What symptoms are triggered by hormonal imbalances during menopause…and why?
When women enter the perimenopause and menopause stages, hormonal imbalances are common. The effects of this imbalance often present themselves as unwanted symptoms (we’re looking at you, hot flashes!). Despite being a natural process in the body of any woman, menopause can cause drastic changes that trigger severe symptoms and reduce your quality of life. Some of the more common (and unwelcome) symptoms are:
• Low energy and stamina
• Hot flashes and night sweats
• Sleep problems
• Weight gain
• Anxiety and depression
• Unstable moods
• Decreased mental clarity
• Low libido
• Vaginal dryness
• Urinary problems
• Thinning hair
• Bone thinning, or osteoporosis
What is Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT)?
Hormone Replacement Therapy is a way to replenish those hormones that your body used to create. This creation has decreased during the perimenopause or menopause stages and is causing the hormonal imbalance in your body.
Then what is Bioidentical Hormone Replacement Therapy (BHRT)?
BHRT is a type of hormone replacement therapy that uses plant-derived compounds. These compounds more closely reflect the hormones that your body produced before menopause. Because these hormones are derived naturally and are identical on a molecular level, it is easy for our bodies to metabolize them properly. Nore uses these bioidentical hormones to provide relief from menopause symptoms while avoiding the risks that accompany synthetic hormones.
Okay, but how are the hormones introduced into my body?
Bioidentical hormones can be delivered orally, with patches, via injections or through pellet therapy. While some patients begin hormone treatment with oral or topical solutions, many migrate to pellet therapy.
What are the advantages of pellet therapy?
Pellet therapy offers several unique advantages over oral and topical solutions, including:
• Hassle-free dosing. Once the pellet is inserted there is no need to remember to take a pill or apply a cream. Hormones are “picked up” at the pellet source and delivered throughout your system. Your body can deliver a natural, need-based release of hormones – more hormones are delivered when you need them (exercising or stressed) and less when you don’t (sleeping or relaxed). This prevents the “up and down” roller coaster effect caused by taking too much or too little.
• Easy absorption. Pellets are absorbed (not swallowed) so your body doesn’t have to process the hormones. And since they contain no synthetic ingredients, the hormones will eventually dissolve completely and leave nothing behind in your system.
• Get it and forget it! Instead of daily dosing, new pellets are only required every 3-4 months and the simple procedure takes less than fifteen minutes.
How does the pellet therapy process work?
Book a consultation with a Nore provider and she will walk you through the process. Typically, we begin by drawing your bloodwork. Then we meet with you to discuss the results and determine the appropriate dosage for your individual needs.
Your Nore provider may start you on an oral or topical hormone to determine how your individual symptoms react to the dosage. Once this process is completed, you are ready to schedule your first hormone pellet procedure.
The pellet procedure takes less than 15 minutes. During the procedure, tiny pellets are inserted just under the skin in the lower abdominal or hip area. You may need to avoid extraneous exercise, water sports, and baths for several days following insertion. You may also experience minor bruising at the insertion site. Your Nore provider can give you more information on what to expect in the days after the procedure.
What are the side effects of BHRT?
Hormone replacement therapy has been widely used for years. Conventional (non-bioidentical) hormone therapy side effects are well documented. There is an overwhelmingly large body of evidence that supports the claim that Bioidentical Hormone Replacement Therapy is safer and more effective than synthetic hormone replacement.
However, it’s important to remember that no drug, supplement or herb is 100% safe—there is always a chance that you may experience an adverse reaction. That’s why it’s critical for women to consult with a hormone specialist before beginning any hormone therapy regimen, to safeguard themselves from side effects. It’s why we work closely with you at Nore to provide the best possible outcome.
What about my male partner?
Once you begin to benefit from BHRT, you may want your male partner to feel as good as you do. Men can benefit from testosterone pellet therapy, which delivers a slow release of testosterone over three to six months. Results include improved libido and sexual performance, increased muscle mass, reduced fat mass, stabilized moods, and enhanced focus. Our providers can treat the male partners of our female patients. Just ask!
What does pellet therapy cost?
Unfortunately, pellet therapy for women is not covered by most insurance providers. The good news is that pellet therapy costs less than $4 per day (about the cost of a Starbucks drink), making it an affordable option to help you feel like you again. You can discuss discounted pellet packages and/or CareCredit financing with the Nore staff.
If you’ve been thinking about getting started, now is a great time. Through October, we’re offering a$100 OFF your first Pellet Therapy Treatment. Learn more about this offer here.
How do I start?
Schedule a consultation with a Nore provider. We will draw the appropriate labs, review the results, and prescribe the correct dosage of hormones for your unique needs. Contact Nore today – we’ll help you Be Your Most!