What To Know Before Stopping Bhrt
If you choose to stop your treatment with BHRT, it is best to do so gradually. Practitioners recommend tapering down the doses so the body can slowly adjust to the changes in hormone levels that will startle your system. Tapering down doses, however, should not be done without expert guidance from Kellie Lewis in Lehi, UT.
For most patients who stop BHRT, unpleasant symptoms associated with menopause for women and andropause for men may recur. These symptoms commonly include:
Dr Maupin Explains The Problems That Can Occur During The First Month Or Two Of Hormone Replacement
Most of you know that when I am replacing hormones for my female patients, I only used Bio-identical estradiol and Testosterone in the form of long-lasting subcutaneous pellets.
I only use this type of delivery system because pellets deliver a steady supply of T and have the fewest side effects of any type of testosterone. However, nothing is perfect, and it is important to know what the side effects of any treatment is. There is no medical treatment without any side effects. There is no medical care that I know of that does not create complaints by patients.
There are several problems that occur during the first month or two after T pellets are inserted, and others that occur after months or years. To be completely candid, I will spend the next Healthcast #601 describing the side effects that occur during the first insertion cycle from Testosterone pellets, and the measures and treatments we use to prevent and treat them.
For a full introduction to this series of 4 lectures, please go to my website biobalancehealth.com and look for the videos which will have the slides and audio explaining them. You can also go to You Tube to view the short lectures and slides about the side effects of testosterone pellets in women.
This Health cast was written and presented by Dr. Kathy Maupin, M.D., Bio-identical Hormone Replacement Expert and Author. www.BioBalanceHealth.com .
Who Shouldn’t Take Bioidentical Hormones
Using any type of hormone therapy is a decision made between you and your healthcare provider after carefully weighing the risks and benefits. Bioidentical hormones have been controversial, and many are not FDA-approved, but that doesn’t mean your healthcare provider will rule them out as a treatment option.
If you’ve had or are at high risk for the following conditions, hormone therapy may not be safe:
- Memory loss or confusion.
Replacing these lost or low hormones is the goal of bioidentical hormone therapy or conventional hormone therapy. Once hormone levels are increased, most people see their symptoms improve. However, there is not much evidence to support that bioidentical hormones are equal to conventional hormone therapy. Your healthcare provider can discuss your options for hormone replacement with you based on your symptoms and health history.
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What Are Risks And Side Effects Of Hormone Pellet Therapy For Women
Hormone pellet insertion is a low risk procedure. A small percentage of women may experience a procedure related issue, such as infection, bleeding under the skin, or transient discomfort. Below is a discussion of potential risks and side effects related to the hormones of which pellets are composed.
Testosterone. Significant health risks of bioidentical testosterone therapy in women have not been identified. Any adverse health risk data you may have heard about would more likely be related to a synthetic oral drug called methyltestosterone, the only FDA approved testosterone available for females in the US, and a very different compound than bioidentical testosterone. Unfortunately, when disease risk related to hormone therapy is reported, authors commonly lump all hormones into one big pile, seemingly not recognizing that synthetic formulations are often much more potent, are not biochemically identical to each other or to our own natural hormones, and have different effects on the body than our natural hormones. Current data specifically regarding bioidentical testosterone formulations in women have not shown increased risk in cancer, cardiovascular disease, or other serious condition. In fact, numerous scientific studies suggest non-oral bioidentical testosterone may be breast protective, as well as protective of the heart, bones, and brain.
Young Women May Need Hormone Therapy Especially If They Feel Tired
Most women feel tired, especially after having kids. The problem is so pervasive throughout society, its expected and standard for women to feel tired. Except, its not normal or healthy. We interviewed HTCA provider Dr. Armi Walker, who explains it well in our interview with her .
Women should be able to experience a full and vibrant life, filled with energy and a good nights sleep throughout their entire lives, including going through menopause. Decreasing levels of hormones, particularly estrogen and progesterone, affect a womans energy.
Using BHRT to help a woman stabilize her hormone levels helps reduce highs and lows of fatigue and sleep problems. As a woman feels better during the day and gets a better nights sleep, she finds that she has more energy during the day. Having more energy allows her to take care of her family, be successful at work, and have time to take care of herself properly without sacrificing anything.
Of course, if a woman simply feels tired, society expectations almost require her to ignore it. Its up to the doctor to begin speaking to women of all ages who report feeling a little tired. Additionally, doctors should talk to their women patients about fatigue, even if they dont bring it up themselves.
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How Do I Start
If you are thinking about starting hormone replacement pellet therapy or any other kind of HRT, its important to seek out a practitioner with the training and experience necessary to provide the best treatment. Practitioners like those within the BodyLogicMD network will address any concerns you have, take the time to understand your symptoms, and offer comprehensive hormone testing to gain greater insight into your needs. They will then craft a treatment plan that is customized for you and offers the ongoing monitoring and guidance necessary to guide you to the results youre looking for.
