Why are hormones important?

Hormones play a vital role in our overall well-being and health. For women, the most important hormones are estrogen, progesterone, and testosterone, all of which are produced in the ovary. 

As we age, hormone levels change significantly, and these changes not only have dramatic effects on how we feel but can impact our susceptibility to various disease processes and chronic health conditions.

Hormone deficiencies or imbalances have been shown to contribute to bone loss, vaginal dryness, painful intercourse, decreased libido, and muscle loss and weakness. Deficiencies can result from aging, but can also result from environmental stressors, toxins, and chemicals we ingest. 

Replacing or rebalancing hormone levels is not about creating some sort of artificial fountain of youth but about optimizing your health in order to decrease your risks of certain chronic health conditions, including cardiovascular disease, osteoporosis, and memory loss.

What are symptoms of hormone imbalance?

If these symptoms describe you, you may be suffering from a hormone imbalance:

• Fatigue
• Insomnia
• Memory loss
• Mood irritability (including depression and anxiety)
• Decreased libido
• Hot flashes, night sweats, vaginal dryness
• Belly fat, weight gain
• Muscle loss
• Hair loss
• Dry skin

What are Bioidentical hormones?

Bioidentical hormones (BHRT) are hormones derived from natural, plant-based substances and are biochemically identical to your own human hormones. Because they are structurally similar, they are processed by your body’s normal metabolic pathways, just as nature intended. 

BHRT has been used for the treatment of hormone imbalance since the 1930s, but recently there has been a revival in the numbers of providers offering BHRT, as more scientific studies have revealed that natural hormones may be a safer, more effective alternative to synthetic hormone options.  Synthetic hormones are medications that mimic your body’s natural hormones but have some chemical variations that can potentially produce harmful metabolites and complications.

BHRT can be offered in many different formulations, including pills, injections, creams, and pellets. We feel that pellets provide a superior and more consistent result with less hormone fluctuations. Pellets are customizable for individualized dosing and more convenient than using daily creams or weekly injections. We are happy to discuss these options with you at your appointment. 

Many women have told us how great they feel on BHRT and the positive difference it has made in their lives. If you are interested in learning more about BHRT and if it’s right for you, we invite you to contact us for a consultation.

What happens during hormone pellet placement?

The physicians place a small pellet just under the surface of your skin, usually near your hip or buttocks. The pellet releases a steady stream of hormones into your body to supplement your natural hormones.

Many women notice a significant reduction in the symptoms soon after starting HRT. The providers continue to monitor your hormone levels and can adjust your therapy as needed to keep you symptom-free in the long-term.

To find out if hormone replacement therapy is right for you, call Advanced Women’s Healthcare of Waxahachie or request an appointment online today.