Kathleen A. MacIsaac, MD, PLLC
INTEGRATIVE FUNCTIONAL MEDICINE
“I’ve worked with Dr. Kate for over ten years. She brings a unique, data-based approach to her integrative medicine practice. This, combined with her caring demeanor, makes Dr. Kate a rare find.
She is my fountain of youth!”
- Michele D.
Feel Like Yourself Again
Hormone imbalances can impact both women and men, leading to a range of frustrating symptoms like fatigue, mood swings, low energy, and changes in physical health. Whether you’re navigating menopause or experiencing andropause (age-related hormone decline in men), Dr. MacIsaac offers personalized bioidentical hormone replacement therapy (BHRT) to restore balance and improve your quality of life.
How does BHRT hormone therapy work?
Bioidentical hormone replacement therapy (BHRT) hormone therapy works by rebalancing the hormones your body needs to function at its best. For women, this can mean addressing imbalances in estrogen and progesterone related to menopause. For men, BHRT commonly involves supplementing testosterone levels to alleviate the symptoms of andropause.
Hormones act as the body’s chemical messengers, controlling almost every major function. When hormone levels are low or imbalanced, it can disrupt everything from your mood to your energy levels. BHRT uses natural, plant-derived hormones that mimic your body’s own to safely and effectively address the root causes of hormonal imbalances, not just the symptoms themselves.
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Is BHRT Right For Me?
Dr. MacIsaac uses hormone therapy to treat a wide range of issues in both men and women, including:
For Women:
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Menopause symptoms (hot flashes, night sweats, mood swings)
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Low energy and fatigue
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Weight gain
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Insomnia and sleep disturbances
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Mood disorders (anxiety, depression)
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Decreased libido
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Osteoporosis prevention
For Men:
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Andropause (testosterone deficiency)
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Low energy and fatigue
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Erectile dysfunction and decreased libido
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Mood disorders (irritability, depression)
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Difficulty building muscle or losing fat
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Sleep disturbances
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Cognitive issues like lack of focus or memory problems
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Prostate health and bone density support
Schedule a consultation to see if BHRT could help you feel your best again!
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Why do people typically seek Bioidentical Hormone Therapy (BHRT)?The most common symptoms are fatigue, lack of mental clarity, hot flashes, night sweats, insomnia, weight increases, mood fluctuations and low libido. Aside from symptom relief, BHRT has been shown to be effective management for osteoporosis, prevention of dementia and overall decreased risk of stroke and heart attack.
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What hormones are examined or evaluated?Dr. MacIsaac evaluates key hormones, including sex hormones (estrogen, progesterone, testosterone), as well as insulin, cortisol, DHEA, thyroid hormones, and growth hormone.
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What is the difference between bioidentical hormones and synthetic hormones?As the name implies, the bioidentical hormones are identical in chemical structure to what the ovaries make in women and the testicles make in men. The conventional, synthetic hormones are a totally different chemical structure and are not naturally found in the body, which can lead to unwanted side effects.
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Are bioidentical hormones safe?Yes, bioidentical hormones are considered safe, especially when started soon after hormone decline. Recent studies show that bioidentical hormones can actually reduce the risk of heart disease, stroke, osteoporosis, and dementia when used appropriately.
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How long do I need to stay on hormone therapy? Are they safe to use long-term?Because the hormones are bioidentical and familiar to the body, they are safe and recommended indefinitely. The newest research recommends starting them soon after hormones start declining in menopause or andropause, so that the body has the protective features of the hormones ongoing.
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How often will I need to come in for treatment?All hormones are assessed by blood work and review of systems. Each case is individualized based on genetics, lifestyle and previous medical history that will be reviewed at the first visit. When you first start the hormones, you will have the first follow up in 4-6 weeks to check the clinical response. You should be feeling the effects by this point. First recheck of labs will be at 6-8 weeks. Sometimes things need to be slightly changed here and there. Remember, when you were creating your own hormones, the levels would change from day to day, always helping to provide the body with what it needed, moment to moment. In post-menopausal and andropause states, the dosing from the outside hormones is constant, so regulating them is a dynamic process. Once you’re doing well on them, you can come in less often.
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What are the benefits of BHRT?From a symptom standpoint, you can expect better sleep, mood, mental clarity, strength, endurance, libido and overall sense of wellbeing, and for women specifically, a decrease in night sweats and hot flashes.
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Do men need hormone replacement therapy? Do you treat men?Yes! In men, BHRT is most used to address the symptoms of andropause, an age-related decline in male hormone levels called testosterone deficiency. Although it has been compared to menopause in women, the decrease in hormones and onset of symptoms during andropause in men is slower and subtler than it is in women. However, low testosterone levels can occur for many reasons at any age, even as early as the teenage years. When a man’s hormone levels are low, hormone replacement therapy may help relieve a wide array of different symptoms, both physical and emotional.
What to Expect
Step 1
Schedule your initial consultation, where Dr. MacIsaac will get to know your health history, symptoms, and goals.
Step 2
Comprehensive lab testing will identify imbalances in your hormone levels, including estrogen, progesterone, testosterone, cortisol, and more.
Step 3
Based on your results, Dr. MacIsaac will design a personalized hormone therapy plan that works best for your body, whether that means pills, creams, or other natural methods.