Services
What is Bio-Identical Hormone Replacement Therapy (BHRT)?
What does Bio-Identical mean?
This means that the hormone composition within the pellet is of the exact same chemical and molecular structure to the hormones made in our body. This allows the hormone (our “key”) to act directly on the receptor (“lock”). B/c it is bio-identical, it can do so in the same way as our own natural hormones do.
Hormones are involved in most of the body’s basic functions like digestion, appetite, immune function, brain function, libido, and mood. Low or imbalanced hormone levels can have widespread effects on your health and feeling of well-being. For many people, the solution is hormone replacement therapy, which just as it sounds, is the use of medications to replace the hormones your body isn’t producing. Hormones are messenger chemicals that tell other parts of the body how and when to work. They control almost all tasks in the body. Low or imbalanced hormone levels can have widespread effects on your health and feeling of well-being.
What are some BHRT Benefits for Men?
As men age, they experience a decline in their vitality as testosterone levels fall. This typically starts around age 40, however, most men will not experience symptoms till they are in their 50s. What symptoms are associated with declining testosterone levels?
- Fatigue
- Declining muscle mass
- Weight gain
- Sleep disturbance
- Irritability
- Reduced libido
- Loss of stamina
- Possible erectile dysfunction
There are also clinical studies which have shown that a declining testosterone level is associated with an increased risk for poor cardiac health, elevated lipid levels, diabetes, reduced bone density, and prostate cancer.
Bioidentical hormone replacement (BHRT) via the use of pellets is a specific form of hormone replacement therapy that involves the gentle insertion of small, solid pellets containing hormones into the body. In men, hormone replacement pellet therapy is typically used to treat symptoms of andropause, which is the male equivalent of menopause. Some potential benefits of hormone replacement pellet therapy for men may include:
- Improved energy levels and vitality
- Enhanced sex drive and performance
- Improved mental clarity and focus
- Increased muscle mass and strength
- Improved mood and quality of life
It is important to note that hormone replacement pellet therapy is not right for everyone and may not be suitable for men with certain medical conditions or taking certain medications. It is important to discuss the potential benefits and risks of hormone replacement pellet therapy with a healthcare provider before starting treatment.
What are some BHRT Benefits for Women?
For women, BHRT is primarily used to treat the symptoms of perimenopause and menopause. However, hormone imbalances can occur at any age, even in women in their 20s. Bioidentical hormones, which are man-made, have the same molecular structure and act the same as natural human hormones. The most common hormones used in BHRT for women are estrogens (estradiol (E2) and estriol (E3)) and progesterone. Testosterone, progesterone, and/or DHEA may also be part of a treatment plan for some patients.
In women, testosterone is a vital hormone for eliciting necessary physiological effects in multiple body tissues. It is important to note that testosterone is the most active sex hormone in women throughout her lifespan. What happens to testosterone levels when women age? As women age, reduction in testosterone leads to increased abdominal fat, hair loss, irritability, anxiety, depression, fatigue, reduced libido and orgasm potential, headaches, and a lack of well-being. There is also the benefit of reduced cardiovascular disease, reduced breast cancer risk, and improved bone density.
The 6 Key Benefits of BHRT (Women)
- Menopause Management
The most common use of BHRT is to treat the symptoms of menopause in women. These can include hot flashes, night sweats, vaginal dryness, sleep problems, fatigue, weight gain, loss of muscle mass, foggy thinking, and mood changes. - Loss of Bone Density
Postmenopausal osteoporosis affects many women during the first decade following menopause. Bones become brittle, fragile, and easily fractured. It is one of the most common
postmenopausal problems that doctors treat. - Improved Heart Health
Until women reach menopause, they are protected from many cardiovascular problems by their hormones. However, once estrogen and certain adrenal hormones start to decline, women may need hormone replacement therapy to help protect their heart and blood vessels. - Sexual Dysfunction
BHRT may help with vaginal dryness in women, decreased libido in both sexes,
and sexual functioning issues in men. - Muscle and Strength Loss
Men and women can lose muscle mass and strength as hormone levels decrease. Hormone replacement can help patients continue enjoying their favorite sports and activities. - Mood Disorders
Hormonal changes in menopause or andropause can cause or worsen mood swings, anxiety disorders, or depression. In addition to worry, fear, agitation, irritability, nervousness, and irrational thoughts, patients can have physical symptoms — rapid heart rate, shortness of breath, nausea, numbness, lightheadedness, shakiness, and high blood pressure.
Bioidentical hormone replacement (BHRT) via the use of pellets is a specific form of hormone replacement therapy that involves the gentle insertion of small, solid pellets containing hormones into the body. In women, hormone replacement pellet therapy is typically used to treat symptoms of menopause, such as hot flashes, night sweats, and vaginal dryness. Some potential benefits of hormone replacement pellet therapy for women may include:
- Relief of menopausal symptoms: Hormone replacement pellet therapy can help to alleviate the symptoms of menopause and improve quality of life.
- Improved bone health: Estrogen, which is one of the hormones that can be replaced with hormone replacement pellet therapy, plays a role in bone health. Hormone replacement therapy has been shown to reduce the risk of osteoporosis, a condition that causes the bones to become weak and brittle.
- Improved cardiovascular health: Some studies have suggested that hormone replacement therapy may reduce the risk of cardiovascular events such as heart attack and stroke in postmenopausal women.
It's important to note that hormone replacement pellet therapy is not right for everyone and may not be suitable for women with certain medical conditions or taking certain medications. It's important to discuss the potential benefits and risks of hormone replacement pellet therapy with a healthcare provider before starting treatment.