Long before a person actually goes through andropause or menopause, he or she may begin feeling the effects of hormone fluctuation. In many cases, it is safe and appropriate to begin treating hormonal imbalance at an earlier age than you might think. The caring teams at Body Bar MD in Terre Haute and Carmel, IN, led by board-certified physician and wellness expert Dr. Christy Watson (aka Dr. Christy) understand the frustrating nature of hormone imbalance and are proud to offer advanced to help patients get the much-needed symptom relief they deserve. Learn more about early hormone replacement therapy here, including whether it may be right for you.
When does menopause start?
For most women, menopause occurs in their late 40s, 50s, or early 60s. However, perimenopause – which is a transitional period leading up to menopause–may begin years earlier. In fact, some women begin to experience perimenopause as early as their 30s. Common signs and symptoms of perimenopause include:
- Mood swings
- Depression
- Irritability
- Fatigue
- Hot flashes
- Night sweats
- Irregular periods
- Vaginal dryness
- Low sex drive
- Weight gain
Andropause, which is sometimes referred to as the male equivalent of menopause, involves a sharp decline in testosterone levels and usually affects men in their 50s. Like menopause, though, the first signs and symptoms of andropause can begin much earlier and may include:
- Weight gain
- Loss of muscle mass
- Thinning hair/balding
- Low libido
- Low energy
- Sexual dysfunction/erectile dysfunction
Am I too young for hormone replacement therapy?
Most men and women think they have to wait until they have gone through menopause or andropause to begin hormone replacement therapy. In reality, hormone treatments can be initiated much earlier to help younger patients who are struggling with the symptoms of perimenopause, andropause, or another hormonal condition. Generally speaking, patients over 30 years of age who have concerns about abnormal hormone levels or disruptive signs and symptoms of hormone imbalance can be considered for bioidentical hormone replacement therapy with Dr. Christy.
How does bioidentical hormone replacement therapy work?
At Body Bar MD, we are proud to offer the groundbreaking BioTE® bioidentical hormone replacement therapy (BHRT) system. This exciting treatment uses custom-compounded plant-based hormones and a unique pellet delivery system to give patients the most effective, reliable, and consistent symptom relief possible.
During your consultation for BHRT in Carmel or Terre Haute, IN, Dr. Christy will take a thorough health history, review or perform lab studies, discuss your symptoms and goals, and determine whether BioTE may be right for you. The treatment itself involves inserting tiny pellets beneath the skin of the upper buttocks/hip. These pellets work to deliver a constant dose of hormones over a 3 – 4 month period, preventing the unwanted “rollercoaster effect” associated with other hormone treatments. Throughout your course of treatment, Dr. Christy will closely monitor your symptoms and hormone levels and will make dosage adjustments as needed.
Even at a young age – as early as your 30s – BHRT can provide safe, long-lasting relief from the symptoms of declining hormones.
Regain your energy and feel more like yourself again with BHRT in Carmel, IN
Whether you’ve just begun to notice the signs of hormone changes in your 30s or you’re in your 60s and have already gone through menopause or andropause, bioidentical hormone replacement therapy may be the solution you’ve been looking for to feel younger and more energetic once again. If you’re interested in learning more about the exciting benefits of BioTE BHRT, call either of our convenient Body Bar MD locations in Carmel and Terre Haute, IN to schedule your private consultation with award-winning board-certified physician Dr. Christy Watson today!
