Hormone Replacement

What is hormone replacement therapy?

Hormone replacement therapy corrects imbalances of estrogen and progesterone that occur later in life when your cycle changes and ultimately ceases. You take synthetic or natural hormones to replace the hormones you no longer produce.

Why would a woman need hormone replacement therapy?

When your hormones fluctuate in the years just before your period ceases, hormone replacement therapy may help level them out so you don’t experience as many mood swings and hot flashes, or mental fog and vaginal dryness. Correcting hormone imbalances can improve your energy levels and make you feel better overall.

Women who have a hysterectomy prior to menopause experience “surgical menopause,” and may also benefit from hormone therapy. Whether used after a hysterectomy or natural menopause, hormone replacement offers possible protection against heart disease, unexplained weight gain, and osteoporosis.

Who is the ideal candidate?

Women who benefit from hormone therapy are those with severe menopausal symptoms. You may also consider the therapy if you have a family history of osteoporosis.

Women who’ve undergone surgical menopause after a hysterectomy usually benefit from estrogen-only hormone therapy.

When you undergo natural menopause, a combination of estrogen and progesterone is appropriate. Just taking estrogen increases your risk of cancer of the uterine lining. Adding progesterone encourages you to still shed this lining, so the risk of developing cancerous cells diminishes.

When should a woman start hormone therapy?

The average age of menopause is 51, but many women begin sooner or later. Consider therapy when you start to have symptoms that interfere with your life, not before. You can safely continue therapy for four or five years.  

How do you take hormones?

Hormone replacement is available in a variety of forms. Talk to Dr. Lorenzo about the one that is best for your lifestyle and symptoms. Pills, a patch, time-released pellets, vaginal rings, creams, and gels are all options.

Are there risks with hormone therapy?

Women with a heightened risk of breast cancer or with a history of blood clots should not use hormone therapy. If you don’t experience menopausal symptoms, the therapy is unnecessary, too. Hormone therapy can increase some women’s risk of developing breast cancer, heart disease, and stroke. Discuss your concerns and your health history with Dr. Lorenzo. In many cases, the benefits of hormone therapy outweigh any risks.

BIO-IDENTICAL HORMONE PELLET THERAPY

Bioidentical Hormone Replacement Therapy (BHRT) is an alternative to traditional hormone replacement therapy (HRT) that uses hormones that are structurally identical to those produced by the human body. One form of BHRT is the use of bioidentical estrogen and testosterone pellets. This therapy is used to help alleviate symptoms of menopause and other conditions related to hormonal imbalances.

For women, the loss of estrogen and testosterone as they age can lead to a variety of symptoms such as hot flashes, mood swings, low libido, vaginal dryness, and decreased energy levels. BHRT can help alleviate these symptoms and improve overall quality of life.

Bioidentical hormone pellets are small, rice-sized pellets made of plant-derived hormones that are customized to each patient’s unique hormone levels. They are inserted just under the skin in a quick, minimally invasive procedure and release a consistent, low dose of hormones over a period of three to six months.

One of the benefits of using pellets is that they provide a sustained and consistent release of hormones, avoiding the fluctuations that can occur with other forms of BHRT such as creams or pills. This consistent release of hormones can also lead to improved mood, increased energy levels, and a reduction in hot flashes.

In addition to providing symptom relief, bioidentical hormone pellet therapy has been shown to have other health benefits. For example, estrogen replacement has been linked to a reduced risk of osteoporosis and cardiovascular disease. Testosterone replacement in women has been linked to improved libido, energy levels, and mental clarity.

It’s important to note that while BHRT is considered a safe and effective treatment option for many women, it’s not right for everyone. Before starting therapy, it’s important to have a comprehensive evaluation and discuss the risks and benefits with a qualified healthcare provider.

Pellet therapy also requires maintenance and monitoring. Regular follow-up appointments are necessary to assess hormone levels and determine if any adjustments to the therapy are needed. It’s also important to discuss any changes in symptoms or health status with a healthcare provider, as well as any medications or supplements being taken.

In conclusion, bioidentical estrogen and testosterone pellet therapy can provide a safe and effective way for women to alleviate symptoms of hormonal imbalances and improve their overall quality of life. However, it’s important to have a thorough evaluation and discuss the risks and benefits with a qualified healthcare provider before starting therapy. Regular monitoring and maintenance appointments are also necessary for the best outcomes.

Insurance does not cover Pellet Hormone Replacement therapy. 

It is considered an elective procedure. You will responsible for payment at the time of the procedure.