How Does Bioidentical Hormone Therapy Work?
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Most of us know that hormones have a lot to do with a person’s sexual health, but you may be surprised to learn just how many of the body’s processes are actually regulated by hormones. With hormones playing a role in everything from hair growth to mood stability, a hormone imbalance can wreak havoc on a person’s life in more ways than one. Fortunately, modern medicine and technology offer men and women the ability to restore natural hormone levels and get relief from the frustrating symptoms of hormone imbalance.
Board-certified physician Dr. Christy Watson and the caring team at Body Bar MD are proud to offer bioidentical hormone replacement therapy using the highly advanced BioTE® system at both of their locations in Carmel and Terre Haute, IN. Find out what exactly this treatment entails and how bioidentical hormone replacement therapy may be the solution you’ve been searching for to feel more energized, confident, and better than ever.
What are the symptoms of hormone imbalance?
Because hormones are involved in so many of the body’s functions, both physical and psychological, the symptoms of hormonal imbalance can be devastating. Signs that your hormones may be out of their normal physiologic ranges include:
- Fatigue
- Mood swings
- Depression
- Weight gain
- Low libido
- Hair loss
- Decreased muscle mass
- Loss of bone density
- Acne
- Erectile dysfunction (men)
- Vaginal dryness (women)
What causes hormone imbalance?
Hormone levels in the body are constantly changing, though some conditions or events can cause them to sharply increase or decrease. These extreme fluctuations may only be temporary, but in some cases, the hormones fail to return to normal levels on their own. Some of the most common causes of hormonal imbalance include:
- Age
- Puberty
- Menopause
- Menstrual cycle
- Pregnancy
- Steroids
- Certain medications
- Diet
- Obesity
- Lifestyle
- Stress
An important step in determining if hormone replacement therapy is appropriate for you is to find out what may be causing your hormones to fluctuate in the first place. In some cases, behavioral modifications, such as adjusting your medications or losing weight, may improve your hormone levels. When your hormones are fluctuating in relation to a temporary condition, such as puberty or pregnancy, you may simply need to wait for them to level out on their own. However, hormone replacement therapy can be a fantastic and effective solution for many patients to restore hormone levels to a physiologic range and get relief from their symptoms.
How is hormone imbalance treated?
For patients suffering with symptoms related to their hormone levels, hormone replacement therapy can be life-changing. However, traditional methods of hormone therapy are often ineffective, unreliable, or inconsistent, and lead to unwanted side effects, such as more intense mood swings. Fortunately, bioidentical hormone replacement therapy (BHRT) finally offers patients a more natural hormone replacement option with reliable, long-lasting benefits.
What is bioidentical hormone therapy?
Bioidentical hormone replacement therapy utilizes natural, plant-based substances that mimic the body’s natural hormones for better absorption and enhanced results. One of the most exciting benefits of BioTE hormone replacement therapy is that it involves a unique pellet-based delivery system. These pellets are custom-compounded to meet each patient’s individual needs. Once implanted just beneath the skin, usually, on a patient’s hip, the pellet delivers a consistent dose of hormones until it has completely dissolved. This prevents the rollercoaster of highs and lows that patients often notice in their symptoms when using alternative forms of hormone replacement therapy.
How long does BioTE last?
While the results can vary somewhat from person to person, most patients are able to enjoy the effects of BioTE hormone replacement therapy for about 3 – 4 months before a new pellet needs to be inserted. The knowledgeable team at Body Bar MD in Terre Haute and Carmel, IN will keep a watchful eye on your hormone levels and adjust your dosage or treatment schedule as needed.
Who is a good candidate for bioidentical hormone replacement therapy in Carmel, IN?
A common misconception about hormone replacement therapy is that it is reserved for patients who have already gone through menopause or andropause. In reality, men and women begin to experience significant decreases in their testosterone and estrogen levels as early as age 30, or even before, and may start to notice symptoms such as weight gain, hair loss, and fatigue as they approach middle age. The benefits of BHRT can help patients of nearly any age feel better and enjoy life to the fullest once again.
The best way to determine with certainty whether bioidentical hormone therapy is appropriate for you is to be evaluated by a qualified, experienced, and knowledgeable provider. If you suspect that your hormone levels may be responsible for the frustrating symptoms you are having, we invite you to call the friendly team at either of Body Bar MD’s locations in Terre Haute or Carmel, IN to schedule your private consultation with board-certified physician Dr. Christy. Don’t let hormones keep you from living the life you deserve. Call us to learn more about bioidentical hormone therapy with BioTE today!