Bioidentical Hormone Replacement Therapy

What is bioidentical hormone replacement therapy?

Bioidentical hormone replacement therapy (BHRT) is a more natural form of hormone therapy that helps restore hormone balance and fight many of the symptoms associated with aging. 

At Optimal Health Miami, Dr. Gittelman uses chemically and biologically identical hormones that function just like the hormones produced by your body. With bioidentical hormone replacement therapy, he can help patients who may be struggling with an age-related hormone imbalance.

Am I a candidate for bioidentical hormone replacement therapy?

Dr. Gittelman determines if you’re a candidate for BHRT after a consultation and a review of your labs to look at numerous hormones. He offers custom hormone therapy treatment for men and women.

For women, he offers BHRT as a way to combat the symptoms of menopause brought on by declining levels of estrogen and progesterone. 

As men get older, testosterone production slows down, leading to a condition known as andropause. Dr. Gittelman uses BHRT to treat andropause in men. 

Men and women experience many of the same symptoms from these changes in their sex hormone levels, including:

• Hot flashes
• Night sweats
• Low sex drive
• Fatigue
• Depression
• Mood swings
• Memory loss
• Muscle loss
• Weight gain
• Poor concentration
• Migraines
• Joint pain

If you’re experiencing these symptoms, schedule a consultation at Optimal Health Miami. Dr. Gittelman conducts a thorough clinical exam and runs lab tests to determine if your hormones are to blame and if BHRT can help improve your condition. 

How is bioidentical hormone replacement therapy (BHRT) for women given?

For bioidentical hormone replacement, Dr. Gittelman will review a variety of options for the hormones that may be needed for full balance. There are different ways to improve estrogen, progesterone, and testosterone. These include topicals (cream), oral products (by mouth), injectables, and pellet therapy. If pellet therapy is chosen, your pellet is custom-made to match your unique hormone needs. They are placed under your skin, usually in the area above your buttocks.

A bioidentical hormone replacement pellet releases a steady and consistent dose of hormones to optimize your levels and alleviate symptoms. 

What are bioidentical hormone replacement therapy results?

Results from bioidentical hormone replacement therapy vary. It may take up to several weeks or months after starting your therapy until you start to notice improvements in your symptoms.

However, many of Dr. Gittelman’s patients experience a significant improvement in their quality of life after starting BHRT. Some of the more noticeable results include:

• Boost in sex drive
• Weight loss
• More energy
• Less pain
• Better mood
• Regained strength

Dr. Gittelman schedules regular follow-up appointments to monitor your symptoms and hormone levels and reviews current lab work and symptoms regularly to determine changes in BHRT as needed. 

To schedule your bioidentical hormone replacement therapy consultation at Optimal Health Miami, call the office or request an appointment online today.