HORMONE THERAPY
Men and Women experiencing a diminished "zeal for life," along with symptoms like low energy, sleep disturbances, hair loss, reduced libido, hot flashes, and mood swings, may find relief through Hormone Replacement Therapy. Hormone imbalance can significantly affect quality of life and relationships, but Bioidentical Hormone Therapy stands out as a particularly effective solution, offering remarkable benefits!
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WHAT IS HORMONE REPLACEMENT THERAPY (HRT)?
Hormone replacement therapy involves utilizing hormones to address and restore the balance of hormones within the human body. Hormone imbalances, often associated with aging, can manifest in various symptoms such as hot flashes, night sweats, irritability, anxiety, weight gain, muscle loss, joint pain, and disrupted sleep. At FMI Center for Optimal Health, located in the Treasure Valley of Idaho, our practitioners specialize in providing bioidentical hormone replacement therapy, seamlessly integrated with functional medicine practices, to help patients not only alleviate the adverse effects of hormone imbalances but also enhance overall well-being as they age. Each treatment plan is meticulously tailored to align with individual medical histories, health statuses, and lifestyle preferences.
BIODENTICAL VS. SYNTHETIC HORMONE THERAPY
Bioidentical hormone replacement therapy (BHRT) utilizes hormones derived from natural sources, precisely compounded to mirror the structural composition of hormones found in the human body. In contrast, synthetic hormones, often sourced from animals and blended with chemicals, resemble human hormones but lack an exact structural match. The molecular compatibility of bioidentical hormones allows them to seamlessly interact with human hormone receptors, ensuring the safety and efficacy of the treatment. Synthetic hormones, however, possess only a similar molecular structure, leading to difficulties in recognition by the body, resulting in side effects and suboptimal outcomes. While past research predominantly focused on synthetic hormones, the effectiveness of bioidentical hormone therapy has gained recognition, prompting researchers to shift their attention. Bioidentical hormones are celebrated as a natural therapy option, demonstrating efficacy in disease prevention and alleviating discomfort associated with aging. Contrary to earlier beliefs stemming from studies like the Women's Health Initiative (WHI), which initially raised concerns about hormone therapy safety, subsequent reviews have uncovered flaws in methodologies. This has prompted medical organizations, experts, and communities to reassess policies against hormone therapy use. Presently, hormone replacement therapy is acknowledged for its numerous benefits and is considered a prime treatment option for hormone imbalance and disease prevention. Recent research has further associated bioidentical hormone therapy with improved outcomes, showcasing fewer side effects and enhanced benefits for patients.
VARIETIES OF HORMONE REPLACEMENT THERAPY
Individuals grappling with conditions and symptoms associated with hormone imbalance, such as menopause, andropause (commonly known as low testosterone in men), erectile dysfunction, vaginal dryness, pain during intercourse, sleep difficulties, weight challenges, muscle discomfort, and mood swings, can find relief through natural hormone replacement therapy. Bioidentical hormone therapy offers a range of delivery methods tailored to address the specific needs of each individual.
THYROID HORMONE THERAPY
Approximately 12% of the U.S. population contends with thyroid dysfunction, yet a staggering 60 percent remain undiagnosed. This often results from the vague nature of symptoms, which can mimic stress, aging, depression, or anxiety. Untreated thyroid dysfunction poses risks to overall health and can exacerbate conditions like diabetes or heart disease. If you experience persistent fatigue, sleep troubles, weight gain, depression, anxiety, or mood swings, a hormonal imbalance related to your thyroid might be the cause. The thyroid significantly influences nearly every cell in the body, making dysfunction a substantial concern.The positive news is that thyroid hormone imbalances can be addressed. However, the treatment must commence with precise lab testing encompassing all hormones influencing thyroid function, including thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH), T3, T4, reverse T3, and cortisol. Comprehensive evaluation throughout the treatment process allows practitioners to accurately assess thyroid function and track progress.
