Hormone Replacement Frequently Asked Questions
What are Bio-Identical Hormones?
Bio-Identical or Bio-Equivalent Hormones indicates that these hormones are chemically structures to be equivalent to the hormones that your own body produces. By contrast synthetic hormones are distinctly hormones that are patentable such as Premarin, Prempro, and Provera.
Most physicians prescribe synthetic hormones to treat menopausal symptoms. This does not correct the hormonal imbalance, which causes so many health problems.
Which Hormones should I take?
Women naturally produce estrogen, progesterone, and testosterone. Most women will have these hormones replaced with bio-equivalent pellets to achieve balance again. Men produce mostly testosterone. Testosterone is much higher in men than women. This hormone will be replaced to bring the levels back to those of a younger man.
How are my Hormone levels determined?
The patient gives detailed history both personal and familial. A simple exam of the patient is done. Blood is then taken. From this a determination is made as to the dosage you need to rebalance your hormones. You will be seen in 2 - 4 days to discuss your personal treatment plan.
What is the procedure like?
Hormones are in pellet form similar to a grain of rice. A small area of lateral buttocks is anesthetized. A tiny incision is made in the fleshy part and the pellets are inserted. The area is covered with a small dressing and the patient is sent home. Blood will be checked in 3 weeks for women and 6 weeks for men to evaluate the response.
What should I expect after having the procedure?
Within 10 to 14 days you should begin feeling the relief of some of your symptoms. In 2 to 3 weeks you should see a difference, which may include more energy, increased sex drive, better rest, better memory, and the ability to handle stress better.
How many treatments should I get?
Most patients have blood work before an insertion and a few weeks after. This will determine their hormone levels and the dosage necessary to balance your hormones. Typically, men and women receive implants every 4 to 6 months depending on how out of balance the hormones become from stress of life.
Did I see this on Oprah?
The answer is YES.
 Jan. 15, 2009- Oprah Winfrey says menopause caught her "off guard" and that she's taking bio-identical hormones that have made a big improvement in how she feels.
Bio-identical hormones are one form of therapy for menopausal symptoms. Winfrey, who turns 55 this month, writes in February's edition of O, The Oprah Magazine that she felt "out of kilter" and had "issues" for two years that she suspected were hormonal. Upon a friend's recommendation, Winfrey went to a doctor who specializes in hormones.
Winfrey writes that the hormone specialist told her that her "hormonal tank was empty" and gave her a prescription for bio-identical hormones.
"After a few weeks on bio-identical estrogen, I felt the veil lift," Winfrey writes. "The sky was bluer, my brain was no longer fuzzy, and my memory was sharper. I was literally singing and had a skip in my step."
Winfrey isn't recommending bio-identical hormones for every menopausal woman. Instead, she urges women to "take charge of your health" and says it's time to "start the conversation" about menopause and bio-identical hormones.
What are hormones?
DHEA
The most abundant hormone in the human body serves many different roles. DHEA is important to make other hormones like testosterone, estrogen, and progesterone. DHEA can boost the immune system and many are beneficial in autoimmune diseases.
Estrogen
Estrogen is a female hormone produced by the ovaries until menopause. Low estrogen contributes to osteoporosis arteriosclerosis, hot flashes, poor memory, and dry vaginal mucosa. Estrogen's anti-aging benefits include stronger bones decreased heart disease and strokes, thicker skin and increased lifespan.
Thyroid
Thyroid hormones increases energy and metabolic rate, supports protein synthesis and is essential for proper development.
Testosterone
Testosterone is known as the male sex hormone but actually is very important in females as well. Anti-aging benefits of testosterone therapy are improved mood and feeling of well being, decreased fatigue, more red blood cells, reduced cholesterol, stronger bones, increased sex drive, and sexual potency.
Melatonin
Melatonin plays a major role in setting the body's internal clock. Melatonin's anti-aging benefits include improved sleep, a stronger immune system, and more positive responses to stress enhanced well-being.
Progesterone
Progesterone counters the effect of estrogen by "down-regulating" estrogen receptors. Women who have Bio-Equivalent pellet hormones replacement and have not had a hysterectomy will need to take progesterone each evening. The anti-aging benefits include reduction of stress and arthritic inflammation, maintenance of memory, improved mood, enhanced well-being, and improved sleep.
Is Bio-Identical Hormone Replacement Therapy Right for Me?
For most people the answer is yes. Both men and women suffer from variety of hormone deficient levels.
Do low hormone levels affect my Sex Drive?
ABSOLUTELY! Most women around the age of 40 suffer from low testosterone, which is the primary hormone that causes low energy, low sex drive, among many other symptoms.
Should I take Bio-identical hormones if I sleep more than 8 hours a day or have trouble sleeping at night?
Most patients see a definite result in the sleeping habits within 7 days of being on the Bio-Identical Hormone Therapy.
I am going or have gone through Menopause, should I consider Bio-Identical Hormone Therapy?
YES! Women who have gone thorough or going through menopause are at high risk for depleted hormone levels. In fact most menopausal symptoms can be prevented with Bio-Identical Hormone Therapy.
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