Hormone Therapy in Mesa, AZ

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Personalized Hormone Testing & Bioidentical Hormone Replacement Therapy at East Valley Naturopathic Doctors

Hormones play an essential role in nearly every aspect of your health. They influence your energy levels, metabolism, mood, sleep, weight, mental clarity, libido, muscle mass, bone density, and overall well-being. When even one hormone falls out of balance, it can create a ripple effect throughout your body, leading to symptoms that significantly impact your quality of life.

At East Valley Naturopathic Doctors (EVND), we take a comprehensive, evidence-informed approach to diagnosing and treating hormone imbalances. Rather than simply masking symptoms, our experienced naturopathic physicians work to identify the underlying causes of hormonal dysfunction through advanced laboratory testing and personalized treatment plans.

Whether you're struggling with menopause, perimenopause, andropause, thyroid dysfunction, adrenal concerns, low testosterone, estrogen imbalance, pms , absence of periods or unexplained fatigue, our team is here to help restore balance and help you feel like yourself again.

Our treatment plans may include advanced hormone testing, lifestyle recommendations, nutritional support, botanical medicine, thyroid management, adrenal support, and bioidentical hormone replacement therapy (BHRT) when clinically appropriate.

Understanding Hormones

The pituitary gland, which sits deeply centered within the brain, communicates with three vital glands located in the periphery. These glands include the thyroid, adrenals, and the sex glands.

Together, these glands regulate countless functions throughout the body by producing hormones that communicate with virtually every organ system.

The absence or low production of any one of these powerful hormones in circulation can lead to extreme fatigue, weight gain, brain fog, joint pain, and 50+ other symptoms or diseases.

Because hormone deficiencies often develop gradually, many patients attribute their symptoms to aging, stress, or simply "feeling off." In reality, subtle hormone imbalances can affect everything from your metabolism and immune system to your mental health and cardiovascular function.

Individual labs should be evaluated in the presence of symptoms that align with deficiencies of any of these hormones. Because it is difficult to always clearly observe the symptoms in each patient accurately, and because even the patient may find it difficult to correctly observe and accurately describe the subtleties of hormone deficiencies, there is great value in running a complete profile on all hormones secreted from peripheral organs and a few from the pituitary gland.

At East Valley Naturopathic Doctors, comprehensive hormone testing is often recommended for new patients and, when appropriate, as part of an annual wellness evaluation to accurately monitor trends over time.

Signs & Symptoms of Hormone Imbalance

Hormonal imbalances can present differently from one individual to another. Depending on which hormones are affected, symptoms may include:

• Chronic fatigue
• Brain fog
• Weight gain or difficulty losing weight
• Low libido
• Erectile dysfunction
• Hot flashes
• Night sweats
• Mood swings
• Anxiety
• Depression
• Poor sleep
• Memory problems
• Hair loss
• Dry skin
• Muscle weakness
• Joint pain
• Loss of bone density
• Irregular menstrual cycles
• Heavy or painful periods
• Vaginal dryness
• Decreased exercise recovery
• Reduced motivation

Because these symptoms overlap with many other health conditions, comprehensive hormone testing is often the first step toward finding answers.

Comprehensive Hormone Testing

At East Valley Naturopathic Doctors in Mesa, Arizona, we believe treatment should always begin with accurate diagnosis.

Rather than assuming a hormone imbalance exists, our physicians perform comprehensive laboratory evaluations to determine whether hormone deficiencies or excesses are contributing to your symptoms.

Testing recommendations are individualized but may include evaluation of:

• Thyroid hormones, such as TSH, FT4, FT3
• Adrenal hormones, such as cortisol and DHEA-S
• Testosterone, free and Total
• Fractionated Estrogens
• Progesterone
• SHBG
• FSH
• LH
• Additional metabolic and wellness markers

Our goal is to develop a complete picture of your hormonal health before making treatment recommendations.

Thyroid Hormones

One of the most common hormone imbalances we evaluate at East Valley Naturopathic Doctors involves the thyroid gland.

Baseline labs we run on new patients and as part of an annual review may include TSH, Free T4, Free T3, Antithyroglobulin Antibody, and Thyroid Peroxidase Antibody.

The thyroid gland is responsible for regulating metabolism, body temperature, energy production, cardiovascular health, digestive function, and numerous other systems throughout the body.

The thyroid gland is one of the most important glands in the body. If the thyroid gland is under-functioning, it is known as hypothyroidism.

