Hormone Replacement Therapy

Hormone Replacement Therapy for women

Bioidentical Hormone Therapy

Murray & Associates now offers an integrative, natural alternative to synthetic hormone replacement therapies– bio-identical hormone replacement therapy (BHRT) which utilizes bio-identical hormones derived from natural, plant-based substances. Bioidentical hormones are derived from natural sources like yam or cactus plants. The ingredients are compounded in a lab and designed to be structurally identical to the hormones produced by the human body. This allows bioidentical hormones to fit into your hormone receptors perfectly. Bioidentical hormone replacement therapy is renowned in countless studies and patient testimonials as the safe and effective treatment for hormone imbalance. BHRT supports your health beyond relieving uncomfortable symptoms of menopause or andropause. Research has shown that bioidentical hormones also offer protective benefits that help reduce the risk of diseases related to hormonal changes, such as heart attack, stroke, and certain cancers. Unlike synthetic hormones, the molecular structure of the bio-identical hormones for testosterone and/or estrogen is human identical.

Creams/Topicals
Patches
Sublingual tabs
Injections/Shots
Pellet therapy. It consists of injecting a prescribed number of pellets(they are a little bigger than a grain of rice) into the fatty tissue underneath your skin.

The pellets contain hormones, which mimic (are bio-identical to) the effects of hormones in your body, and are gradually released into your bloodstream.

The pellets are released based on your cardiac output – how much physical activity you do, how much stress you’re under, etc.

BHRT is one of the most effective methods of addressing hormone imbalances or deficiencies. The following symptoms could be caused by a hormone imbalance in your body.

For Women, a list of symptoms could be (to name a few):

Weight gain/belly fat
Poor memory/brain fog
Wrinkles, Cellulite
Fatigability
Saggy breasts and dry skin
Frequent headaches or new onset of Migraines
Abnormal pain in joints
Anxiety/Depression/Moodiness/Irritability
Hot flashes

Dryness and irritation of the vagina
Recurrent UTIs
Poor sleep
Water retention
Rise in cholesterol
Burning tongue
Electric shock sensation
Endometriosis
Premenstrual Syndrome

Top Ten Reasons Women Want to Optimize Testosterone and Estrogen Levels

Weight loss.
Boost metabolism.
Memory and Mood.
Increase stamina and energy.
Lean muscle body mass, reducing skin wrinkles and cellulite.

Restore libido and sexual climax.
Stronger bones.
Lower cholesterol.
Protection against immune system.
Improve arthritis pains or relief of pain in muscles and joints.

TESTOSTERONE HORMONE REPLACEMENT THERAPY

Testosterone therapy is effective for symptoms of hormone imbalance in men and women. Though commonly believed to be the “male hormone,” testosterone is extremely important to female health and well-being.

Testosterone plays a role in healthy weight management, brain function, cardiovascular health, as well as sexual function and desire. Low levels of testosterone in women or men can lead to undesirable symptoms making even simple daily tasks seem unbearable. Low testosterone can cause you to feel sluggish and tired all the time, as well as impact your focus, memory, muscle definition and libido.

Testosterone hormone therapy effectively treats low testosterone in men and women. The most effective treatment options use are bioidentical hormone pellets. Testosterone pellet therapy has a reputation for being the superior choice in hormone pellet therapy. Our testosterone pellets are custom-compounded at an FDA-registered 503B outsourcing facility.

ESTROGEN HORMONE REPLACEMENT THERAPY

Many of the symptoms that affect women with hormonal imbalance are related to drops in estrogen. Low estrogen levels in women can contribute to low libido, vaginal dryness, hot flashes, night sweats, and mood swings. Though commonly believed to be the “female hormone,” estrogen is extremely important to both female and male health well-being.

Estrogen replacement therapy is an effective treatment for estrogen imbalance. In many cases, bioidentical estrogen therapy paired with bioidentical progesterone and bioidentical testosterone supports complete symptom relief and helps reduce risk of disease.

