By Andrea Bickerton, M.D.
Bio-identical hormones have gained a lot of attention in recent years for managing aging-related symptoms caused by hormonal decline in men and women. Dr. Andrea Bickerton, MD of Refined Image discusses what all the talk is about.
Why are hormones important?
Hormones are chemicals produced by the body to help keep the body regulated. Hormones are created by multiple organs in the body including the brain, ovaries, testes, pancreas, thymus, thyroid, and adrenal glands. Hormones are then carried to different areas of the body where they help control many different functions including:
• Reproductive growth and development
• Metabolism of food and nutrients
• Cognition/mood
• Maintaining body temperature
• Controlling blood sugar levels
• Skin and hair growth
When hormone levels are not optimal it can lead to many changes in the way we feel and how our body functions. The most common hormonal changes we see and are most familiar with as we age are menopause/andropause, but thyroid dysfunction is also very common and can occur at any age.
What symptoms do you experience when hormone levels are low?
Common symptoms experienced by women:
• Hot flashes
• Night sweats
• Vaginal dryness
• Depression and anxiety
• Mood swings
• Decreased libido
• Dry, less elastic skin
• Dry, thinning hair
Common symptoms experienced by men:
• Decreased libido and sexual performance
• Decreased muscle mass
• Decreased energy and stamina
• Weight gain
• Difficulty controlling blood sugar levels
• Mood swings, depression, anxiety
Hormone replacement therapy is a way of reducing these symptoms by replenishing hormones to their previous levels.
What is bio-identical hormone replacement?
Bio-identical hormone replacement therapy (BHRT) is the use of hormones that are molecularly identical to the hormones naturally made in our bodies and provide an effective treatment for the relief of menopausal symptoms in women, decreased testosterone levels in men, and decreased thyroid hormone levels.
What is the difference between synthetic and bio-identical hormones?
Structurally synthetic and bio-identical hormones are similar; the main difference is that synthetic hormones are typically made with chemicals and bio-identical hormones are sourced from plants such as yams and soybeans.
Is BHRT safe?
Bio-identical hormone replacement therapy has been used since the 1940’s and offers a slow, continuous absorption of plant-based hormones that are identical in structure to the hormones naturally produced by the ovaries and testes.
Beyond relieving the unpleasant side effects that come with decreases in hormone levels as we age, BHRT can also be protective against certain ailments such as heart disease, osteoporosis, and mood disorders to name a few.
BHRT also has the added benefit of not increasing the risk of blood clots as some oral hormone therapies do because it does not have to go through the liver. BHRT in the form of pellets also offers the advantage of a steady level of hormone in the body rather than the constantly fluctuating levels seen with oral, topical, or injectable therapies.
In certain patients there are oral supplements that are required to prevent unpleasant side effects such as increased breast tissue in men and vaginal bleeding in women with a uterus.
How are the pellets inserted?
Pellets are inserted in-office in a quick 5-minute sterile procedure. The area of insertion is numbed with a topical anesthetic and the pellets are placed within subcutaneous fat of the upper gluteal/buttock region.
What can I expect after pellet insertion?
You may have some soreness, swelling, and bruising at the insertion site for a few days. You will also be asked to refrain from exercise that uses gluteal muscles (i.e. cycling, running, squats).
How long until the effects of the hormones are noticed?
On average, most patients report a noticeable difference in 7-10 days, but everyone is different.
How long do pellets last?
For women, pellets typically last 3-4 months and for men they typically last 5-6 months. This varies based on your activity level with more active people needing replacements sooner than more sedentary patients.
Summary:
No two patients are alike and BHRT allows for treatment to be customized based on your particular needs and medical history. While most patients are able to be treated with BHRT, Dr. Bickerton will discuss your personal situation and provide compassionate support, as well as explain the possible risks so that an educated decision can be made on the treatment that’s right for you.
Call Refined Image today at 239-302-3540 or book an appointment online at www.refinedimagenaples.com to get started.
Refined Image
8855 Immokalee Rd. Unit 11
Naples, FL 34120
239-302-3540
www.refinedimagenaples.com