Hormone fluctuations and imbalances can be disruptive and uncomfortable. But with the right care, you can find lasting relief from hormone-related symptoms and live life to its fullest.
Want to know more about hormone replacement pellet therapy?BodyLogicMD can help. The practitioners within the BodyLogicMD network are among the top medical professionals in the country and specially certified to help you address hormonal issues using the best treatment methods available so that you can experience the life you deserve. Get started on a custom treatment plan designed to fit your lifestyle and help you reach optimal wellnesscontact a local practitioner to schedule your first appointment, or take the BodyLogicMD Hormone Balance Quiz today.
How Much Does Biote Cost
The cost of Biote varies depending on the treatment plan and provider. Women usually need to be pelleted every four months, with an average cost ranging from $400 to $500 per session, says Mickey Karram M.D., a urogynecologist and pelvic surgeon in Ohio. Men usually need to be pelleted twice a year, with average costs ranging from $600 to $700 per session.
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Pellet insertion isnt the only fee associated with Biote. Its also important to factor in ongoing costs for lab work and exams to monitor hormone levels.
In general, expect to pay for the following services:
- A pre-insertion consultation
- Post-insertion lab work
Maintenance costs associated with Biote include:
- Ongoing pellet insertion procedures. New pellets are inserted every two to four months.
- Annual lab work. Hormone panels and blood tests are required to monitor your hormone levels.
- Supplements. While optional, some supplements may be recommended alongside hormone replacement therapy.
Most traditional insurance companies dont pay for Biote, although they may pay a portion of your lab work fees. However, you may be able to use funds in a health savings account or flexible spending account to cover the costs. Talk with your provider about what forms of payment they accept.
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Free Phone Consultation With Our New Patient Coordinator
Renewed Vitality is a place of hope. Our knowledgeable providers are experts in their field and take the time to find the underlying causes of hormonal imbalances and illness. We will work with you using proven, scientific-based technology, in a warm and compassionate environment, to help you restore your health so that you can live a life of vitality and wellness.
Please contact our New Patient Coordinator for your Free Phone Consultation. She can answer any questions or concerns that you may have and give you additional information about our providers, our protocols and fees, what is covered by insurance and what is not, and any other details you may need. She can also get you booked for your first appointments, if you decide we are a good fit for you. There are no obligations to book an appointment.
Please call 214-740-4703 to learn more, or complete the form below, and we will contact you. We would love to hear from you!
Finding Hormone Balance And Improved Health
When given in appropriate doses bioidentical hormones are safe. If you are taking pellet therapy and not feeling better be sure to get a clear idea of what your levels are through out the treatment not just when the hormones are at the end of their cycle. If you have not tried hormone replacement therapy and are considering your options, you may want to try another form prior to having hormone pellet therapy. To get a personalized hormone replacement plan click on the link below.
Reference list Handelsman DJ, Mackey MA, Howe C, Turner L, Conway AJ. An analysis of testosterone implants for androgen replacement therapy. Clin Endocrinol 1997 47:3116. doi: 10.1046/j.1365-2265.1997.2521050.x.
Kelleher S, Conway AJ, Handelsman DJ. A randomised controlled clinical trial of antibiotic impregnation of testosterone pellet implants to reduce extrusion rate. Eur J Endocrinol. 2002 146:5138. doi: 10.1530/eje.0.1460513.
11. Kelleher S, Conway AJ, Handelsman DJ. Influence of implantation site and track geometry on the extrusion rate and pharmacology of testosterone implants. Clin Endocrinol 2001 55:5316. doi: 10.1046/j.1365-2265.2001.01357.x
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What Are The Benefits Of Bioidentical Hormone Therapy
Bioidentical hormones bring hormone imbalance symptoms relief in the first few days of the therapy. BHRT has a slight adaptation period and efficiently restores the required hormone balance. If taken under professional supervision, BHRT improves well-being, enhances muscle mass, restores sexual function, and brings many more advantages depending on the purpose of the therapy and the chosen dosage.
What Are The Side Effects Of Bioidentical Hormones
When the FDA approves a drug, the drug company must report any side effects they are told about. These side effects are included in the paperwork you get when you pick your medication up at the pharmacy. Pharmacies that compound hormones do not have to report drug side effects to the FDA or provide paperwork. This contributes to the myth that compounded hormones are safer when healthcare providers don’t know all of the possible side effects of these hormones.
Side effects can occur, especially after the first dose. Your body is not used to the new level of hormones. Many side effects get better as the body adjusts to the new level of hormones. In some cases, the dose may need to be changed.
Some common side effects of bioidentical hormones include:
You may itch or get red around the area where you apply your hormones if you use a patch, cream or gel.
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How Much Do Bioidentical Hormones Cost Per Month
The average treatment cost for bioidentical hormone replacement therapy is between $200-$500 per month. This cost includes high-quality medications, customized treatment plans, and follow-up appointments. The price of your treatment plan will greatly depend on your individual plan and your insurance eligibility.
