As we age, natural changes in our hormones can interfere with the normal operation of many internal processes. From metabolism to sleep to reproductive function, hormonal changes can cause side effects that are challenging to deal with. Fortunately, at Enhanced Wellness in Albuquerque, NM, we know that BHRT is a treatment that can help you restore your body’s health and function.
How Does BHRT Work?
BHRT or bio-identical hormone therapy is a minimally invasive treatment that works by supplementing your body with the hormones it is missing. Hormones are delivered via a pellet, which is inserted into the buttocks and absorbed over the course of several months. The hormones used in your pellets are customized to your exact hormonal needs based on rigorous hormone testing.
In the past, hormone therapy was typically done with bovine hormones, but this caused unintended side effects that many people found difficult to manage. Today, hormone therapy is done with bio-identical hormones derived from sources like yams. Because these hormones are compatible with the human body, there are no significant challenges associated with the treatment. These hormones fit into your body like a missing puzzle piece that allows you to restore your natural health.
What Do Hormones Do?
Hormones essentially act as messengers in the body. Hormones are used to send signals from the brain to other areas or systems in the body. Without hormones, the systems in your body may not function effectively. Nearly every system in the body is regulated with hormones, including metabolism, sleep, homeostasis, sexual and reproductive health, and mood.
With this treatment, the hormones in the pellet are gradually absorbed and used by the body to replace hormones that are no longer produced at adequate levels for optimal functioning. With these replacement hormones, the systems and processes in your body can communicate more effectively, which will benefit your health.
Common Symptoms of Hormonal Imbalance
The balance of your hormones will change several times over your lifetime, such as with puberty. However, the most disturbing hormonal changes typically occur later in life. These changes are generally more disruptive because your body has been using a specific level of hormones for decades; when these levels abruptly change because of the natural aging process, you will experience symptoms of hormonal imbalance, such as:
- Mood swings
- Anxiety and depression
- Confusion
- Poor memory
- Sleep disturbance
- Fatigue
- Poor libido
- Appetite changes
- Weight gain or weight loss
- Muscle loss or weakness
Women and men each deal with different hormonal changes. For women, estrogen production peaks in the 20s and starts to drop off during the 30s; by the time menopause begins, estrogen levels are exceptionally low. For men, andropause typically begins between ages 40 and 50, with less testosterone being produced by the body each year. Both women and men will experience other changes in the levels of specific hormones in the body as well.
Are All Symptoms the Same?
No. Each person will experience the symptoms of hormonal imbalance differently. While some people will have several symptoms, others may only have a few; similarly, while some people may experience severe symptoms, others may have mild symptoms. In any case, regardless of the degree of your symptoms, each patient will receive personalized hormone therapy with BHRT.
What Happens Before Treatment?
Before your treatment, you will need to attend a consultation appointment where you will discuss your symptoms, the onset of your symptoms, and any concerns you may have about this treatment. BHRT is a fairly simple treatment that will not require any preparation. We only ask that you arrive at your appointment in loose, comfortable clothing. It’s also important to be detailed about your symptoms during your consultation, as this may impact how we plan your treatment.
How Many Hormones Do You Need?
Each person experiences hormone changes differently. Because this treatment personalizes your hormone replacement, we use a scientific approach to figure out the correct dosage for your bio-identical hormone therapy. After your consultation, we will perform several hormone tests to judge the level of hormones in your body. These levels will tell us the ideal dosage to restore balance in your body.
What Happens During Treatment?
The hormone pellet used for your treatment will be slightly smaller than a grain of rice. With a very small incision, the pellet will be placed beneath the fatty lining of the skin, usually in the buttocks, flank, or lower abdomen. This treatment is performed on an outpatient basis with a local anesthetic for your comfort. After the pellet is placed, the incision will be closed with surgical glue or strips.
What Happens After Treatment?
After your treatment, you will not be allowed to engage in any strenuous activity for at least two to three days to give your body enough time to heal after your pellet insertion. After this period of time, you are allowed to resume all normal daily activities, including exercise.
The hormones in the pellet will be absorbed gradually for several weeks. During this time, it’s likely that your hormone levels will be monitored before your next pellet treatment to assess whether or not your dosage was adequate for your treatment. Over time, as you have more treatments, you may not need to have your hormones monitored as closely.
How Soon Will You Have Results?
The speed of your results will depend on your particular imbalance and how quickly your body absorbs the hormones. Some patients can feel some symptom relief within two or three days, while others may need a week or more to notice any changes. The improvements in your health may be gradual as more of the pellet is absorbed by the body.
How Long Do Pellets Last?
The pellets used in this hormone therapy can last for three to five months at a time. Most patients schedule treatments two or three times a year. New fused hormone pellets are placed only when the old pellet has been completely absorbed by the body.
Are Implants Safe?
Yes, the pellets used for this type of hormone therapy are very safe. Broadly speaking, hormone pellets are very well tolerated by most people. You will not be able to feel the pellet beneath your skin since it is very small.
Many patients prefer pellet therapy as opposed to other forms of hormone therapy because it’s a much simpler, longer-lasting solution. Other forms of hormone therapy may require oral medications, patches, or creams that deliver an inconsistent dosage of hormones to the body; with pellets, the gradual absorption of the pellets makes the hormone supplementation much more natural for the body to use.
What Are the Benefits of BHRT?
Several benefits of bio-identical hormone therapy are attractive to patients. For example, your hormone levels are monitored throughout the treatment process so that your pellet dosage is customized to your exact needs, meaning this treatment is very safe and backed by science. Because the pellet is absorbed gradually by your body, you can also benefit from consistent hormone supplements. Some other benefits include:
Safe and Effective
BHRT is much more safe and effective than traditional hormone replacement therapy. In the past, the hormones used were not compatible with the human body, which caused problems for many patients. Bio-identical hormone replacement therapy not only customizes the type of hormones used for your treatment, but it also uses hormones derived from natural sources that are compatible with your body, which ultimately minimizes unwanted side effects.
Overall Relief
The symptoms of hormonal imbalance can be difficult for many people to endure. Chronic fatigue, difficulty sleeping, mood changes, and mental fog can make it difficult to get through the day; similarly, changes in appetite, weight, and sex drive can alter the way you feel about your body. With bio-identical hormones, you can achieve overall relief and bring your body functioning back into balance.
Who Are Good Candidates?
A consultation and hormone evaluation is the best way to assess who is a good candidate for this treatment. If you are suffering from symptoms of hormonal changes, you should schedule a consultation with a physician to determine whether or not this treatment is a good option for your needs.
Restore Your Balance With Bio-Identical Hormone Therapy
Your body needs to be in balance to operate effectively for the sake of your health. But when your hormones are unbalanced, your body struggles to keep up with daily demands. Please contact Enhanced Wellness in Albuquerque, NM to schedule your consultation today.