A 2016 study found that estrogen hormone therapy effectively increased libido in postmenopausal women. When low-dose estrogen therapy was paired with testosterone therapy, sexual desire was further enhanced. Estradiol pellet therapy is considered the superior choice in estrogen pellet therapy. The bioidentical hormones that comprise each pellet are compounded by expert pharmacists at an FDA-registered 503B outsourcing facility.

SYNTHETIC VS. BIOIDENTICAL HORMONE THERAPY

Bioidentical hormone replacement therapy (BHRT) uses bioidentical hormones derived from natural sources and compounded to be an exact structural match to the hormones inside the human body.

Synthetic hormones are often derived from animals and combined with chemicals to create a hormone therapy that is similar, but not exactly like human hormones.

The natural ingredients combined with the molecular match allows bioidentical hormones to fit into human hormone receptors exactly as naturally occurring hormones. This feature ensures the safety and efficacy of the treatment. With synthetic hormones, the molecular structure is merely similar, causing the body to struggle with recognition of the substance and, therefore, causing side effects and poor outcomes.

In the past, most research into hormone therapy focused on synthetic hormones, but as the effectiveness of bioidentical hormone therapy has become renowned, researchers are turning their attention to BHRT. Bioidentical hormones have been heralded as a natural hormone therapy option and are effective for disease prevention as well as eliminating uncomfortable symptoms that often occur as part of the aging process.

Most famously, the Women’s Health Initiative (WHI) suggested that hormone therapy was dangerous. At the time, this was the largest-ever study on hormone therapy. It was designed to compare the efficacy of estrogen-only therapy and a combination of progesterone and estrogen therapies. For the study, researchers used synthetic hormones and many of the participants were of advanced age and higher risk of disease before the study began. These factors led many experts to review the study and uncover flaws in the methodologies used. These reviews have led large medical organizations, experts, and communities to revise previous policies against the use of hormone therapy. Today, the known benefits of hormone replacement therapy are numerous, and it is believed to be the best treatment option for hormone imbalance and prevention of disease. New research has also linked the use of bioidentical hormone therapy to better outcomes, finding that patients have fewer side effects along with enhanced benefits.

PELLET THERAPY

Pellet therapy is among the oldest forms of hormone therapy, dating back to the 1930s. With the many advancements in technology, pellet therapy is now considered the most effective delivery method of hormone therapy and the preferred option among patients and providers.

Pellet therapy is available for estradiol and testosterone hormone replacement. The hormone is compounded into a tiny pellet and inserted into the upper layer of skin, just above the buttocks. Aside from the convenience of never having to remember to take a pill, slather on cream, or put on a patch, this delivery method is the most optimal for a natural dosing structure and bioavailability. Pellet therapy mimics the slow, steady dosing that occurs naturally within the ovaries or testicles of the human body. Your doctor will use your lab work, symptom assessment, lifestyle, and reaction to the therapy to achieve an optimal prescription. Pellet therapy is designed to meet the unique needs of the individual, so you get exactly what your body needs, when it needs it–much like nature intended.

IS HORMONE THERAPY SAFE?

There have been several studies and meta-analyses reviewing the safety and efficacy of hormone therapy and bioidentical hormones. The outcomes suggest that bioidentical hormones are the safer, more effective option for treating conditions and symptoms of hormone imbalance when compared to methods of hormone therapy that use non-bioidentical hormone therapies.

In addition to effectively treating hormone imbalance, other studies have linked bioidentical hormones to a reduced risk of cardiovascular complications and breast cancer when compared to non-bioidentical hormone therapies.

ARE THERE HORMONE THERAPY SIDE EFFECTS?

For most patients, the benefits of bioidentical hormone replacement are positive and transformative. However, when starting any new medication or treatment, it is important to talk to provider about your medical history and make aware of all details of your health while *interval safety monitoring protocols are required for all patients.

HOW MUCH DOES HORMONE THERAPY COST?

