Hormones play a significant role in controlling most body functions, and any imbalances could lead to various health issues. A woman’s immune system, mood, digestion, appetite, and sex drive are all reliant on a heathy hormonal balance. Beyond disrupting normal body functions, hormonal imbalances may result in adverse side effects that impact a woman’s overall well-being, such as memory loss, sleep disturbances, decreased libido, weight gain, and hot flashes.
Bioidentical hormones help counteract these negative effects by replacing the hormones that are not being produced naturally in the affected body systems. Bioidentical hormones are manufactured from plant material that are chemically identical to those naturally produced in the body. The hormones most commonly found to be imbalanced and replicated with this therapy are testosterone, progesterone, and estrogen.
Bioidentical hormone replacement therapy could help women in Cleveland who suffer serious adverse effects from menopause and perimenopause. Additionally, this treatment could improve skin and eye health.
The first visit to your gynecologist’s office will consist of an evaluation to be sure that you are a candidate for Bio-Identical Hormone Replacement Therapy. After you have been identified as a candidate for the procedure, you will schedule another appointment for the following week. At this appointment, your gynecologist will insert the pellet. Six weeks after the insertion, a follow-up lab will be done to see how your hormone levels have adjusted. This procedure can be for both women and men who are dealing with symptoms of hormone imbalances. Optimal results usually start being seen within 1 to 2 weeks after the procedure.
Women in Cleveland who are seeking bioidentical hormone replacement therapy have several choices for administration. Options include creams, gels, patches, injections, and pellet implants that introduce hormones into the body. Though distinct health and lifestyle factors influence what method is best for each woman, specific methods are more effective than others.
Pellet administration has several benefits over other topical forms of bioidentical hormone treatments. Pellets are a solid hormone form that is implanted underneath the skin of the patient’s hip to deliver a consistent level of hormones directly into the bloodstream. Topical options have more fluctuations in the level of hormones administered into the body, making pellets a more dependable option.
Pellets need to be readministered every three to five months for women and every seven months for men. There are various benefits of hormone pellet therapy, including weight loss, better mood, thicker hair, increased sex drive, higher energy and stamina, improved memory and focus, and stronger bones. Benefits could also involve a decrease in hot flashes, night sweats, irregular periods, and improved digestion and natural lubrication. Make an appointment to discuss potential risks involved with this type of hormone replacement therapy.
The treatment options for bioidentical hormone replacement in Cleveland come in various forms and pose different pros and cons depending on the patient. Our caring medical team could help a patient determine which treatment option is right for them based on the reason for their hormonal imbalance.
Pellet therapy involves implanting a tablet about the size of a grain of rice underneath the skin, typically in the buttocks. A benefit of this method is the consistent supply of the hormone to the bloodstream for three to six months until the pellet dissolves completely. It is important to note that the pellet insertion does pose a small risk of infection and requires a minor outpatient procedure every few months for reinsertion of new pellets.
Creams and gels for bioidentical hormone replacement therapy are easy to apply and absorbs directly into the bloodstream, reducing risks to internal organs. However, the topical treatments may come off easily, pose a high risk of over-application and skin irritation, and transfer to others through physical contact. In addition, if a patient applies an excessive amount of an HRT gel or cream, it may result in adverse side effects.
Patches containing a predetermined amount of bioidentical hormones are another treatment option. The patches stick to the skin for a specified amount of time and are continuously replaced. Though this is a straightforward approach to this form of therapy, there is a small risk of the patch falling off and causing skin irritation. Some individuals may also avoid this option because the patch is visible.
Hormone injections are another treatment option and offer a substantial degree of treatment flexibility. Unlike other options, such as the pellets, injections allow for treatment alterations when attempting to find the best balance of hormones for a patient.
A daily hormone pill is an easy-to-use and well-researched treatment option. However, not every hormone is suitable for the pill method, and oral ingestion can pose health risks to the body and internal organs. Another variable to consider is the body’s absorption rate, as it differs for each patient and may affect the treatment’s effectiveness.
Struggling with hormonal imbalances leads to various health impacts that affect almost all the body’s processes. Luckily, our office offers several bioidentical hormone treatment options in Cleveland that are non-invasive and effective.
Since each application method has benefits and drawbacks, your unique needs and medical history influence which approach may be best for you. To learn more, schedule a bioidentical hormone replacement therapy consultation with Dr. Gitiforooz in our Lyndhurst or Westlake office today.
Hormones are essential for normal body functions and overall health, but their production declines with age resulting in uncomfortable side effects. Our team understands the frustrations you are going through and want to help improve your health and life quality. If you are interested in receiving bioidentical hormone replacement therapy in Cleveland, schedule an appointment with our caring gynecologist, Dr. Gitiforooz, at one of our offices in Lyndhurst and Westlake. You do not have to settle for a lesser quality of life. Call today.
Habibeh Gitiforooz, MD | HelloDrG
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