Bioidentical Hormone Replacement Therapy in Austin, TX

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What is Bioidentical Hormone Replacement Austin?

BHRT – Bioidentical Hormone Replacement Therapy – seeks to restore to the body what is missing in the face of stress or imbalance. As we age, hormone levels naturally decline, leading to various symptoms and a general decrease in the feeling of well-being. BHRT makes use of hormones that are identical to what the body produces, instead of making use of pharmaceuticals and herbals. Drug companies cannot patent bioidentical hormones, so they synthesize artificial replacements. These commonly prescribed pharmaceuticals function differently from natural hormones and may lead to side effects and decreased potency. There is precedence for bioidentical hormones, as both Insulin and thyroid hormone are commonly-used natural hormones.

How can Bioidentical Hormone Replacement help?

By employing Bioidentical Hormone Replacement, normal hormone levels can be quickly achieved in the blood, helping to remedy any problems you may be currently experiencing. Common hormones that are measured include estrogen, progesterone, estrogen, testosterone, cortisol and thyroid. Conditions that we treat include premenstrual syndrome, polycystic ovaries, menopause, andropause, adrenal fatigue and hypothyroidism.

How does Bioidentical Hormone Replacement work?

Bioidentical Hormone Replacement works by replacing the hormones your body needs to function, and that can help to change the way you feel from day to day. We use the smallest amount possible of bioidentical hormones to lessen symptoms and improve well-being.

What should I expect during Bioidentical Hormone Replacement treatment?

To begin, we’ll use salivary testing to measure your hormone levels. The procedure is pain-free and easy to do, and it gives us a better picture of what your tissues see. Most of these hormones are steroids and function by being absorbed by cells and used up. If you try to measure them in blood, you are only seeing what has not been used, which doesn’t give you an accurate picture of what the body is producing. Furthermore, most of the steroid hormones in blood are bound to proteins. These bound hormones are inactive and are the only ones measured in the blood. Hormones measured in saliva directly reflect the amount of hormones that the salivary glands see and other tissues throughout the body. Used for more than 40 years, salivary testing offers an accurate assessment of basal hormone production.

This will be done at your very first appointment. After filling out a symptom questionnaire, a salivary kit is issued and you will complete your testing at home. When the results are available, a follow up appointment is scheduled to correlate symptoms with measured hormone levels.

Are these Bioidentical Hormone Replacement treatments safe?

Most natural hormones are extracted from plant sources. Since they are not manufactured by drug companies, we depend on compounding pharmacies to secure them. At these facilities, professional pharmacists produce natural hormones in different delivery systems. These compounds are then available by prescription for replacement therapy. Synthetic hormones have many extra components that can increase the risks of certain cancers and blood clots. On the other hand, bioidentical hormones lack these extra components and are much safer as a result. Just like pharmaceuticals, BHRT requires the same cancer screening procedures (mammograms, pap smears, etc.). Furthermore, BHRT utilizes close monitoring of tissue levels. Instead of relying on symptoms, salivary testing allows the smallest possible doses of hormones to be used.

How many Bioidentical Hormone Replacement treatments will I need?

Treatment is an ongoing process in nearly all cases, but we’ll design a customized plan to meet your individual needs.

Is Bioidentical Hormone Replacement painful?

No pain is involved in this treatment. Estrogen, testosterone and progesterone are applied via transdermal creams. This avoids ‘first-pass’ metabolism through the liver which can cause carcinogenic metabolites and loss of potency. Thyroid hormone and cortisol are taken orally.

Who is a good candidate for Bioidentical Hormone Replacement?

Our unique testing procedure will help you decide if Bioidentical Hormone Replacement is right for you. Generally speaking, if you have a hormone deficiency and symptoms, you’re a good candidate for this procedure.

What should I do after treatment?

There are no special after-treatment Bioidentical Hormone Replacementment instructions in many cases. We’ll customize a treatment plan that meets your needs, so make certain you ask us any questions you have as we begin to work with you. We will follow-up with you every 4-6 weeks until your levels are stabilized.