Hormones can be an intimidating topic, but you’re not alone. According to Northwell Health, 80% of women will experience a hormone imbalance at some point in their lives. One way to address this is through Bioidentical Hormone Replacement Therapy (BHRT).
We sat down with Jessica Clough, APRN, CRNA, and Anna Goodkin, APRN, CRNA, of The Vital Elements to discuss all things hormones and wellness.
What causes hormone imbalance?
Hormone imbalance can result from many factors like aging and menopause, but lifestyle factors also play a key role.
“High levels of oxidative stress, smoking, excessive drinking, vaping, or a diet high in processed foods can all contribute to hormone loss,” said Jessica Clough, APRN, CRNA.
Everything in the body is connected. When one part is off, it affects the rest. One example is the gut.
"The gut plays a significant role in producing hormones, neurotransmitters, and mood-related compounds. The gut microbiome and gut health influence brain function and overall well-being, so an unhealthy gut can impact mood, immunity, and various bodily processes," said Anna Goodkin, APRN, CRNA.
What are the effects of hormone imbalance?
Hormone imbalances in women can lead to night sweats, hot flashes, weight gain, thinning hair, and even symptoms of depression or anxiety.
“Hormones are more than just your sexual health, they’re everything. They help protect your cardiovascular system, keep your cholesterol in check, and so much more,” said Jessica Clough, APRN, CRNA.
One challenge with identifying hormone imbalances is that their symptoms can mimic other conditions.
“Your doctor may attribute your symptoms to another condition and prescribe treatment but sometimes an underlying hormone imbalance may be the root cause” Jessica Clough, APRN, CRNA explained.
Bioidentical Hormone Replacement Therapy (BHRT) at a Glance
Bioidentical hormone replacement therapy (BHRT) is a form of hormone therapy. Unlike traditional hormone replacement therapy (HRT) which uses synthetic or animal-derived hormones, BHRT uses hormones derived from plants that are chemically identical to those naturally produced by the human body.
A holistic approach to wellness
As experienced medical professionals, Jessica and Anna prioritize taking a medical approach to wellness.
“When people come to us, we focus on how we can help them beyond just hormone treatments,” said Anna Goodkin, APRN, CRNA. “We take a holistic look at their overall health and well-being. Whether it’s reducing reliance on certain medications or simply adopting a healthier lifestyle, we work with patients to find the right path for them.”
Before a patient undergoes BHRT, they first go through a thorough consultation. This includes documenting symptoms and medical history, testing hormone levels through blood and saliva testing, and developing a specialized treatment plan based on those results. The process also includes follow-up appointments, monitoring, and lifestyle support.
“Your hormones are like a fingerprint, everyone is unique. Different factors like lifestyle and genetics all play a role, which is why we emphasize that each person needs to be treated individually, rather than given a one-size-fits-all approach,” said Jessica Clough, APRN, CRNA.
By addressing hormone imbalances with a personalized approach, Jessica and Anna are helping patients regain balance and improve their overall quality of life.
About The Vital Elements
The Vital Elements is a wellness clinic located at 86 Lafayette Rd in North Hampton, New Hampshire, run by Jessica Clough, APRN, CRNA, and Anna Goodkin APRN, CRNA who understand the importance of a scientific approach to wellness. The Vital Elements offers in-depth consultations and testing to make sure all treatments are personalized to the individual and their needs. www.thevitalelements.com