Bioidentical Hormone
Replacement Therapy (BHRT)
Bioidentical Hormone replacement therapy is an attempt to balance and replace hormones that are naturally declining in our body. Bioidentical hormone replacement therapy is hormone therapy that is the same chemical structure as the hormones that your body naturally produced. Our hormone levels are the closest to optimal when we are young. Unfortunately, these levels steadily decline with age. Declining hormone levels can create significant symptoms for many women and men. Also, deficient hormones can contribute significantly to serious health consequences such as heart disease, diabetes, sleep apnea, dementia, osteoporosis, obesity and many other problems.
There are several ways to administer hormone therapy. We can help you decide which way is best for you.
BHRT For Women
If you suspect declining hormone levels are causing mood swings, sleep problems, weight gain, loss of sexuality, brain fog, etc., it is time to consider BHRT. Estrogen, progesterone and testosterone may all need to be replaced. Testosterone is often the key to sustaining weight loss, improving vigor and maintaining sexuality.
These symptoms can be effectively treated with BHRT. We recommend hormone pellet therapy for the best results. But sometimes patients get a good response with hormone creams rubbed daily on their skin. Bloodwork is often necessary to guide treatment regimens.
BHRT For Men
Men also suffer from declining hormones with testosterone being the primary male hormone. The classic symptoms include increased body fat, decreased muscle mass and decreased libido. But men often present with other symptoms that can be attributed to declining testosterone levels such as: poor quality sleep, body aches, irritability, and decreased stamina.
Men with higher testosterone levels have been associated with decreased mortality compared to men with lower testosterone levels. We encourage lifestyle changes as well as supplementing testosterone to create the greatest benefit possible. Typically we prescribe hormone pellet therapy, topical creams or gels, or sometimes hormone trouches that are placed under the tongue or in the cheek in order to supplement testosterone.
Pellet Therapy
Hormone pellets are placed under the skin and consistently release small doses of hormones that help to optimize your health. Pellet doses can be customized to meet the needs of each individual. Pellets will help avoid the fluctuations of hormones that are delivered by other methods.
Pellet therapy generally lasts 3-4 months in women and 3-5 months in men. Pellets help with bone density, maintenance of muscle mass and stamina, improved sleep cycle, improved sex drive, and can help with weight maintenance. Women see a dramatic improvement in menopausal symptoms such as hot flashes, night sweats and irritability.
Topical Creams
Custom compounded hormone creams can be made that contain one or more hormones in varying amounts to meet each woman’s individual needs.
The pharmacist typically places creams in a plastic syringe that can deliver a precise daily dosage. This usually results in a significant reduction of menopausal symptoms and improved quality of life.
Men can use topical testosterone successfully as well.