Hormone therapy costs less than you think. In fact, many plans cost less per day than you might pay for one of those fancy cups of coffee at popular coffeehouses. However, labs and most HRT therapy is not covered by insurance companies. Following labs, you will have consultation with your provider to review lab results and talk about options and pricing for treatment.

Pellet therapy is not covered by insurance. Most men and women choose pellet therapy because it reduces the risk of dosing errors, wasted medication, and delivers superior results. For men, a single pellet may last between 5 and 7 months, often dependent on factors like stress and activity level. For women, a single pellet lasts between 3 and 5 months, depending on the same factors as men.

Frequently asked questions

If you’re considering hormone pellets, you probably have many questions.

Hormone pellets are small discs or cylinders containing compressed hormones. They are designed to mimic the body’s natural processes by releasing hormones at a steady rate that maintains predictable hormone levels.

Whether you are considering hormone replacement therapy (HRT) for the first time or thinking about switching from a different administration method, one of your most pressing questions may be are hormone pellets safe? Taking a closer look at the benefits and the risks of this innovative treatment can give you the answers you need.

WHAT ARE HORMONE PELLETS MADE OF?

Bioidentical hormone pellets are custom-made by a pharmacist according to your doctor’s instructions. They will typically contain plant-based hormones, such as estrogen, testosterone, and/or DHEA, that have been engineered to match your body’s own hormones. They will also contain inert ingredients, including binders and lubricating agents such as stearic acid or cholesterol. The exact formulation and dosage will depend on your needs.

HOW ARE PELLETS IMPLANTED?

Hormone pellets are implanted during a 15-minute procedure in your doctor’s office. A small area on the hip or buttock is cleaned, and a local anesthetic is injected to numb the site. Through a small incision, the prescribed number of pellets are implanted in the fatty tissue just below the skin. A sterile dressing is then applied, and you leave the office with instructions to ice the implantation site and keep it dry for a few days. Most people find the procedure to be quick, easy, and pain-free

WHAT ARE THE BENEFITS OF HORMONE PELLETS?

The primary benefit of hormone pellet therapy is that it effectively relieves the uncomfortable symptoms of hormonal fluctuation or decline. While many forms of HRT can do this, pellets are unique. Convenience: Because hormone pellets last for 3-6 months, patients typically find them very convenient. When you’re able to set it and forget it, it’s easy to adhere to treatment. This is very different from oral or topical therapies that must be taken or applied daily or injections that require visits to your doctor’s office every few weeks. Predictability: The steady rate of hormone release helps you avoid the hormonal fluctuations that often occur with other delivery methods. These benefits help explain why more and more patients are choosing pellet therapy.

ARE HORMONE PELLETS SAFE?

Hormone pellets have been in use for many years and are generally considered a very safe delivery method. Complications are usually mild and temporary. These may include redness, bleeding, dermatitis, and scarring at the implantation site. More serious complications from hormone pellets are rare. The most common is pellet extrusion, which happens in less than 1% of cases, and over 90% of patients continue to use hormone pellets after their first treatment. As with any procedure, aftercare instructions should be followed carefully to avoid side effects. Applying an ice pack and keeping the incision site dry will help to speed healing. To minimize the risk of complications and support better outcomes, some doctors are now using pellets that include a very low dose of triamcinolone, a corticosteroid that acts as an anti-inflammatory at the implantation site. Triamcinolone promotes long-term success in a number of ways: Scar tissue and pellet extrusions are minimized. The number of booster doses for new patients is reduced. Hormone absorption is enhanced, leading to faster symptom relief. Hormone absorption is more consistent.

Dr. Murray has fine-tuned her approach to recommended conventional and complementary therapies in medicine that are comfortable and considerate of patients’ needs. Using a holistic approach to educate and treat patients while opening the doors for lasting results are all part of optimizing hormone levels to bring back much zest for health, living, strength and disease prevention.

Hormone Therapy for men