Common symptoms of hypothyroidism include:

• Fatigue
• Hair loss
• Constipation
• Weight gain
• Dry skin
• Delayed or absent menstrual cycles
• Cold intolerance
• Low libido
• Depression

Hashimoto's thyroiditis is one of the more common ways in which the thyroid hypo-functions. Hashimoto's thyroiditis is an autoimmune condition where the individual's immune system turns on itself and begins to attack the body's tissues, and in this case, the thyroid. The attack on the thyroid can initially cause an increase in the release of the thyroid hormones but eventually, the hormones will dwindle as the gland is destroyed causing the thyroid gland to fail. Once this occurs thyroid replacement is inevitable.

At East Valley Naturopathic Doctors, our physicians look beyond simply diagnosing hypothyroidism. We also work to identify potential contributing factors that may have disrupted normal thyroid function.

There are other tests that we commonly utilize to determine what caused the hypothyroidism initially. The issue remains that what initially contributed to the thyroid disruption may still be negatively impacting the body in other ways, which is why it is extremely important to investigate further.

Possible contributing factors may include:

• Wheat gluten and other food sensitivities
• Chemical and metal exposures such as mercury
• Viral illness
• Mineral deficiencies particularly selenium, vitamin E, zinc and B vitamins needed to convert T4 to T3
• Adrenal function
• Lifestyle factors including stress, poor diet, and smoking

Thyroid Medication Options

For patients who require thyroid hormone replacement, treatment is highly individualized.

There are many different options to replace or assist the thyroid.

These may include:

• Natural desiccated thyroid medications
• Synthetic T4 medications including Synthroid®, and Tirosint®
• Synthetic T3 (Liothyronine), either alone or combined with T4 therapy when clinically appropriate

At East Valley Naturopathic Doctors, treatment decisions are based on laboratory findings, symptoms, medical history, and each patient's unique needs rather than using a one-size-fits-all approach.

Why Choose EVND for Hormone Care?

Hormone imbalances are often complex, involving multiple body systems rather than a single hormone deficiency.

Our physicians take the time to understand your complete health picture, utilizing advanced testing and individualized treatment plans that address both symptoms and potential underlying causes.

Whether you're experiencing thyroid dysfunction, menopause, low testosterone, adrenal concerns, or another hormonal imbalance, East Valley Naturopathic Doctors in Mesa, AZ is committed to helping you achieve better long-term health through personalized care.

Adrenal Hormones

Your adrenal glands are responsible for producing hormones that help your body respond to stress, regulate energy production, support immune function, maintain healthy blood pressure, and influence metabolism.

When adrenal hormones become imbalanced, many patients experience ongoing fatigue and a reduced ability to recover from physical or emotional stress.

Baseline labs we run on new patients and as part of an annual review may include: Cortisol AM, and DHEA-S. Pregnenolone, Catecholamines (Epinephrine, Norepinephrine, Dopamine).(REMOVE ALL)

The adrenal glands produce two major stress hormones, adrenaline and cortisol, that help us respond to daily challenges of life without becoming overwhelmed. They also help us engage in the protective fight, flight, or freeze mechanisms when danger presents.

Chronic physical, emotional, or environmental stress may place prolonged demands on the adrenal glands and the central nervous system.

Chronic or lingering stress strains the adrenal gland and central nervous system (CNS), leading to a slow depletion of cortisol and the stress catecholamines, epinephrine (adrenaline), and norepinephrine (noradrenaline). Low levels result in fatigue and a feeling of being too easily overwhelmed by what used to be normal or average stressors. Other symptoms that may coexist with poor stress response are poor sleep quality or a lack of restorative sleep.

At East Valley Naturopathic Doctors (EVND), we evaluate adrenal health alongside thyroid hormones, sex hormones, and other key laboratory markers to better understand how stress may be affecting your overall health.

Adrenal Hormone Testing

Lab testing is required here to determine the presence and extent of adrenal dysfunction. Depending on your symptoms, our physicians may recommend:

• Morning cortisol testing
• DHEA-S
• Pregnenolone
• Catecholamines
• Salivary cortisol testing
• Blood serum testing
• Additional specialty laboratory testing

Cortisol can frequently be measured in saliva throughout the day in order to assess the baseline and circadian rhythm. Cortisol should be highest in the morning at rising and in the first few hours of the day. It follows a bell-shaped curve and reduces toward a steady baseline in the late afternoon and through the night.

