Have You Considered Bioidentical Hormone Replacement?

I’ve been reading a lot about bioidentical hormones. Can you explain how they work?

While traditional synthetic hormones must be metabolized through the liver and converted into a different hormone, sometimes causing the opposite of the desired effect, bioidentical hormones enter your body, go directly to the receptor site, and achieve what you need them to. This is because they look exactly like your naturally occurring hormones. They can be tailored to your individual needs and be administered through creams, patches, pills, or pellets.

Why is hormone imbalance such a problem for men and women?

Hormonal imbalance can lead to any number of common health issues including fatigue, lack of energy, difficulty sleeping, irritability, anxiety, depression, reduced mental focus and memory, decreased muscle strength, joint pain, and reduced sexual desire and performance.

What results have you seen?

Thanks to bioidentical hormones, many of my patients are enjoying a balanced mood, improved sleep, reduced brain fog, decreased hot flashes, decreased vaginal dryness, increased stamina and energy, increased muscle mass, decreased fat mass, increased libido, heart protection, bone protection, brain protection, and enhanced sexual response and desire thanks to bioidentical hormones.

How soon can I expect to feel better?

With pellet therapy, you should notice a larger difference around the four-to-six-week mark. Most patients notice a difference within seven to 10 days of starting a new therapy. Sometimes we need to make adjustments to the treatment plan. I ask new patients to commit to two rounds of pellets to accommodate possible dosage adjustments before they’re feeling optimal. To achieve the best results it’s important to follow up with your practitioner for necessary blood work and consultation.

What does the process look like?

There are many variables, so hormone therapy isn’t one-size-fits all. Four to six weeks after starting therapy, we’ll want to obtain initial lab testing, then test periodically after that. But you shouldn’t require “labs” again for another year unless we’re adjusting your dose. The average price of pellet therapy for women is $350 every three to five months. For men it ranges from $650 to $750 every four to six months. Just because you age, doesn’t mean you should feel less than. Bioidentical hormones replicate the hormones you lose as you age, for a healthier, happier life.

What about thyroid management?

Thyroid function is involved in multiple aspects of your health including metabolism, temperature regulation, mood, and cardiac function. That’s why it’s important to find a provider who will evaluate the whole picture is imperative. Unfortunately, most primary care providers only look at your thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH) which doesn’t give the full picture of your thyroid status. It’s important to look at the Free T3 and Free T4 as well as looking at antibodies against the thyroid to determine if the patient has any autoimmune dysfunction causing a thyroid problem. Often, a patient with low thyroid symptoms, will have labs that appear normal. That’s why it’s important to follow up with additional testing such as looking at a reverse T3.