Bioidentical Hormones And Pellets Specialist

What are bioidentical hormones?

Bioidentical hormones have the same chemical and molecular structure as the hormones produced by your ovaries. Because they’re bioidentical, your body interacts with them the same way as with its natural hormones, so they may cause fewer side effects.

What menopause symptoms are treated with bioidentical hormones?

Menopause occurs when your ovaries stop producing hormones, but your hormones begin to decline in the three to five years before you reach menopause, a period called perimenopause. Classic menopause symptoms can begin during perimenopause and continue well beyond menopause.

Bioidentical hormone replacement therapy treats these menopausal symptoms:

• Hot flashes and night sweats
• Vaginal dryness and atrophy
• Painful intercourse
• Low sex drive
• Difficulty sleeping
• Fatigue
• Depression and irritability
• Poor memory and lack of focus

What other health benefits are gained from bioidentical hormone replacement therapy?

Estrogen influences more than your reproductive system. It has a role in bone metabolism and fights the signs of aging in your skin by helping it stay strong, elastic, and hydrated. When you lose estrogen at menopause, or for any other medical reason, you’re at a higher risk for developing:

• Osteoporosis
• Urinary incontinence
• Loss of muscle mass
• Dry skin

Bioidentical hormone replacement therapy can help alleviate all of these estrogen-related health concerns.

What is pellet therapy?

Bioidentical hormone replacement is available in a variety of forms that are different from the oral tablets you may expect — and pellets are one of those forms. Pellets are made from hormones that are pressed into small cylinders about the size of a grain of rice.

Drs. Dharma and Katikaneni implant the pellets just under your skin, at the hip. Once the pellet is in place, it continuously releases the amount of bioidentical hormone you need.

Pellets have definite advantages over other delivery methods used for bioidentical hormone replacement therapy, such as creams rubbed into the skin. For starters, they last three to four months.  In males, the hormone pellets can last up to six months.  They also provide a consistent dose of hormone during that time, so levels in your body stay steady.  Southwest Family Medicine Associates offers you the choice of creams, pellets, and even generic bioidentical hormones, which some insurance covers.  

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