by Deborah Meza
Bio-Identical hormone replacement therapy has been proven to relieve symptoms of menopause in women, restoring lost vitality due to age-related hormone changes. It is designed to replenish the testosterone and/or estrogen that women progressively lose after they hit their mid-40s.
Women can benefit from maintaining adequate levels of testosterone, which improves both mental and physical well-being. Testosterone increases both muscle strength and bone density and helps to decrease fat mass.
Recent studies suggest it may also aid in the prevention of certain chronic diseases such as Alzheimer’s disease and Parkinson’s disease. Other benefits include increased energy and sense of well-being as well as an improvement in memory and ability to concentrate. It also can significantly increase libido and sex drive.
What are the potential benefits of testosterone and estrogen replacement therapy?
TESTOSTERONE HRT IN WOMEN
- Increased energy and vitality
- Improved sleep
- Relief of migraine or menstrual headache
- Relief from depression, decreased anxiety
- Increased muscle mass and bone density
- Decrease soft fatty tissue
- Improved skin (increased collagen and elastin)
- Increased concentration and memory
- Decreased aches, pains, and stiffness
- Improved libido and sexual satisfaction
- Cognitive clarity
- Cholesterol lowering
ESTROGEN HRT IN WOMEN
- Increased energy
- Decreased irritability and depression
- Decreased hot flashes
- Decreased night sweats
- Improved sleep
- Decreased joint pain
- Decreased urinary problems
- Decreased headaches
- Improved skin (increased collagen and elastin)
The most common forms of HRT treatment using bioidentical hormones are creams, gels, and pills. Many are choosing pellets, patches or injections.
CREAMS, GELS, PILLS AND PATCHES
Bioidentical hormone cream, gels, pills and patches of varying strength (individualized for each woman’s needs) are commonly used for estrogen progesterone, cortisol and testosterone. Thyroid hormones are usually offered in pill form as a hormonal replacement treatment. Some gels or creams are designed for vaginal use. Patches, like bioidentical hormone creams and gels, allow direct skin absorption throughout the day.
NOW WE COME TO PELLET THERAPY!
Pellet therapy has been available in the United States since 1939. It is a sustainable delivery method for bioidentical hormone therapy. The studied effect the pellets have on your body is nearly identical to the way hormones are naturally produced in healthy 30-something-year-old women.
Each pellet is custom made to fit an individual’s unique body chemistry and is based on overall wellbeing, physical exam, lab results, age and weight.
The long lasting pellets make this form of hormone therapy especially easy and convenient. You only need to meet with your physician every three to six months for an easy insertion. During the simple in-office procedure, the tiny pellets are inserted into the hip, buttock area. The small incision site requires just a small bandage. The pellets, which contain estradiol and/or testosterone, react to the needs of your body by secreting hormones just as your body naturally would do.
Most patients notice a difference very quickly. However, it can take up to two weeks for the full effect to be felt. Results can last between three and six months. Your physician will closely monitor your progress to ensure that you sustain proper hormone levels and to determine the timing for subsequent pellet insertions.
Regardless of your menopause treatment methods, you can rest assured that your doctor will help you find relief from the uncomfortable symptoms and chronic health issues caused by your hormonal imbalance.
Contact a highly trained bioidentical hormone doctor to schedule an appointment and learn more about how a hormonal replacement treatment plan can relieve your symptoms and improve your life.
Deborah Meza is a medical aesthetician, laser technician and massage therapist #187 at the Woman’s Clinic, 4577 13th St., Gulfport, 39755; (228) 341-7879 or (228) 864-2752 (clinic).