Hormones 101 – Frequently Asked Questions

Answers to Frequently Asked Questions:

Who needs Bio-identical Hormone Replacement Therapy (BHRT)?

When we think of any type of hormone replacement therapy, we think of menopausal women.

Due to fast paced lifestyles, unhealthy diets, environmental toxins, stressful thoughts, and poor self-care, both men and women of all ages are candidates for BHRT.

Why Bio-identical Hormones?

Bio-identical hormones are an exact replica of the hormones naturally produced by the body. The difference between bio-identical hormones and synthetic hormones is that, although both are created in labs, synthetic hormones are not identical to the hormones naturally created in your body. Bio-identical hormones match your body’s hormones molecule by molecule.

What is Pellet Therapy?

Pellet therapy is a sustainable delivery method for bio-identical hormone therapy. Every three to six months a pellet, made of bio-identical hormones, is inserted just under the patient’s skin either on the upper part of your buttocks. The pellets contain customized levels of specific hormones to the needs of the body. They dissolve slowly, releasing the bio-identical hormones over time.

Is BHRT a lifetime commitment?  

Not necessarily, it depends on how well your body responds to bio-identical hormone therapy. If you commit to managing your diet, sleep patterns, exercise and stress levels, this will help you regain hormonal balance quicker and impact your bio-identical hormone therapy.

What is a compounding pharmacy?

A compounding pharmacy is a specialized pharmacy that makes individualized bio-identical hormones prescriptions by hand. The quality of the ingredients used, the expertise of the pharmacist and the quality of customer service are all critical decisions on what pharmacy you want to use.

What are the side effects associated with bio-identical hormones?

Because bio-identical hormones have the same molecular structure as the hormones made naturally by your body, there are relatively few side effects. Side effects may occur when the dosage of hormone is too high for the individual.  This is usually short-term with no long-term effects.