When abnormalities are identified, treatment may include nutritional support, botanical medicine, targeted amino acids, lifestyle recommendations, and hormone therapy when clinically appropriate.

Treatment to restore adrenals includes targeted amino acid therapy and herbs with specific actions that increase the output of norepinephrine, epinephrine, and cortisol.

Female Hormone Testing

Hormonal changes are a natural part of every woman's life. However, fluctuations in estrogen, progesterone, testosterone, and other hormones can sometimes create symptoms that interfere with daily life.

At East Valley Naturopathic Doctors, we provide comprehensive female hormone testing to identify imbalances that may be contributing to your symptoms.

As women progress through the stages of life, their hormones can fluctuate dramatically, precipitating a host of symptoms associated with both estrogen excess (PMS, weight gain, fibrocystic breasts) and estrogen deficiency (hot flashes, night sweats, sleep disturbances).

During the reproductive years (teens to mid-forties), the most common hormonal issues can be associated with an imbalance in estradiol and progesterone; usually too much estradiol and too little progesterone. These symptoms usually worsen as women approach menopause and estrogen levels swing from high to low without the balancing effects of progesterone. As the ovaries reduce their production leading us into menopause, estrogen and progesterone will decline causing a new subset of estrogen deficiency symptoms may surface.

Whether you're dealing with PMS, irregular periods, infertility concerns, perimenopause, menopause, or unexplained fatigue, hormone testing can help determine whether an underlying hormonal imbalance is contributing to your symptoms.

Understanding Female Hormones

Hormones do not work independently. Instead, they function together to maintain balance throughout the body.

Estrogen

All hormones have separate functions, but work synergistically at the same time. Estradiol is tested because it is the female hormone necessary for maintaining optimal function and well being.

Healthy estrogen levels support numerous body systems, including:

• Cardiovascular health
• Bone density
• Brain function
• Skin health
• Breast health
• Reproductive health

Undetected excesses or deficiencies produced in the body or through supplementation can cause the above symptoms and affect the health of the cardiovascular system, breast, bones, skin, and brain.

Progesterone

Progesterone plays an equally important role in maintaining hormonal balance.

Progesterone works in synergy with estradiol to maintain its balance and optimize function in the body. Too little progesterone is often associated with estrogen dominance.

Low progesterone may contribute to symptoms including:

• PMS
• Mood changes
• Heavy menstrual bleeding
• Sleep disturbances
• Anxiety
• Irregular menstrual cycles

Proper progesterone levels help balance estrogen while supporting reproductive health and overall wellness.

Testosterone

Although testosterone is often associated with men, it also plays an important role in women's health.

Testosterone is an important hormone in women, as it is in men.

Elevated testosterone levels may contribute to:

• Excess facial hair
• Acne
• Oily skin
• Weight gain around the waist

Too much testosterone, often caused by ovarian cysts, can lead to excessive facial and body hair, acne, oily skin and hair, and weight gain around the waist.

Low testosterone may contribute to:

• Low libido
• Vaginal dryness
• Depression
• Memory changes
• Loss of muscle mass
• Reduced bone density

Too little testosterone, often caused by excessive stress, medications, contraceptives, and surgical removal of the ovaries, can lead to androgen deficiencies including low libido, thinning skin, vaginal dryness, loss of bone and muscle mass, depression, and memory lapses.

Sex Hormone Binding Globulin (SHBG)

SHBG is another important marker that provides valuable information regarding hormone balance.

SHBG is a protein produced by the liver in response to any form of estrogen, including those produced naturally by the body, synthetic hormones, foods such as soy and phytoestrogens, and environmental contaminants found in plastics and petrochemical products. SHBG is an index of the body's overall exposure to all of these estrogens.

Measuring SHBG allows our physicians to better understand how hormones are circulating and functioning within your body while helping develop a personalized treatment plan.

Is Hormone Therapy Right for You?

Every patient is different. At East Valley Naturopathic Doctors, hormone replacement therapy is never prescribed simply because symptoms exist. We first determine whether hormone deficiencies or imbalances are truly present through comprehensive laboratory testing and a thorough evaluation of your health history.

If hormone replacement is appropriate, our physicians create a personalized treatment plan designed specifically for your needs, goals, and laboratory findings.

Bioidentical Hormone Replacement Therapy (BHRT)

When laboratory testing confirms a hormone deficiency, Bioidentical Hormone Replacement Therapy (BHRT) may help restore balance and improve quality of life.

