Hormone Replacement Therapy
Menopause marks the end of menstruation and is official after 12 months of no menstrual bleeding. Common symptoms include hot flashes, night sweats, vaginal dryness and can begin in the 40s or 50s even before official menopause. The average age of menopause in the United Sates is 51. Other symptoms include sleep disturbances, weight gain, fatigue, thinning hair, decreased libido and memory changes. The combination of these symptoms can also cause anxiety or depression. During menopause, your natural estrogen, progesterone, and testosterone levels fall. HRT (also known as hormone therapy, menopausal hormone therapy, and estrogen replacement therapy) is the most effective treatment for menopause symptoms.
Bioidentical Hormone Replacement Therapy (BHRT) is a compounded formulation of plant-based hormones that are the same molecular structure and function as hormones naturally produced by the body. Benefits of Bioidentical Hormone Therapy include:
- Decreased hot flashes and night sweats
- Less vaginal dryness and painful sex
- Increase Libido
- Improved memory and focus
- Increased energy and stamina
- Improved mood
- Weight loss
- Stronger bones
- Regain of skin elasticity and fullness
Therapy may include bioidentical estrogens, progesterone, testosterone, and/or DHEA. The formulations come in pellets, patches, troches, creams, and pills.
Why pellet therapy?
Pellet therapy is the most popular BHRT formulation. It, unlike traditional hormone therapy, allows the hormones to be absorbed into the body gradually over time. You do not have to remember a daily regime, and the absorption method leads to fewer side effects. Pellet therapy comes in two formulations, estrogen and testosterone, and are usually given in combination through a simple in-office procedure about every 12 weeks.
Fibroid and Pelvic Wellness Center of Georgia offers a comprehensive initial evaluation, with a review of your medical and family history as well as your menopausal symptoms and concerns. We will review your health goals pertaining to your hormone balance and formulate a plan for both surveillance and treatment. The discussion will center around restoring your sense of well being and educating you on hormone therapy safety and options. Being up to date with all recommended breast and pelvic screenings as well as evaluation of any abnormal vaginal bleeding is important to safely prescribe hormone therapy. Baseline hormone levels will be checked, using blood tests, in order to guide prescription recommendations. We have partnered with a local compounding pharmacy and pharmacists to individually customize each patient’s unique bioidentical hormone therapy regimen. Labs will be drawn routinely to check levels and assure optimized therapy, and most importantly, your symptoms will help guide your treatment.