ESTROGEN HORMONE THERAPY
As women age, estrogen levels decline, particularly around middle age. Reduced estrogen levels are linked to uncomfortable symptoms such as hot flashes, night sweats, low libido, weight gain, and mood swings. Although these symptoms are commonly associated with perimenopause and menopause, low estrogen can manifest before middle age. Women experiencing symptoms of low estrogen should seek evaluation by an expert capable of carefully analyzing lab results. Providers versed in hormone balance understand the crucial distinction between "normal" and optimal hormone levels. Low estrogen can impact overall health and contribute to discomfort, making estrogen pellet therapy a viable solution. EvexiPEL estrogen pellet therapy, a bioidentical hormone therapy option, is known for its effectiveness and requires advanced-level training for all EvexiPEL-certified providers.
TESTOSTERONE HORMONE THERAPY
While testosterone is often perceived as the male hormone, both men and women require it for optimal health. Testosterone plays a crucial role in sexual health, brain function, and weight management for both genders. With declining testosterone levels as individuals age, symptoms like lack of focus, brain fog, low libido, muscle loss, and weight gain may arise. Testosterone therapy identifies and restores hormone levels to an optimal state, alleviating symptoms and enhancing overall health. This therapy also supports a reduced risk of cardiovascular disease, stroke, and heart attack. Available as injections, creams, and pellets, testosterone pellet therapy stands out as the most effective form of testosterone therapy.
METHODS OF HORMONE REPLACEMENT THERAPY DELIVERY
When hormone replacement therapy becomes necessary, various delivery methods cater to individual needs. Options include pills, patches, creams, gels, injections, or pellets. Consulting with a hormone therapy doctor helps determine the most effective method aligned with lifestyle choices.
PELLET THERAPY
Dating back to the 1930s, pellet therapy is among the oldest forms of hormone therapy. Technological advancements have elevated pellet therapy to the most effective delivery method, favored by both patients and providers. Pellet therapy, available for estradiol and testosterone hormone replacement, involves compounding the hormone into a tiny pellet inserted into the upper layer of the skin. Beyond the convenience of not requiring daily administration, this delivery method closely mirrors the natural dosing structure and bioavailability found within the ovaries or testicles. Tailored to meet individual needs, pellet therapy ensures optimal hormone levels aligned with nature's intent.
CREAMS AND GELS
Topical forms of hormone replacement therapy, such as creams, are available for cyclical progesterone, testosterone, and estrogen therapies. Custom-compounded creams or gels are applied as directed by the physician to specific areas of the body, depending on the hormone type. While creams and gels offer certain advantages, transference-related risks to others, such as a partner, family members, or pets, may occur after application.
PATCHES
Patches provide a convenient delivery method, avoiding dosing errors. Commonly used for estrogen therapy, a patch, akin to a bandaid, adheres to the skin, delivering the prescribed hormone dose until replacement.Visible patches and the risk of detachment may dissuade some patients from choosing this method.
PILLS
A familiar form of hormone therapy, pills are compounded to the prescribed dose and ingested at specified intervals, similar to other oral medications. While well-studied, oral hormone therapy, especially for estrogen and testosterone, presents higher-risk side effects. It is often prescribed for thyroid disorders and cyclical progesterone therapy.
INJECTIONS
Commonly used for testosterone or estrogen therapy, hormone replacement therapy injections come in two types: intra-muscular and subcutaneous.
INTRAMUSCULAR INJECTIONS
These injections deliver hormones deep into muscle tissue, facilitating rapid absorption into the bloodstream.
SUBCUTANEOUS INJECTIONS
Penetrating just beneath the skin's surface, subcutaneous injections result in a slower absorption rate.Compared to pellets, injections may be less preferable due to associated pain and the intensity of hormone delivery following administration. Pellets offer a more stable, steady dose, reducing side effects throughout the dosing cycle.
WHAT ARE THE SIGNS YOU NEED HORMONE REPLACEMENT THERAPY?
Men and women who feel they may have lost their “zeal for life,” or frequently experience low energy, sleepless nights, hair loss, low or no desire for sex, hot flashes, night sweats, mood swings, irritability and more are candidates for hormone replacement therapy.Hormone imbalance is often an unfortunate side effect of aging that can diminish your quality of life and impact relationships. Bioidentical hormone therapy has been shown to be particularly effective for both women and men with few side effects and added benefits, such as reduced risk of disease.
HORMONE IMBALANCE SYMPTOMS CAN AFFECT ANYONE
The more common causes of hormonal balance tend to produce the following symptoms in both men and women:The list of symptoms goes on and on, which is why it’s important you speak with your trusted medical provider to see if your symptoms are indicative of hormonal imbalance.
