Bio-identical hormones.....it's not just for hot flashes!!

When I went through menopause at 45, I just suffered through, because I didn't want to take synthetic hormones which increase the risk of breast cancer and heart disease. I knew about bio-identical creams and gels, but frankly I didn't think I was disciplined enough to rub them on my body everyday, and I worried about the rates of absorption if I was out running, sweating, swimming or if it happened to be in the dead of winter. Then I learned about bio-identical pellets...a LOT about pellets! I trained on them in Texas, talked to lots of patients and other doctors and then got them myself. What a difference it made in my life! Dr. Bayles has joined us at Sei Bella and would be happy to give you his perspective on them as well. There are so many benefits to bio-identical hormones, other than relieving hot flashes. And you only have to have them inserted 2-3 times per year in a quick, simple, painless office procedure. 

The average weight gain at menopause is 20 lbs due to loss of estrogen and testosterone. Women complain of memory problems, as do men who go through andropause and develop low testosterone. Women who are thin lose estrogen even faster. Estrogen has over 400 functions in our bodies. Some important ones include helping prevent Alzheimer's, increasing your metabolic rate, decreasing risk of cataracts, maintaining collagen in the skin (which keeps us looking young), decreasing risk of tooth loss, as well as decreasing the risk of heart disease and colon cancer.

Both men and women need testosterone. Besides the obvious symptoms of low testosterone we know about such as decreased libido, erectile dysfunction and fatigue, a low testosterone can cause other problems as well such as droopy eyelids, sagging cheeks, thin lips, and anxiety. Testosterone helps decrease fat and build muscle mass, maintains memory and supports bone strength. Medications such as birth control pills and statins (Crestor, Zocor, Pravachol, etc.) can lower tetosterone levels. I'm not advocating you stop these medications, just be aware. Endometriosis can also lower testosterone. 

Although progesterone is not given as a pellet, it can be taken orally or as a compounded cream. Synthetic progesterones are called progestins and can increase your appetite, lead to hair loss, and acne. Natural progesterone acts as a natural diuretic, increases libido, and helps you sleep. If you have a uterus and take hormone replacement therapy of any kind, you need progesterone to protect your uterus. Even if you have not had a hysterectomy, progesterone is necessary to balance your hormones.

And this is a very important thing to remember....balance is the key! Your hormone levels need to be evaluated and your bio-identical hormone therapy individualized for YOU! Bio-identical hormone replacement pellet therapy has been proven safe, effective and convenient to relieve the symptoms and consequences of menopause and andropause. Hormone replacement is not a one size fits all kinda game. With HTCA, we not only check the hormones mentioned above, we also check a full thyroid hormone panel, Vit D, B12, metabolic panel, lipid panel and CBC. You will not feel good and you will not be healthy if your hormones aren't balanced. Call us today for your consult!! 501-228-6237

Anne R Trussell MD

owner/physician