Bioidentical Hormone Replacement Therapy or BHRT restores depleted hormone levels in men and women as they enter their forties and beyond.
Replenishing declining hormone levels restores energy and libido, manages weight, and promotes heart and brain health. Here are seven things regarding BHRT you should be aware of.
What is Bioidentical Hormone Replacement Therapy?
Bioidentical Hormone Replacement Therapy (BHRT) involves restoring depleted hormone levels in men and women to an optimal level. Hormones are chemical messengers that coordinate many functions in our bodies. As we age, our body produces less of these hormones, causing us to feel tired, and can lead to other health problems. BHRT is commonly used in women to ease perimenopausal and menopausal symptoms in women and andropause symptoms in men.
What are BioIdentical Hormones?
Bio-identical hormones are plant-based hormones that are equivalent in composition and function to the hormones produced by your body.
Conventional HRT vs. BHRT
Conventional hormone replacement therapy uses hormones derived from synthetic sources or, in some cases, the urine of pregnant horses.
BHRT uses hormones that are naturally derived from plant sources. At GVMD, we use Biote bio-identical hormones in pellet form.
There is a lot of discussion and controversy regarding which form is the safest and most effective; clinical studies are showing the safety and benefits of Biote hormone pellets.
How Bioidentical Hormone Replacement Therapy Works
BHRT restores your homes to a more favorable level. This makes your body function more efficiently and helps ease symptoms like hot flashes, poor mood, fatigue, and sexual dysfunction.
BHRT for Men
In men, we use testosterone to combat the symptoms and issues due to low testosterone levels, often referred to as andropause.
BHRT for Women
In women, we use the following hormones to combat the symptoms and issues of declining hormone levels due to perimenopause, menopause, or hysterectomy.
Estradiol (a form of estrogen)
Testosterone
Progesterone
Benefits of Bioidentical Hormone Replacement Therapy
BHRT provides many health benefits for both men and women, including
Improved Lipid Profiles (lower cholesterol, triglycerides, and higher HDL cholesterol)
Stronger and Denser Bones
Prevention of Alzheimer’s Disease, Dementia, and some Cancers
Weight Maintenance
Listed below are the specific benefits for men and women.
Benefits of BHRT for Men
Men using BHRT can expect the following benefits:
- Increased Energy
- Improved Mood
- Increased Muscle Mass
- Reduction in Body Fat
- Improved Strength
- Better Sleep Quality
- Improved Sexual Stamina and Performance
Benefits of BHRT for Women
Women using BHRT can expect the following benefits:
- Increased Energy
- Relief from Hot Flashes
- Improved Mood
- Better Sleep Quality
- Less Painful Intercourse
- Relief from Night Sweats
- Improved Sex Drive
- Better Focus and Memory
- Less Prevalent Signs of Depression and Anxiety
- Symptoms of Hormonal Imbalance
- Diet, exercise, stress, age, and health conditions all factor into hormonal balance or imbalance. Listed below are the symptoms of hormone imbalance in men and women.
Hormone Imbalance in Men
Starting in their forties, men in hormone imbalance experience the following symptoms:
- Insomnia
- Weight Gain
- Brain Fog
- Reduced Energy
- Signs of Anxiety
- Failure To Build Or Maintain Muscle
- Low Blood Pressure
- Fluctuating Blood Sugar
- Low Libido
- Erectile Dysfunction
- Lost Interest in Sex
Hormone Imbalance in Women
Women experience hormonal imbalance symptoms in their forties and often encounter the following:
- Heavy, Irregular, or Painful Menstrual Periods
- Hot Flashes
- Night Sweats
- Painful Intercourse
- Breast Soreness
- Vaginal Dryness
- Gi Upsets (Indigestion, Constipation, Diarrhea)
- Reduced Bone Density
- Weight Gain, Especially in the Abdominal Area
- Low Libido
- Mood Swings
- Brain Fog
Forms of BHRT Therapy
We can deliver BHRT therapy to the body in many forms, including
- Creams
- Gels
- Oral Medication
- Patches
- Injections
- Suppositories
- Pellets
At GVMD, we prefer Biote BHRT pellet therapy because it delivers a consistent dose, is easy to place under the skin, and provides the benefits of BHRT without the hassle of daily medication.
BHRT Pellet Therapy
BHRT pellets are inserted under the skin and deliver the hormones into your body over three to six months. The preferred choice for the majority of individuals is BHRT pellets like Biote.
Benefits of BHRT Pellet Therapy
Biote pellet therapy is a better option for BHRT therapy for many reasons. Hormones are consistently delivered to your body over time, allowing you to avoid the hormonal “highs and lows” experienced with other delivery methods.
Subcutaneous hormone implants do not go through the GI tract like oral medications. Therefore, they do not affect liver function, blood pressure, or sugar levels like other delivery methods.
Pellet therapy is convenient. All you have to do is insert the implant, and then the pellet does all the work. Studies show you are more compliant and consistent with pellet insertion since you have to replace the pellet every three to six months. It also tends to be less expensive than a monthly prescription or compounded medication.
In women, Biote estradiol and testosterone pellets do the following:
- Prevent bone loss
- Improve bone density
- Improve blood lipid profiles
Relieve symptoms of perimenopause and menopause that occur naturally with age or as a result of a hysterectomy
In men, Biote testosterone pellet therapy:
- Reduces the risk of Alzheimer’s disease, heart disease, and prostate cancer
- Relieves symptoms of low testosterone
- Improves sexual dysfunction
BHRT Pellet Therapy: What to Expect?
BHRT pellet therapy is a no-downtime, in-office, quick, and easy procedure prescribed by a BHRT specialist. Here’s what to expect during your procedure.
Consultation
First, you will meet with a Biote certified specialist for a consultation. We will review your medical history and order extensive lab work to ensure you are a candidate for the procedure.
During the Treatment: Pellet Insertion
Your second appointment involves the hormone pellet insertion. Your provider will prepare the upper buttocks or flank for pellet insertion.
The pellets are about the size of a grain of rice. They are inserted under the skin via a small incision under local anesthesia.
Once inserted, the area is covered with a small bandage. The procedure is quick and relatively pain-free, taking only a few minutes.
Aftercare & Follow-Up
We recommend avoiding strenuous exercise for 24 hours following pellet insertion. Avoid bathtubs, swimming, and hot tubs for 48 hours.
Once the insertion site heals, you can resume activities. Most people start feeling a difference within four weeks, but it may take longer depending on your situation.
Am I a Candidate for BHRT Pellet Therapy?
Female candidates for BHRT pellet therapy experience the following:
- Unexplained Weight Gain
- Mood Swings or Anxiety
- Hot Flashes or Night Sweats
- Hysterectomy
- Perimenopause or Menopause
- Male candidates for BHRT pellet therapy experience low testosterone levels, regardless of age. They find it challenging to build muscle mass or have low libido or insomnia.
You may not be a candidate for Biote pellet therapy if you suffer from blood clotting disorders, breast cancer, stroke, or forms of cardiovascular disease. Your provider will ensure you are a candidate at your consultation.
BHRT Side Effects
The side effects of BHRT occur as we try to rebalance our hormones and will go away over time. Occasionally, it takes over one cycle of pellet therapy to find the best match. The following are some common side effects of BHRT:
- Headache
- Changes in Mood
- Acne
- Breast Soreness
- Weight Loss/Gain
- Change in The Menstrual Cycle
- Gi Issues