HORMONE REPLACEMENT THERAPY FOR MEN
Hormone imbalance in men can occur at any age and is as common among men as it is among women. Men who choose to pursue male hormone replacement therapy experience a number of benefits, including improved strength and muscle mass, healthier sex drive and performance, more energy, better sleep, and better weight management.
SYMPTOMS OF HORMONE IMBALANCE IN MEN
Men may experience low levels of any number of hormones, but low testosterone is the most common. Testosterone production naturally reduces in men as they age, making it difficult to enjoy the benefits of natural testosterone later in life.
Conditions and symptoms of hormone imbalance in men include:
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Muscle Loss
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Weight Gain
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Low Energy
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Gynecomastia (Man Boobs)
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Poor Sleep
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Night Sweats in Men
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Lower Sex Drive
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Irritability
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Depression
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Hair Loss
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Erectile Dysfunction
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Impaired Sexual Performance
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Difficulty Urinating
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Lack of Focus
HORMONE PELLET THERAPY FOR WOMEN
Hormone replacement pellet therapy is recognized as one of the most effective hormone therapy options. A number of studies have reported on the safety and efficacy of hormone replacement therapy.
Pellets are inserted under the skin near the hip or buttocks area during a routine appointment with your provider. After insertion, the pellet releases a steady dose of hormone(s) over 3 to 5 months depending on your activity and stress level–much like your natural hormones. This feature avoids the peaks and valleys commonly associated with other hormone replacement therapy delivery methods. Plus, you do not have to remember to take a pill each day or risk transference like you do with creams or gels.
Women who choose hormone pellet therapy report an improvement in symptoms within a few weeks of beginning the treatment. Within a few months, most women report an improvement in other areas of their health an well-being, including better moods, more energy and an increased sex drive.
FMI Center for Optimal Health exclusively offers patients EvexiPEL pellet therapy, the superior form of pellet therapy known for its high quality ingredients and effective outcomes. EvexiPEL is compounded at one of the leading compounding pharmacies in the country. For women seeking relief from uncomfortable symptoms of hormone imbalance and the benefits of a healthier, higher quality of life–EvexiPEL is the best choice.
IS HORMONE THERAPY EFFECTIVE?
Hormone replacement therapy (HRT) has been proven effective for the treatment of hormone imbalance related to conditions such as andropause (low testosterone in men), menopause, premenstrual syndrome (PMS), premenstrual dysmorphic disorder (PMDD), and thyroid dysfunction. HRT has also been shown to effectively reduce or eliminate symptoms of aging such as:
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Hot Flashes
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Night Sweats
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Mood Swings
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Muscle Loss
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Abdominal Belly Fat
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Poor Sleep
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Fatigue
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Low Energy
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Depression
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Anxiety
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Irritability
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Lack of Focus
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Low Libido
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Foggy Thinking
When you choose bioidentical hormone replacement therapy, you are making a choice for a healthier, higher quality of life. Hormonal imbalances can be difficult to identify because the symptoms present very differently in different people. When you’re working on a tough project or getting ready for a big event, it’s normal to feel tired or moody, but when you are losing sleep night after night, chronically on edge with your spouse, or enduring hot flashes and inexplicable weight gain, it’s time to ask yourself, “How long have I been feeling like this?”
A hormone imbalance will not simply go away on its own. Seek the care of an expert in hormonal health who can help you get to the root of your problems and support your wellbeing with effective solutions. FMI Center for Optimal Health looks at the whole picture, reviewing hormone health and related dependencies to create a treatment that is specifically designed to help you reach your personal level of optimization.
IS HORMONE THERAPY SAFE?
There have been a number of studies and meta-analyses reviewing the safety and efficacy of hormone therapy and bioidentical hormones. The outcomes suggest that bioidentical hormones are the safer, more effective option for treating conditions and symptoms of hormone imbalance when compared to methods of hormone therapy that use non-bioidentical hormone therapies.
In addition to effectively treating hormone imbalance, other studies have linked bioidentical hormones to a reduced risk of cardiovascular complications and breast cancer when compared to non-bioidentical hormone therapies.
