Do you suffer from fatigue, insomnia, or hot flashes? Is your sex drive lower than it used to be? Has your mood been more volatile?
You may be saying to yourself, “The answer is yes…but what’s the big deal? Aren’t these just inevitable symptoms of aging?”
Well, that sentiment is correct on one front, at least: these symptoms are unfortunately widespread.
However, they don’t have to be.
Fatigue, insomnia, low libido, and mood swings are all signs of hormonal imbalance. A shortage of progesterone, testosterone or estrogen can cause a wealth of unpleasant symptoms.
The good news is that restoring balance to the body’s natural hormones can reduce or eliminate these symptoms!
How Does Bioidentical Hormone Replacement Work?
Bioidentical hormones have the exact same molecular structure as the hormones the body produces naturally. In the body, they mimic natural hormones, restoring balance and reducing the symptoms associated with hormone deficiencies.
Bioidentical hormone replacement therapy (BHRT) has further benefits. They can help reduce the risk of serious conditions such as osteoporosis, heart disease, and breast cancer and improve cognitive function.
There may be some risks and side effects associated with bioidentical hormone treatments. These include headaches, nausea, and acne. Before starting any bioidentical hormone treatment, discussing the possible risks with your healthcare provider is crucial.
BHRT treatments come in several forms, including pellets, oral medications, topical creams, and injections. We’ll explore the different treatment options in depth below.
BHRT Treatment Options
Injections
One option for hormone treatment is injection therapy. Injections produce consistent results. However, they typically require 4-8 injections per month. This makes them the most high-maintenance option. And the treatment is somewhat physically uncomfortable.
Topical Creams
Another type of bioidentical hormone treatment available is topical cream therapy. The application process is entirely free from pain. However, the cream has to be applied directly to the skin once or twice daily, depending on individual needs, making this another high-maintenance option. Unlike other methods, topical creams can cause some minor irritation for some people, and some have an unusual odor.
Pellets
Finally, pellet therapy is one of today’s most effective bioidentical hormone treatment methods. Pellets are small capsules (about the same size as a grain of rice) that are made from plant-based hormones. They are inserted just beneath the skin and slowly release hormones into the body over several months. Pellet therapy is known for its consistent results, as pellets provide a long-term, steady stream of hormones that help restore balance in the body over time.
While it depends on the specific patient, pellets typically serve as the most low-maintenance treatment option, with many patients only requiring a few treatments a year. The insertion process itself is quick and can be done with little or no discomfort.
Steps to Balancing Your Hormones
You may be thinking, “Okay, Doctor. This all sounds wonderful, but…how do I get started?”
The first step to restoring hormonal equilibrium in your body is to consult with your medical provider. Here at the Gallery of Aesthetics, we offer a consultation to discuss your concerns and symptoms. We then perform a simple blood test. This test reveals your hormone levels and whether you would be a good candidate for BHRT. Once the results are back, we will work closely with you to develop a customized hormone optimization plan that meets your needs.
Bioidentical hormone treatments are an effective way to help restore your body’s natural balance. They can improve your overall quality of life by relieving uncomfortable symptoms associated with hormonal imbalance, such as brain fog, depression, low libido, and lack of energy.
Schedule a consultation with Dr. Jeffrey Ayers, D.O., and Dr. Kylee Beckstrom, D.N.P., today to discuss which options would best suit your needs!