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Perfect For Men And Women
Traditional HRT is mostly focused on helping menopausal women restore their hormone balance through progesterone and estrogen, and while there is HRT for men in the form of testosterone, its not considered a viable treatment for older men who are otherwise healthy. This is because the risks often outweigh the benefits. With bioidentical hormone replacement therapy, though, men of all ages are able to take advantage of hormones that are structurally identical to the testosterone your body already produces.
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What Are The Pros And Cons Of Pellet Hormone Replacement Therapy
If you are experiencing menopause, andropause or a hormonal imbalance, you know that hormones can have a profound impact on your physical and emotional health. You may already realize the potential value of hormone replacement therapy to replenish your hormone levels and regulate your body.
Today, there are more choices than ever before when it comes to HRT, and treatments such asbioidentical hormone replacement therapy can significantly minimize or even eliminate many of the symptoms related to hormonal changes. However, even if you know hormone therapy is the best option to address your discomfort, you may struggle to choose the best administration method.
In recent years, hormone replacement pellet therapy has become an increasingly popular option for both men and women seeking tore-establish their sense of well-being. So, how do you know if pellet therapy is right for you? By exploring the pros and cons of this innovative treatment method, you can gain the insight you need to make an informed choice and take the next step toward wellness.
Hormone Pellet Therapy Side Effects
As effective as this method might be, patients must be aware of hormone pellet therapy side effects as they do occur more commonly than with other routes of hormone administration. Some of the side effects specific to hormone pellet therapy are as follows:
- Extrusion: This is a spontaneous expulsion of the pellet from its implanted site. Not ideal since it is painful and each one costs money. When this occurs it would require another surgical procedure and pellet insertion. It occurs in about 5-12% of patients.1,2,3
- Infection: While this is easily avoided by using proper technique, this has been found to occur in 1.4-6.8% of patients. It may also occur simultaneously with extrusion.1,2,3
- Scar formation: Over time and with multiple implantations, scar formation can develop at the implantation site. There is really no way to avoid this.
- No Recourse: Once the pellets are inserted you cannot take them out easily. They are placed in the tissue just below the skin. However finding the exact location of the pellet once it is not very precise. So if you don’t feel well from the pellets many times you are just stuck with them until they wear off leaving you with very little recourse.
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What Are The Side Effects Of Taking Bioidentical Hormones
What are the side effects of taking bioidentical hormones?
How long is it safe to take bioidentical hormones? As experts in the bioidentical hormone replacement field, we recommend undergoing this therapy for a maximum of seven years however, we also suggest that you discontinue treatment when you achieve relief from your symptoms. Unfortunately, when you stop taking hormones, your symptoms may return.
At what age should a woman stop taking bioidentical hormones? Women older than 60 or 65 dont automatically have to stop taking HRT and can consider continuing HRT beyond age 65 for persistent hot flashes, quality-of-life issues, or prevention of osteoporosis after appropriate evaluation and counseling of the benefits and risks of HRT.
Who should not take bioidentical hormones? Certain women should not undergo hormone replacement therapy of any type until detailed studies on safety have been performed. You are not considered for bioidentical therapy if you have a personal history of breast cancer or stroke, or if you have a blood clot.
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What Are The Signs That You Need Hormone Replacement Therapy
HRT, or hormone replacement therapy, has many benefits for women experiencing symptoms of menopause and is a proven treatment option that helps alleviate many uncomfortable symptoms.
There are a host of signs associated with the need to get a replacement therapy. The most common symptoms that indicate you may need HRT are hot flashes, insomnia, night sweats, chronic pain in joints or ligaments , and difficulty with memory.
However, it is the duty of your therapists to provide after care treatments targeted towards minimising and controlling the side effects.
Here at London Cosmetic Clinics, our qualified doctors in partnership with experts in the field of bioidentical hormone replacement therapy will carry out proper test to determine your condition and tailor the therapy to your unique needs. We will ascertain whether you have any underlying conditions to prevent any treatment contradiction that can lead to side effects. We will also provide periodic follow up treatments to minimise and resolve all side effects to the barest minimum.
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What Alternatives To Hormone Pellet Therapy Are Available
Thankfully, there are alternatives to hormone pellets that are safer and more effective. We understand that hormone replacement therapy is not a one size fits all procedure. Hormones should be custom-tailored to each individual, since we all have different bodies, needs, and goals. Moreover, delivery methods should also be varied.
At NuLife Institute, we offer a wide array of alternatives to hormone pellet therapy.
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Both men and women can benefit from hormone replacement therapy, as this is effective treatment option especially in menopausal women. It also helps in overcoming health issues related to age-related hormone decline. We prefer to offer hormones that come in the form of gels, creams, injections, and sublinguals as alternatives. These are much safer and have far less side effects than hormone pellets. With topical forms of hormone therapy such as gels and creams, dosage adjustment is much easier and non-invasive.