Hormone Optimization Therapy

Why Hormones Matter for Longevity

Hormones are the body's chemical messengers, orchestrating virtually every physiological process from metabolism and immune function to cognitive performance and tissue repair. As we age, hormone production naturally declines—a process that begins surprisingly early, often in our 30s and 40s. This gradual decline contributes significantly to many symptoms we associate with ageing: declining energy, reduced muscle mass, increased body fat, diminished libido, cognitive changes, and decreased resilience.

The field of longevity medicine recognises that optimising hormone levels to more youthful ranges can significantly improve healthspan and quality of life. Hormone optimization therapy isn't about achieving supraphysiological levels; rather, it's about restoring the hormonal balance your body enjoyed in its prime, enabling optimal function across all systems.

Our Approach to Hormone Optimization

At Longevity Centre London, hormone optimization is never a one-size-fits-all protocol. We take a comprehensive, personalised approach that begins with detailed assessment and continues with careful monitoring and adjustment.

Hormone Therapies We Offer

Testosterone Replacement Therapy (TRT)

Testosterone is often called the "master hormone" for good reason. In men, testosterone levels peak in the late 20s and decline by approximately 1-2% per year thereafter. By age 50, many men have testosterone levels 30-40% lower than their peak, contributing to symptoms including reduced muscle mass, increased body fat (particularly abdominal), declining energy and motivation, reduced libido and sexual function, cognitive changes, and mood alterations.

Our testosterone replacement therapy programme uses bioidentical testosterone delivered through the most appropriate method for your needs—typically intramuscular injections, topical gels, or subcutaneous pellets. We carefully monitor not just testosterone levels but also oestradiol (which can rise when testosterone is converted by aromatase), DHT, haematocrit, and prostate markers to ensure safe, effective optimization.

Oestrogen & Progesterone Optimization (Women)

For women, the hormonal transition through perimenopause and menopause can significantly impact quality of life and long-term health. Declining oestrogen and progesterone contribute to hot flushes, sleep disturbances, mood changes, cognitive symptoms, vaginal dryness, bone density loss, and cardiovascular risk increases.

Bioidentical hormone replacement therapy (BHRT) for women uses oestradiol (the primary oestrogen) and progesterone in forms and doses tailored to your individual needs. We offer multiple delivery methods including transdermal patches, topical creams, and oral micronized progesterone. The goal is to restore hormonal balance whilst minimising risks, with careful attention to timing (earlier initiation is generally safer), formulation, and monitoring.

Thyroid Optimization

Thyroid hormones regulate metabolism, energy production, body temperature, and countless other functions. Subclinical hypothyroidism (borderline low thyroid function) is remarkably common, particularly in women, and often goes undiagnosed because standard testing focuses only on TSH levels.

We take a comprehensive approach to thyroid assessment, measuring not just TSH but also free T4, free T3, reverse T3, and thyroid antibodies. When indicated, we use thyroid hormone replacement—either T4 alone (levothyroxine) or combination T4/T3 therapy—titrated to achieve optimal function rather than just "normal" lab values.

Growth Hormone & IGF-1 Optimization

Growth hormone (GH) and its mediator insulin-like growth factor 1 (IGF-1) decline significantly with age, a process sometimes called "somatopause." Low GH/IGF-1 contributes to reduced muscle mass, increased body fat, decreased bone density, impaired recovery, and reduced quality of life.

Whilst direct growth hormone replacement remains controversial and expensive, we offer several evidence-based approaches to optimising GH/IGF-1 including growth hormone secretagogues (peptides that stimulate natural GH production), lifestyle interventions (exercise, sleep optimization, intermittent fasting), and in select cases, low-dose growth hormone therapy under careful medical supervision.

DHEA & Pregnenolone

DHEA (dehydroepiandrosterone) and pregnenolone are precursor hormones that decline markedly with age. DHEA serves as a precursor to both testosterone and oestrogen, whilst pregnenolone is the "mother hormone" from which all steroid hormones are derived. Supplementation with these hormones can support overall hormonal balance, cognitive function, mood, and vitality.

Benefits of Hormone Optimization

When properly implemented and monitored, hormone optimization therapy can deliver significant improvements across multiple dimensions of health and wellbeing:

The Hormone Optimization Process

Initial Consultation & Testing (Week 1)

Your journey begins with a comprehensive consultation with one of our consultant physicians. We review your symptoms, medical history, lifestyle factors, and health goals. You'll undergo detailed hormone testing including sex hormones (testosterone, oestradiol, progesterone, DHEA), thyroid panel (TSH, free T4, free T3, reverse T3, antibodies), metabolic markers, and other relevant biomarkers.

Results Review & Treatment Plan (Week 3-4)

Once your results are available, we schedule a follow-up consultation to review findings and develop your personalised hormone optimization plan. We discuss the rationale for any recommended interventions, expected benefits, potential risks, monitoring protocols, and answer all your questions. If hormone therapy is appropriate, we'll prescribe the specific formulations and doses tailored to your needs.

Initiation & Titration (Months 1-3)

You begin your hormone therapy with close monitoring during the initial titration phase. We typically schedule follow-up blood work at 6-8 weeks to assess your response and make any necessary adjustments. Most patients notice initial improvements within 2-4 weeks, with full benefits emerging over 3-6 months.

Ongoing Optimization (Months 3+)

Once your hormones are optimised, we transition to maintenance monitoring—typically every 3-6 months. We track not just hormone levels but also clinical response, side effects, and long-term safety markers. Your protocol may be adjusted over time based on your response, changing needs, and evolving goals.

Safety & Monitoring

Hormone optimization therapy is remarkably safe when properly prescribed and monitored by experienced physicians. We follow evidence-based protocols and conduct regular monitoring to minimise risks:

• Regular blood work to ensure hormone levels remain in optimal ranges
• Cardiovascular monitoring including blood pressure, lipids, and inflammatory markers
• Prostate health surveillance for men (PSA, digital rectal exam)
• Breast health monitoring for women (clinical exams, mammography as appropriate)
• Metabolic assessment including glucose, insulin, and liver function
• Bone density scans to track skeletal health

Who is a Candidate for Hormone Optimization?

Hormone optimization therapy may be appropriate if you're experiencing:

• Declining energy, motivation, or vitality despite adequate sleep and healthy lifestyle
• Changes in body composition (increased fat, reduced muscle) despite diet and exercise
• Reduced libido or sexual function
• Cognitive changes including brain fog, memory issues, or difficulty concentrating
• Mood alterations including low mood, irritability, or anxiety
• Sleep disturbances or reduced sleep quality
• Menopausal or perimenopausal symptoms (women)
• Laboratory-confirmed hormone deficiencies

Hormone therapy is most effective when initiated relatively early in the decline process, typically in the 40s-60s, though it can benefit individuals at any age with confirmed deficiencies.

Investment

Hormone optimization therapy is a long-term investment in your health and vitality. Initial consultation and comprehensive hormone testing starts from £650. Ongoing therapy costs vary based on the specific hormones prescribed and delivery methods used, typically ranging from £150-400 per month including medications and monitoring.

Patients enrolled in our concierge membership programme receive preferential rates on hormone optimization services and priority access to our physicians.