Frequently Asked Questions
What is Bioidentical Hormone Replacement Therapy (BHRT)?
Bioidentical
hormone replacement therapy is an effective treatment using hormones
that are identical to the hormones naturally made by your body.
Bioidentical hormone replacement therapy (BHRT) has transformed the
healthcare of men and women as they enter the later stages of life. It
provides an alternative to hormones that are synthetic, such as
injectable testosterone, or hormones concentrated from horse urine
(Premarin). Bioidentical Hormone Replacement Therapy is made by
compounding pharmacists in customized dosages based on the individual
needs of the patient as opposed to the narrow choices available with
mass-produced, or 'one size fits all' hormone therapies.
A more
natural approach to hormone therapy often referred to as 'natural
hormone therapy' has focused attention on bioidentical hormones that are
identical in molecular structure to the hormones that the male and
female body naturally produces for itself. Although not found in this
form in nature, they are derived and made from plant compounds extracted
from yams and soy. The result is often the relief from symptoms of
hormone deficiency, from insomnia, chronic fatigue, memory loss, and
loss of libido.
Blood tests that measure total estradiol or
testosterone are used to detect both a deficiency or excess of estrogen
or testosterone the body produces as well as to monitor the effects of
bioidentical hormone replacement therapy. On the other hand, Premarin,
the old standby estrogen used for decades, is metabolized into various
forms of estrogen that can be dangerous and cannot be measured by
standard laboratory tests. Proponents of bioidentical hormones say that
an advantage is more precise monitoring of hormone levels and
individualized treatment. Other benefits include calmer mood, reduced
body fat, increased energy levels, increased sex drive, stronger mental
clarity, and improved muscle tone and mass.
What is Pellet Therapy?
Riva
MEDSPA has partnered with Hormone Therapy Centers of America and offers
BHRT using HTCA's Pellet Therapy. Bioidentical Pellet Therapy is a
hormone replacement method which replaces the natural hormones men and
women lose with age. The pellets contain either estradiol or
testosterone, which are pressed, or fused into tiny solid cylinders.
When administered they deliver consistent and healthy levels of hormones
for 3-5 months in women and 4-6 months in men.
The implantation
of hormone pellets is a simple and relatively painless procedure
performed under local anesthesia to 'numb' the skin. The BHRT pellets
are inserted in the upper buttocks through a small incision. Your Riva
medical provider will determine the correct dosage of hormones that will
be used, as evident by results from a blood test.
Pellets dissolve
inside the body on their own and are re-implanted as needed depending on
how rapidly the patient metabolizes the hormones. Pellets avoid the
fluctuations of hormone levels seen with other methods of delivery,
providing more consistent hormone levels over a longer period.
Why Pellet Therapy?
There
are many delivery methods that can be utilized to administer BHRT;
however, data shows the most efficient method by way of absorption and
availability to deliver hormones in both men and women is by pellet
therapy. Pellet Therapy provides many benefits to both men and females.
HTCA Pellet Therapy vs traditional delivery methods:
- Most convenient HRT Method (2-4 times per year)
- The only long-term solution for HRT
- Consistent administration of hormones (No rollercoaster effect)
- Relief of Hormone Imbalance Symptoms 75-100%
- Protection against age-related Diseases
HTCA Pellet Therapy Symptomatic Benefits:
- Increased energy
- Enhanced sexual libido
- Improved mental clarity
- Reduced body fat
- Decreased depression/anxiety
- A healthy sense of well-being
- Better sleep
- Fewer night sweats/hot flashes
HTCA Pellet Therapy can also protect your patients from age-related conditions such as:
- Heart disease
- Cancers
- Diabetes
- Alzheimer's
- Arthritis
- Osteoporosis
To learn more about Bioidentical Hormone Therapy or to schedule your appointment call Riva MEDSPA @ (757) 278-9888.
