconception + Pregnancy Support

Infertility


 

Looking for support with bioidential hormone therapy but already working with a Naturopathic Doctor?

No problem! We love collaborating with other Naturopathic Doctors. Have your Naturopathic Doctor fill out the referral form below and email it to info@theclaraclinic.com.

 
 
 

what to expect

How Do I Know If I'm a Good Candidate?

If you or anyone in your immediate family has ever had a history of blood clots, breast cancer, endometrial cancer, ovarian cancer, or stroke before the age of 50, hormone replacement therapy may not be the best choice for you.

If you do not fall into any of the above categories, and are struggling with any of the conditions listed including menopause, PCOS, cycle irregularities, recurrent pregnancy loss, infertility, or endometriosis, bioidentical hormones may be a good option for you.

For more information on this, please book a complimentary 15 minute consult with your desired practitioner to learn more.

How Do I Move Forard With Bioidentical Hormone Therapy?

We cannot prescribe bioidentical hormones without first completing an initial naturopathic assessment covering your health history and family history, as well as testing your hormone levels. In order to move forward with this treatment option, please book an Initial Naturopathic Appointment (if you prefer more well-rounded support), or an Express Initial Hormone Replacement Therapy Initial Appointment (if you are only interested in bioidentical hormones) with your desired practitioner.

Please note that bioidentical hormones will not be prescribed in your initial visit, as testing and a full risk assessment is required beforehand. Typically 1-4 weeks after your initial appointment, you will meet with your practitioner for your first follow up visit to discuss the results of your hormone tests in detail, as well as to go over treatment options based on your results.

If you would like more information regarding bioidentical hormone replacement therapy or naturopathic care, we recommend booking in a complimentary 15 minute consult with the practitioner you’d like to work with.

 
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Looking for Support?

dr. hayhlee clarence, nd

Dr. Hayhlee Clarence is our clinic co-founder and our chief Naturopathic Doctor focusing on cancer, aging, and hormonal health. As part of the hormone clinic she focuses on perimenopause / menopause, hormone imbalance in the midst of autoimmune disease, and hormonal conditions with a higher risk of cancer. You can learn more about her practice here.

dr. alessia milano, nd

Dr. Alessia Milano is our clinic co-founder, our chief Naturopathic Doctor focusing on hormonal health, and the director of The Hormone Clinic. She struggles with PCOS personally and has dedicated her career to helping women with PCOS, hormonal concerns, and infertility reclaim their health so they can live life optimally. You can learn more about her practice here.

dr. kelly clinning, nd

Dr. Kelly Clinning is a Naturopathic Doctor with a passion for treating women’s health and hormonal health with a particular focus on fertility. To learn more about her practice, contact us or book a complimentary meet-and-greet with Dr. Clinning.


 
 
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