Bio-Identical FAQ's

For third party research on Bio-Identical Hormore Therapy:

http://www.holtorfmed.com/wp-content/pdfs/BHRT-PGM-2009.pdf

Frequently Asked Questions

Bioidentical Hormone Pellet Therapy

Why should I consider hormone replacement therapy?

The average woman enters menopause at age 51. Studies have shown that approximately 50% of women will go through this natural “change of life” without any difficulties. However, the other half of the women entering menopause will suffer from symptoms that result from the dramatic decrease in their hormone levels. Our office provides bioidentical hormone pellet therapy that provides amazing benefits for the eliminating menopausal symptoms without the dangerous side effects of Premarin and other pharmaceutical hormonal drug therapy.

What are the symptoms of menopause that can be improved with Vitality hormone pellet therapy?

The symptoms of menopause that respond to hormone pellet therapy include the following: hot flashes, night sweats, insomnia, mood swings, anxiety, depression, headaches, memory loss, vaginal dryness, vaginal shrinkage, urinary infections and inability to hold urine, painful intercourse, low libido, dry skin, osteoporosis and increased risk of broken bones, pain and inflammation, general fatigue.

Can hormone pellet therapy help younger women with hormonal imbalances and male hormonal problems?

Hormonal imbalance can occur in women of all ages as well as men. In addition to helping with menopausal symptoms, pellets are incredibly helpful in severe PMS, post partum depression, menstrual or migraine headaches, and sleeping disorders. Testosterone pellet therapy is very effective helping men with the symptoms of low T. These include many of the symptoms women experience during menopause and provide a much better solution than Viagra for erectile dysfunction.

Can’t I just use diet, exercise and natural herbs to control my symptoms?

Diet, exercise and natural remedies are helpful for some women. However others find their lives are turned upside down by the symptoms of menopause and bioidentical hormones provide a safe and effective solution to give them their life back. Hormone replacement theraot using bio-identical testosterone and/or estrogen pellets has been used safely and effectively since the 1930s to eliminate menopausal symptoms and reduce the risk of hormone related illness such as osteoporosis and heart disease with no serious side effects.

What does bioidentical mean and how is it natural?

Although bioidentical hormones are created in a lab, they have the exact same molecular structure as hormones made in the human body. This means they are chemically identical and indistinguishable from the hormones your body created in adequate amounts when you were in your 20s and 30s. Because their chemical structure is identical, these hormones cause the exact same physiologic responses in the body as those produced internally. An added benefit is that they do not have the negative side effects associated with synthetic drug therapies.

Are bioidentical hormones safe?

Because of the dangerous effects of Prempro in the Women’s Health Initiative (WHI) study, many women and their doctors are avoiding all hormone replacement. Dr. Kent Holtorf recently published a peer reviewed medical article of 196 research studies comparing bio-identical hormones to synthetic hormones. Dr. Holtorf’s article stated that it is critical that women be informed that scientific studies show that natural or bioidentical hormones do not have the negative side effects of the synthetic chemical hormones and in no way relate to the conclusions reached by the WHI study. Natural hormones are a safe and effective approach to hormone replacement therapy.

What effect does hormone replacement have on slowing the signs of aging skin?

Studies have shown that the average women loses 30% of their collagen in the first five years after menopause. Hormone pellet therapy will prevent the tissue loss and the resulting thinning and drooping of the skin, deep wrinkles associated with menopause and allow women to maintain their youthful look and possibly avoid invasive procedures such as a surgical face lift.

What steps should I take if I’m interested in hormone pellet therapy?

Patients with menopausal symptoms or those interested in preventing osteoporosis or just maintaining their youth should complete an intake questionnaire and have their hormone levels evaluated with a blood test. This information will be evaluated by Dr. Nelson to determine if they are a candidate for hormone pellet therapy. Dr. Nelson will also evaluate the adrenal, thyroid

Why are the pellets different from other forms of hormone replacement?

The pellets are slowly absorbed into the system according to the activity and stress level of the patient. The body will sequester the exact amount needed 24 hours a day, 7 days a week making this method most closely resemble the ovaries or testes in an optimally healthy patient. Other forms of hormone replacement deliver a daily dose of hormone with a large spike in the system and then drop to very low levels over the next 24 hours. Patients that have been unsuccessful with other forms of hormone replacement have great success with pellets.

How are pellets inserted?

The pellet insertion is performed in a simple, relatively painless procedure using a local numbing agent. The pellets are inserted in the upper hip through a tiny incision and then taped closed. The pellets will last approximately 3 months for women and 6 months for men.

What is the cost for bioidentical hormone pellet therapy?

The initial visit for bioidentical hormone is $175. The cost for the pellet insertion for women is $300 and will last 3 months. The cost for men is $600, however the pellets will last 6 months. Therefore the monthly cost for therapy for both men and women will be approximately $100 per month.