Bioidentical Hormone Therapy Specialist

Why Is Hormone Balance Important?

Proper hormone levels keep metabolic processes within the body functioning normally. If any one hormone is increased or decreased outside of normal limits, the metabolic processes throughout the body are disrupted. Hormones create a chain reaction within the body. If one or more hormone levels are off, then the entire body can go out of balance causing a wide range of health problems including infertility, fatigue, loss of sex drive, abnormal hair growth, irritability, changes in mood and unexplained fluctuations in weight. Bringing hormone levels back into balance will gradually reverse many of these symptoms.

Are There Different Types of Hormone Replacement Therapy?

Yes, there are different types of hormone replacement therapy. Women who need hormone replacement therapy because of a hysterectomy or another hormonal disorder have several options available to them. Pellet therapy is becoming increasingly popular with patients who do not want to take oral medications or worry about receiving periodic injections. Pellet therapy involves the placement of a pellet underneath the skin, typically in the hip. The pellet steadily releases small hormones, which provides consistent hormone levels throughout the day. The pellet lasts anywhere from three to possibly six months and can be used for both men and women.

Will Every Woman Need Hormone Replacement Therapy?

Many women are under the impression that if they have a hysterectomy they will be required to receive hormone replacement therapy for the rest of their life. This is not true. Partial hysterectomies or hysterectomies in which a small portion of one or both ovaries is left intact may not have to undergo any type of hormone replacement therapy. A woman's age will also determine if she will need any type of hormone replacement therapy. If a woman has a hysterectomy long after she has passed through menopause, there is little need for hormone therapy unless other health conditions require it.

What Is Pellet Therapy?

Pellet therapy uses hormones that have been formulated with plant derivatives. These hormones have the exact same elemental structure as the hormones produced by the body. Unlike synthetic hormones, they will not produce a roller coaster effect, nor will they cause the same type of side effects. When used in pellet form, these hormones are steadily released into the bloodstream. The pellet is placed under the skin, where it gradually and steadily releases the hormones throughout the day. The pellet can last for four to six months. Patients who prefer natural alternatives to synthetic medications can use pellet therapy and avoid many of the common complaints associated with oral and other transdermal forms of hormone replacement therapy.

Does Pellet Therapy Have Side Effects?

The hormones used in pellet therapy are natural and formulated with components derived from several different plants. Because they are made from natural components, they do not cause the same symptoms that are experienced with other types of hormone replacement therapy. This type of therapy is beneficial for any man or woman who would prefer to avoid synthetic medications and instead administer a natural alternative to restore hormonal balance.

Who Is a Good Candidate for Pellet Therapy?

Women who have had unpleasant side effects from synthetic hormones or other medications would be good candidates for pellet therapy as it offers a much more natural approach. Additionally, anyone who tends to be forgetful or doesn’t want to deal with too much upkeep would benefit from pellet therapy. The pellet is placed under the skin to provide sustained release, there is no need to remember to take an oral medication or schedule an appointment for a monthly injection. There is also a smaller risk of mood swings or other unpredictable side effects that may be present with other types of hormone replacement therapies.

Dr. Dominguez partners with BioTE to provide their services to his patients. To learn more about BioTE click here.