At East Valley Naturopathic Doctors (EVND), hormone replacement therapy is never approached with a one-size-fits-all mindset. Instead, treatment is individualized based on comprehensive laboratory testing, your symptoms, medical history, and your long-term health goals.

In recent years, our hormone replacement therapy in Mesa, AZ has gained in popularity amongst andropausal men and menopausal women to improve their hot flashes, sexual function, mood, sense of well-being, muscle density, bone mass, and strength. In addition, some hormone therapy has been found to be beneficial in preventing heart disease, diabetes, and even Alzheimer's Disease. There is a growing trend over the last decade for both men and women opting for the use of bioidentical, compounded natural hormones for the treatment of andropause and menopause, respectively.

Whether you're navigating menopause, perimenopause, low testosterone, or other hormone deficiencies, EVND works closely with you to determine whether BHRT is an appropriate treatment option.

What Are Bioidentical Hormones?

Bioidentical hormones are hormones that are chemically identical to those naturally produced by the human body.

The testosterone, estrogen, and progesterone used in bioidentical hormone replacement therapy (BHRT) are identical to those produced in the human body. Although BHRT has long been utilized in other countries, the United States has predominantly used synthetic hormones for the past 40–50 years, beginning with the introduction of oral contraceptives in the early 1960s.

Many patients appreciate that bioidentical hormones can be customized to meet their individual needs rather than relying on standardized dosing.

The uniqueness of the compounded bio-identical formulations is what makes it so attractive to prescribers and users alike. The ability to alter the dose to each individual does not compare to the two to maybe three options that pharmacies can offer to relieve the same symptoms for everyone. Each formulation prescribed by your physician is easily altered to increase the dose when needed to help ease symptoms or reduce levels easily if someone is looking to go off of the hormones.

This level of customization allows our physicians at East Valley Naturopathic Doctors to continually adjust therapy as your hormone levels and symptoms change over time.

A Personalized Approach for Women

For many women, hormone balance is about more than replacing estrogen.

What is also unique to these formulations in women is the utilization of both estradiol and estriol. Estriol is well known for its weak estrogenic activity compared to the more potent estrogens the body produces, estradiol and estrone. The advantage of including estriol in your hormonal formulation is that it has the ability to bind with the estrogen receptors on the breast cells more weakly than estradiol. Therefore, it can actually block the stronger estrogens from binding to the breast cells and subjecting them to the higher estrogenic activity, which can put some women at risk for cancer.

Our physicians carefully evaluate every patient's personal and family medical history before recommending hormone therapy to help ensure treatment is both safe and appropriate.

Is Hormone Replacement Therapy Right for You?

Not everyone experiencing fatigue, hot flashes, mood changes, or low libido needs hormone replacement therapy.

At East Valley Naturopathic Doctors, laboratory testing is an essential first step.

Before men or women start with hormone replacement therapy, laboratory tests are necessary to determine if there is a physiological need for hormone replacement.

For men, laboratory testing may include:

• Total Testosterone
• Free Testosterone
• Dihydrotestosterone (DHT)
• Sex Hormone Binding Globulin (SHBG)
• Prostate Specific Antigen (PSA)
• DHEA-S
• Cortisol

For men, both free and total testosterone are measured, along with dihydrotestosterone (DHT) and sex hormone binding globulin (SHBG), prostate-specific antigen (PSA), DHEA-S, and Cortisol.

For women, testing may include:

• Estradiol
• Estrone
• Progesterone
• Total Testosterone
• Free Testosterone
• Cortisol
• DHEA-S
• Additional wellness laboratories

For women, we like to check a hormonal baseline before administering hormones. We often test for estradiol, estrone, progesterone, total testosterone, free testosterone, cortisol AM, and DHEA-S amongst other general labs if they haven't been completed. For women, a risk assessment for estrogen- and progesterone-sensitive cancers must be considered and an exam performed, if not up-to-date, before beginning hormone replacement therapy.

Hormone Therapy Is Based on More Than Lab Numbers

At EVND, we evaluate both laboratory findings and your symptoms before recommending treatment.

If hormone levels come back within normal limits, hormone replacement therapy is not likely necessary or beneficial. However, if a man or woman is experiencing symptoms of andropause or menopause and they have low levels of hormones, hormone replacement therapy may be initiated with significant potential for benefit.

This thoughtful approach helps ensure patients receive only the therapies that are appropriate for their unique situation.

