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Bioidentical Hormone Replacement Therapy

Bioidentical Hormones

Bioidentical hormone replacement therapy or BHRT is a term used to described the balancing of hormones using compounds which are identical to what is produced normally in the body.  This type of therapy is individualized according to the patient's symptoms and prior hormone responses as well as taking into consideration prior medical history and previous side-effects with other medications. While bioidentical hormone therapy is not considered FDA-approved, the components used ARE FDA-approved. Many patients seek alternatives to traditional hormone replacement due to the known risks and side-effects. While no type of hormone therapy is considered risk-free, most patients are able to enjoy improvement in symptoms while reducing risks in a carefully-monitored approach.

There are many types of bioidentical hormone replacement. These may include capsules, troches, lozenges, creams, gels, patches and sterile subcutaneous pellets or implants.

 

What therapy is the best choice for hormone replacement therapy?

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While there are many options for hormone replacement, the availability and types of bioidentical options are a bit more limited. The choice of the exact form/type of replacement depends on many factors, including the patient's age and medical history.

 

Subcutaneous hormone pellet therapy is a highly effective form of BHRT. This unique treatment method is based on prescribing the right kind of hormone, in the correct amounts, using a unique delivery system.  Dr. Strobel is one of the nation's most experienced providers of subcutaneous implants for hormone replacement. The other providers in our office are also experienced and offer this innovative, time-proven method of bioidentical hormone therapy.  Hormone replacement in a word is balance. Hormonal balance is key to your well-being and is a delicate thing to achieve.  Other hormone replacement therapies rarely accomplish or maintain the hormonal equilibrium your body depends on for optimum health. With pellet therapy, your body can return to normal hormonal balance.

Bioidentical hormones are natural, plant-derived compounds that have the same molecular structure as those made by the human body.  Unlike synthetics, our bodies can readily recognize and metabolize them.  It may surprise you to know that bioidentical pellets have been used successfully by patients throughout Europe, Japan and the United States since the 1930’s.  Study after study has shown that, when prescribed and administered correctly, bioidentical pellets can benefit a variety of conditions including depression, weight gain and osteoporosis.

 

Although there are other bioidentical delivery methods available (i.e., the creams, pills, injections and even micronized capsules), many times these methods cannot provide a steady stream of hormone in your bloodstream 24/7.  That means you are still subject to a roller coaster ride of hormone levels.  And even through patches do provide a constant stream of hormones, they have to be changed often and do not contain all of the necessary hormone components. Some patients do not even absorb the active ingredient when delivered through the skin in a patch or cream!

 

Are you a candidate for hormone pellet therapy?

 

Symptoms of hormone imbalance vary widely from person to person but may include fatigue, weight gain, altered sense of well-being, increase in sweating, joint pain, sleep problems, irritability, nervousness, depressed mood, exhaustion, declining mental ability or decreased focus, and feeling you have "passed your peak". 

 

Females may also describe hot flashes, vaginal dryness (or even painful intercourse), little or no sex drive (libido), mood swings/depression/anxiety, night sweats, weight gain and sleeplessness. Low testosterone levels alone (even 10-15 years BEFORE menopause) can cause fatigue, mood swings, irritability, memory problems, trouble sleeping, trouble concentrating, low libido and decreased muscle strength. 

Males may also complain of new onset migraine headaches, erectile dysfunction, decreased muscle strength, shrinking testicles, breast development, rapid hair loss, decreased facial hair or beard growth, decreased ejaculation, no results with ED medications and decreased or absent morning erections (upon waking). 

Call the office today to schedule a hormone evaluation appointment with one of our experienced providers today!

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