Bioidentical Hormone Therapy
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Physician-led bioidentical hormone therapy for men and women in Surfside Beach — beginning with a two-hour initial consultation, state-of-the-art lab testing, and a program customized to your individual physiology. One size does not fit all.
MEET YOUR PHYSICIAN
Allen Smolenski, M.D.
Dr. Smolenski founded Coastal Medical Clinic in 2009 after his own health transformation — losing nearly 60 pounds, then placing third in a national natural bodybuilding contest at age 44. His patients travel from as far as Virginia for help with hormone balance, nutritional deficiencies and age-related illness.
Emergency Medicine physician · Fellowship training in Anti-Aging & Regenerative Medicine (A4M) · Founder, Coastal Medical Clinic
Meet Dr. Smolenski →“Thanks to Dr. Allen I feel 21 again and have my life back! For over 20 years I suffered with incredible headaches... Dr. Allen changed my life for good once he started me on my hormone regimen. My headaches completely disappeared and now I am off all pain medications.”
— Heidi, patient from Pawleys Island, SC
What are bioidentical hormones?
Bioidentical hormones are identical in molecular structure to the hormones men and women make in their own bodies. Bioidentical hormone therapy is often called “natural hormone therapy” because these hormones act in the body just like the hormones we produce — the body can't distinguish bioidentical hormones from the ones your ovaries and testes produce.
That has a practical advantage: on a laboratory test, your total estradiol reflects both the bioidentical estradiol you've taken and the estradiol your body makes, so levels can be monitored precisely and treatment individualized. Synthetic hormones such as Premarin — produced from the urine of pregnant horses — are metabolized into various forms of estrogen that standard laboratory tests don't measure, leaving their levels and effects in the body unknown.
Bioidentical vs. synthetic hormones
Hormone levels decline as we age, and this is one of the leading theories of why our health declines over time. Bioidentical hormone therapy replenishes the hormones the body needs to function. Bioidentical hormones differ from synthetic hormone replacement drugs in an important way: they are metabolized, stored, and converted into other hormones the same way as our natural hormones. Because the body handles them the way nature designed, bioidentical therapy typically carries fewer side effects — synthetic hormones are often too strong and produce unbearable side effects.
At Coastal Medical Clinic, Dr. Smolenski uses natural, bioidentical hormones instead of bio-similar or synthetic hormones. He also assesses you for nutritional deficiencies and guides you through proper diet and exercise — because only an integrative approach combining nutrition, exercise and hormone balance achieves optimal health.
Signs of a hormone imbalance
The classic signs of menopause include hot flashes, memory loss, mood swings, weight gain, thin skin and wrinkles, vaginal dryness, breast tenderness and atrophy, loss of muscle tone and strength, hair loss, bone loss and osteoporosis, dental loss, loss of bladder control and frequent urinary infections. Dr. Smolenski treats women suffering from menopause, perimenopause and premenstrual syndrome (PMS) with a customized treatment program designed around their unique physiologic needs.
Men have hormone imbalances too. Unlike women — who notice imbalances quickly because of monthly hormonal changes — men's build up slowly over years: low sex drive and erectile dysfunction, weight gain, muscle loss, urinary problems, irritability, depression, fatigue, even hot flashes. Andropause, or male menopause, is best diagnosed with a thorough history and medical exam together with laboratory tests that are sensitive and specific for evaluating your individual hormones.
What your care includes
Bioidentical hormone therapy at Coastal Medical Clinic is a complete program, not a prescription:
A two-hour initial consultation
An unprecedented two hours with Dr. Smolenski: a comprehensive review of symptoms, medical, family and social history, and a physical exam — with ample time for your questions. You will not feel rushed.
State-of-the-art laboratory testing
Saliva, urine and blood specimens assess your hormone balance, cardiovascular risk factors and nutritional deficiencies.
A customized treatment program
A comprehensive bioidentical hormone therapy and anti-aging program built for you. You receive a copy of your labs and a written plan detailing your unique needs and the research behind your treatment goals.
Ongoing evaluations
Follow-up focuses on balancing your hormones in accordance with your symptoms. Advanced metabolic and genomic testing is offered to guide breast and prostate cancer prevention.
Fitness and nutrition programs
Programs designed to maximize your body's own systems of growth and repair, with individualized weight loss programs offered as needed.
Stress reduction strategies
Strategies designed to lower the catabolic hormone cortisol and support the anabolic hormones, such as growth hormone and testosterone.
A local compounding pharmacy
The highest quality bioidentical hormones are provided through a local compounding pharmacy — or shipped to your home or office if you live outside the area or prefer a more private delivery.
A customized vitamin program
Pharmaceutical-grade nutraceuticals, vitamins, minerals and herbs in convenient daily packets — no shopping, and for less than the products would cost purchased individually.
Fees and getting started
Because everyone is an individual — with their own physiology, risk factors and health concerns — not everyone requires the same laboratory testing. Only after the thorough two-hour consultation will Dr. Smolenski know what testing your program needs. Beware of anyone who insists you purchase expensive labs before they have even seen you.
Our pricing is extremely competitive. Your consultation is with a medical doctor certified by the American Board of Anti-Aging Medicine and fellowship trained in Anti-Aging and Regenerative Medicine. To review current fees for your situation, call 843-477-1602 — we will work with your individual needs to make any required testing as affordable as possible.
RELATED ARTICLES
Keep reading
Estrogen Dominance
What estrogen dominance is, how it develops, and the symptoms it can drive.
Read article →Menopause and Hormone Replacement
How hormone replacement fits into menopause care, in Dr. Smolenski's own writing.
Read article →What Does a Low DHEA Mean?
DHEA's role in the hormone picture — and what a low result actually tells you.
Read article →Ready to discuss what's next?
Request a consultation with Dr. Smolenski to discuss your concerns, your evaluation, and the appropriate next steps for your care.