Bioidentical Hormone Therapy
Have you experienced fatigue, weight gain, lack of sex drive or other symptoms often associated with aging? Have you assumed this is something you simply have to live with?
Both men and women can experience these and other symptoms as their hormone levels change throughout their life. However, bio-identical hormone management can offer relief from these supposed “signs of aging,” helping you feel healthy for longer.
Do You Have Hormone Imbalance ?
The levels of hormones like estrogen, progesterone, testosterone, and cortisol can begin to decline when many men and women are in their mid-thirties.
These Changes Can Cause A Wide Range Of Symptoms, Including:
- Tiredness and chronic fatigue
- Changes in mood
- Hot flashes
- Night sweats
- Difficulty sleeping
- Memory loss
- Loss of libido
- Sexual dysfunction
- Feelings of anxiety and depression
- Weight gain
- High cholesterol
- High blood pressure
- Bone demineralization
Bio-identical hormone replacement therapy can relieve these symptoms by carefully monitoring and increasing when necessary the level of estrogen, progesterone, testosterone, and/or DHEA hormones in the body.
What Are Bio-Identical Hormones?
Many people are familiar with synthetic hormones marketed by pharmaceutical companies. These include Premarin, Prempro, Provera, etc. These compounds are synthetically manufactured, and therefore, are slightly different from the hormones that naturally occur in the body. These artificial, prescription hormones intend to function similarly to the patient’s own natural hormones.
Unlike synthetic hormones, bio-identical hormones are manufactured to have the exact same molecular structure as the hormones made by the human body. Because these compounds are natural, they are metabolized along the same metabolic pathways as the endogenous, or naturally produced hormones. It is believed that fewer side effects are another benefit of mimicking natural hormone metabolism.
How Does Bio-Identical Hormone Management Work?
Patients will undergo a complete evaluation and testing, including lab testing of current hormone levels (commonly called a “hormone panel”). When necessary, a precise dosage of bio-identical estrogen, progesterone and testosterone will be prescribed. Every patient will be monitored carefully and have hormone levels checked every few months in order to provide symptom relief with the lowest possible dosage of bio-identical hormones.
Hormone Pellets
Hormone pellets are sub-dermal implants that are condensed into small pills. These pellets are about the size of a Tic Tac and are typically placed through a tiny incision at or above the hip. Once implanted, the pellets will slowly and consistently release hormones into the body, resulting in increased levels for 3-5 months. The pellets will naturally dissolve and do not need to be removed.
In addition to prescribing bio-identical hormones, Align Primary Care also works with patients to make diet and lifestyle changes that support optimal hormone balance.
Bio-identical Hormone pellet therapy is not covered by Health insurance plans.