Bioidentical Hormone Replacement Therapy Q&A

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What are bioidentical hormones?

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Bioidentical hormones are human-made hormones structurally similar to those produced by your body. They’re derived from plant sources and are increasingly prescribed for hormone replacement therapy. Currently, estrogen, progesterone, and testosterone are available in bioidentical form at Optimal Health Miami. Over the past 30 years, Dr. Gittleman and his team have helped thousands of patients living with a hormone imbalance.

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When do I need BHRT? 

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Aging, cancer treatments, and physical illnesses all may cause your hormone levels to decline, creating a need for external replacements of these compounds. Dr. Gittelman and the team at Optimal Health Miami order a lab panel to determine your hormone levels and may then recommend BHRT based on the results. 

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In women’s health care, BHRT is primarily used for the treatment of menopause. BHRT is also used to treat:

• Hot flashes

• Loss of sleep

• Night sweats

• Weight gain

• Osteoporosis

• Memory loss

In men’s health care, BHRT is used to treat symptoms of low-T, including:

• Low sex drive

• Erectile dysfunction (ED)

• Muscle loss

• Fatigue

• Depression

 

Because BHRT is tailored to your individual needs, body composition, and metabolism, and Dr. Gittelman uses the highest quality organic products, there are very few to no side effects. 

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How are bioidentical hormones administered?

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While BHRT comes in many forms, the Optimal Health Miami team uses an individualized approach to find the best therapy for you. Options include topicals (gels or patches), injectables or the popular pellet implants. The implant delivers a steady dose of hormones consistently and gradually over many months, much like with your body’s natural function.

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Dr. Gittelman places the pellets under your skin in the hip/buttocks area during a simple in-office procedure.

What are the advantages of pellet therapy?

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Pellet therapy offers several distinct advantages over BHRT in other forms, including:

• Convenient, hassle-free dosing

• The elimination of fluctuation between doses

• A quick process, just like a blood draw

 

Even patients who have failed other types of conventional hormone therapy have a high success rate with pellets. They’ve shown to be superior for relief of menopausal symptoms, maintenance of bone density, and restoring physical intimacy.

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What are the benefits of BHRT?

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In addition to relieving symptoms of menopause, BHRT helps prevent serious health complications associated with falling hormonal levels. It delays the development of many chronic diseases like diabetes, high blood pressure (hypertension), and heart disease. It also offers protection against osteoporosis.

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BHRT also helps maintain the elasticity and youthful look of your skin. It may also help relieve vaginal dryness and enhance sexual pleasure in both men and women.

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Am I a good candidate for BHRT?

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Dr. Gittelman and his staff may suggest some form of Hormone Therapy if you suffer from disruptive symptoms of perimenopause and menopause that do not respond to other forms of treatment.

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To begin with, Dr. Gittelman may advise lifestyle modification such as diet, exercise, vitamin supplements, and reducing stress and anxiety. If your symptoms persist despite these changes, he may recommend BHRT.

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Don’t let the troublesome symptoms of hormone fluctuations hamper your life. Call Optimal Health Miami, or use online booking to schedule an appointment today.

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