As we age, it’s easy to attribute symptoms like fatigue, weight gain, or mood swings to simply getting older. However, at Rejuvené MD in El Paso, TX, we believe you can age while still feeling and looking your best. Many of these symptoms may be signs of hormonal imbalance, which can be treatable with the right strategy.
Bioidentical hormone replacement therapy (BHRT) with EvexiPEL® can help manage these imbalances by using hormones that closely match those naturally found in the body. As we address hormonal shifts, we can relieve many of the issues that come with aging, helping you feel more balanced and energized.
A Brief Definition of Bioidentical Hormone Replacement Therapy
Hormonal imbalance can lead to symptoms that range from sleep disturbances to decreased energy levels. Bioidentical hormone replacement therapy is a solution that introduces hormones into the body through different methods so your body has the correct levels of hormones again. With hormones in balance, the symptoms from the imbalance often resolve. This treatment is often used by women who are going through menopause or men who are experiencing symptoms of andropause.
How Is BHRT Different From Other Types of Hormone Therapy?
BHRT stands out from traditional hormone therapies due to the structure of the hormones used. The hormones in BHRT are derived from natural plant sources and are identical in molecular structure to the hormones your body naturally produces. Other hormone therapies use hormones that can differ slightly from your body’s hormones, potentially causing more side effects. BHRT treatments like EvexiPEL promote a smoother integration into your system.
A Closer Look at Hormones in the Body
Why Are Hormones So Important for the Body?
Hormones act as messengers, guiding various processes in the body, including metabolism, mood regulation, and reproductive functions. When they are in balance, your body tends to function smoothly, with stable energy levels and healthy sleep patterns. However, when hormone levels fluctuate, you might notice changes such as fatigue, weight gain, or shifts in mood. Maintaining balanced hormones helps keep these processes running efficiently, allowing you to feel your best.
Common Hormones
- Estrogen: Estrogen is often associated with reproductive health and is essential for regulating the menstrual cycle in women. In BHRT, it can help manage symptoms like hot flashes, mood swings, and vaginal dryness that may occur during menopause.
- Progesterone: Progesterone works in tandem with estrogen to regulate menstrual cycles and maintain pregnancy. In BHRT, it can be used to balance estrogen levels and help with symptoms like irregular periods or insomnia.
- Testosterone: Though often thought of as a male hormone, testosterone is also important for women. It supports libido, muscle mass, and energy levels. BHRT can restore testosterone levels to improve mood, strength, and overall vitality.
- Thyroid Hormones: Thyroid hormones control metabolism and energy production in the body. When imbalanced, they can lead to weight gain, fatigue, and depression. BHRT can help regulate thyroid hormones and restore energy and metabolic function.
How Hormones Naturally Change
Hormones fluctuate naturally throughout different life stages, beginning with puberty when they rise to support growth and sexual development. During adulthood, hormone levels usually stabilize, but changes occur at different times such as during pregnancy and childbirth. As we age, levels of hormones like testosterone, estrogen, and progesterone start to decline. This drop can lead to symptoms like fatigue, mood swings, and reduced libido. BHRT is often considered during these later stages to address these natural hormonal changes and support overall wellness but can be used any time there is an imbalance.
What Are Hormonal Imbalances and How Can They Be Treated?
A hormonal imbalance occurs when there is too much or too little of a hormone in the bloodstream. Doctors diagnose imbalances by checking hormone levels through blood tests and comparing them against standard ranges for a person’s age and health status. Patients often seek treatment when symptoms begin affecting daily life. If diagnosed with an imbalance, treatments like BHRT may be recommended.
BHRT can help reduce menopausal symptoms like hot flashes, mood swings, and sleep disturbances. BHRT may also enhance libido and energy levels, making everyday activities more enjoyable. Many patients also find relief from brain fog and difficulty concentrating. Treating hormonal imbalances can also provide long-term improvements in bone and cardiovascular health, depending on the patient being treated.
What Type of BHRT Do We Use?
We use EvexiPEL, a pellet-based form of BHRT that delivers hormones gradually and consistently over time. These pellets are placed under the skin where they slowly dissolve, releasing small amounts of hormones into your bloodstream. This steady release mimics the body’s natural hormone production and prevents the fluctuations that can occur with other delivery methods like creams or injections.
These tiny pellets are inserted just beneath the skin. Once inserted, you can go back to your day and won’t have to have another pellet inserted for several months. Other methods of BHRT are also available, including hormone injections, creams, patches, and gels. Each technique can be tailored based on individual needs, offering flexibility in how hormones are delivered to the body.
Your Treatment Process With BHRT
The treatment process begins with an evaluation including blood tests to assess your hormone levels and diagnose any hormonal imbalance. If EvexiPEL pellets are recommended, they will be inserted during a quick, in-office procedure. The area is numbed with a local anesthetic and a small incision is made. The pellets are placed with a trocar into the fat layer of the hip or buttocks, and the incision is closed using bandages. If you prefer other methods, such as injections, you will be put on a regular schedule of administration.
Restore Hormonal Balance With BHRT
At Rejuvené MD, we believe that BHRT can help you manage the natural changes your body goes through, improving your overall well-being. Dr. Karen and the staff are committed to creating a supportive and nourishing environment, combining dermatologic care, aesthetic services, and restorative medicine. With our approach, you can be sure that your skin and body are being cared for with the best techniques and products. To learn more about how BHRT can benefit you, fill out our online form or call us at (915) 745-5888 today!