Hormone Delivery Options

There is no single "best" way to receive hormone replacement therapy.

The methods of administration of hormone replacement therapy include oral administration, application of topical creams and patches as well as(ADD) intramuscular injections, and the implantation of pellets under the skin (REMOVE). The route of administration determined is based on the individual's personal history and symptoms, blood work and personal preferences.

At East Valley Naturopathic Doctors, we discuss the benefits and considerations of each option before creating your personalized treatment plan.

Oral Capsules

Capsules—The most common hormone prescribed orally is progesterone, although estrogen can also be prescribed this way. The least favorable route to receive estrogen replacement therapy is oral as it has been associated with increasing risks for clotting disorders, like deep vein thrombosis, where the topical options are not.

Lozenges (Troches)

Lozenges are a combination of oral and sublingual absorption which allows hormones to release in small doses into the bloodstream. Common hormonal combinations include estradiol, estriol, testosterone and/or progesterone.

Topical Applications (Creams and Patches) ADD

Topical therapy is a popular option for many patients because it is easy to apply and avoids injections.

Creams and patches are the most favorable route of administration of BHRT, due to lack of discomfort of an injection, and ease of application. They work best if applied daily on a particular schedule and are applied to the thin skin of certain areas of the body. These are the most effective as they avoid the pass through the liver and are absorbed directly into the bloodstream. In addition, they seem to mimic the natural rhythm of hormone secretion that occurs in the human body throughout the day. Common hormonal combinations of creams can include estradiol, estriol, testosterone and/or progesterone. Patches are used to deliver estrogen only. (ADD)

Testosterone Injections

Testosterone is the only hormone that is injected and it is a great option for those who have low testosterone on their blood work and symptoms of low libido. This combination of blood work and symptoms can warrant testosterone replacement which can be made easy with weekly injections.

Why Choose East Valley Naturopathic Doctors?

At East Valley Naturopathic Doctors, we understand that hormone health is about far more than simply replacing hormones. Our physicians take a comprehensive approach that focuses on identifying the underlying factors contributing to hormonal imbalance while developing a treatment plan tailored specifically to you.

When you choose EVND, you can expect:

• Comprehensive hormone evaluations
• Advanced laboratory testing
• Individualized treatment plans
• Bioidentical hormone replacement therapy when appropriate
• Ongoing monitoring and dose adjustments
• Nutritional and lifestyle recommendations
• Experienced naturopathic physicians who take time to listen

Our goal is to help you restore balance naturally whenever possible while improving your long-term health and quality of life.

Schedule Your Hormone Consultation

If you're experiencing symptoms that may be related to hormone imbalance, don't settle for feeling less than your best.

Whether your symptoms stem from thyroid dysfunction, menopause, adrenal concerns, low testosterone, or another hormonal imbalance, the experienced team at East Valley Naturopathic Doctors is here to help.

Through comprehensive testing, personalized treatment plans, and ongoing support, we'll work with you to restore balance and help you feel your best.

Schedule your hormone consultation with East Valley Naturopathic Doctors today and take the first step toward better health.

Frequently Asked Questions (REMOVE WHOLE SECTION

What symptoms can hormone therapy help improve?

Hormone therapy may help improve symptoms such as fatigue, hot flashes, night sweats, mood changes, brain fog, low libido, sleep disturbances, reduced muscle mass, decreased bone density, and other symptoms related to hormone deficiencies.

Does everyone with hormone symptoms need BHRT?

No. At East Valley Naturopathic Doctors, hormone replacement therapy is only recommended when laboratory testing and your symptoms indicate a physiological need.

Are bioidentical hormones the same as synthetic hormones?

Bioidentical hormones are chemically identical to the hormones naturally produced by the human body, while synthetic hormones are manufactured differently. Your physician will discuss which treatment option is most appropriate for your individual situation.

How often will my hormone levels be monitored?

Your physician will determine the appropriate follow-up schedule based on your treatment plan, symptoms, and laboratory results. Periodic monitoring helps ensure therapy remains safe and effective.

Can men benefit from hormone replacement therapy?

Yes. Men experiencing symptoms of low testosterone or andropause may benefit from hormone therapy when laboratory testing confirms hormone deficiencies.

Can women benefit from hormone replacement therapy?

Yes. Women experiencing symptoms associated with perimenopause, menopause, or other hormone deficiencies may benefit from personalized hormone therapy after a comprehensive evaluation.