ARE THERE HORMONE THERAPY SIDE EFFECTS?
For most patients, the benefits of bioidentical hormone replacement are positive and transformative. However, when starting any new medication or treatment, it is important to talk to your doctor about your medical history and make him/her aware of all details of your health.
In some cases, patients may experience sudden or severe headaches, blurry vision, slurred speech, and dizziness, shortness of breath or fainting. These symptoms are typically associated with blood clotting issues in the patient. Often, these issues are linked to the hormone administered with the therapy and not the method of delivery.
HOW MUCH DOES HORMONE THERAPY COST?
Hormone therapy costs less than you think. In fact, many plans cost less per day than you might pay for one of those fancy cups of coffee at popular coffeehouses.
In many cases, your labs are covered by insurance, meaning it doesn’t cost you anything to identify the areas your body may be deficient. Following your labs, you will often have a consultation with your provider to review your lab results, and talk about your options for treatment.
Most men and women choose pellet therapy because it reduces the risk of dosing errors, wasted medication, and delivers superior results. For men, a single pellet may last between 5 and 7 months, often dependent on factors like stress and activity level. For women, a single pellet lasts between 3 and 5 months, depending on the same factors as men.
GETTING STARTED ON HORMONE THERAPY
Ready to get started on your journey to a healthier, better quality of life? FMI Center for Optimal Health, located in Eagle, Idaho, can help you transform your life with bioidentical hormone replacement therapy combined with integrated functional medicine treatment plans from our highly-trained providers.
BIO-IDENTICAL HORMONE PELLETS
Biologically identical hormones have been accessible in the U.S. since the 1930s. Despite scientific research showcasing the superiority of bio-identical hormones over non-human hormones, their adoption has been gradual. Now, we have the capability to implant time-release pellets containing approved human hormones into the subcutaneous fat, providing a sustained release for months. This approach significantly enhances the quality of life and overall health for many patients, as supported by numerous recent scientific studies.
UNDERSTANDING HORMONES
Hormones act as chemical messengers traveling through the bloodstream, affecting cells with specific hormone receptors. Various cells, such as those in the brain, bones, and heart, can modify hormones once absorbed. For instance, cells can easily absorb testosterone and convert it to estrogen as needed.
DECODING BIO-IDENTICAL
Bio-identical hormones share the same chemical structure as those produced by the human body. In contrast, synthetic hormone supplements in pill form are not bio-identical, often leading to side effects and health risks.
ADVANTAGES OF BIO-IDENTICAL HORMONE PELLETS
Tested and safe, bio-identical hormones offer potential benefits for individuals grappling with low or imbalanced hormone production. As hormone levels decline with age, symptoms like hot flashes, night sweats, mood changes, weight gain, and sleep problems can arise. Bio-identical hormone pellets, through hormone replacement therapy (HRT), can help alleviate these symptoms, manage menopausal effects, restore protective benefits of hormones, and even reverse aging-associated diseases.
ADMINISTRATION OF BIO-IDENTICAL HORMONES
These hormones, sourced from yams and obtained through a reputable compounding pharmacy, come in various strengths. Testosterone, crucial for both men and women, is delivered through small, painless, time-released pellets inserted into body fat. Unlike pills, these pellets cannot be swallowed, as the digestive process would deactivate the hormone.
TESTOSTERONE (T) AND ESTROGEN
Essential for both genders, testosterone maintains muscle mass, decreases fat, enhances exercise tolerance, and contributes to psychological well-being. Similarly, estrogen plays a vital role in protecting against various health issues. While some women may require estrogen supplementation, it's crucial to ensure it's bio-identical to avoid potential harm.
ADDITIONAL SUPPORT
Nutritional deficiencies, such as iodine, can impact the effectiveness of bio-identical hormone therapy. Supplements like iodine and vitamin B-12 injections are recommended to address these deficiencies.
EXPECTED OUTCOMES
Results vary among patients, but bio-identical hormone pellets can significantly reduce or eliminate symptoms. The timeline for improvement varies, with some experiencing changes within weeks and others up to three months. Individual results depend on specific health conditions and symptoms.
COST OF BIO-IDENTICAL HORMONE THERAPY
Personalized treatment plans determine the cost, influenced by factors like symptom severity, overall health, and treatment goals.