Compounded Bio-identical hormones for women
We use natural, Bioidentical hormones in forms of pellets, creams or pills to optimize hormone levels.
Hormones have a drastic effect on the function of our entire body. Very often, both men and women develop hormonal abnormalities that can cause fatigue, depression, insomnia, weight gain, hot flashes and decreased sex drive.
At the offices of Dr. Bawa & Associates, we use the most accurate methods, like saliva testing, to check hormone levels. We can then prescribe bio-identical hormones that are identical to what the human body makes.
Many doctors use Premarin, or synthetic hormones, because they are aggressively marketed, but were never designed for use on the human body. Bio-identical Hormones, on the other hand, are generic, inexpensive and specifically designed for the human body. While Bio-Identical Hormones tend to have fewer side effects, we are conservative, and use only the minimal amounts, limiting any risk to our patients.
We can use topical preparations, pills or even pellets that are inserted under the skin. These pellets are about the size of a grain of rice and they are placed under the skin in the buttock area and they gradually give out hormones over 3-4 months.
While we can prescribe oral and sublingual pills that dissolve under the tongue, the oral route is not the preferred method of getting hormones. This is because the stomach acid digests the hormones and liver breaks them into small pieces some of which are clotting factors increasing the risks of blood clots, heart attacks and strokes. There are studies showing that topical delivered hormones have a lower risk of blood clots, heart attacks and strokes when compared to oral forms.
Hormone replacement therapy not only helps with breast cancer prevention and reducing heart disease in women, but it also improves menopause symptoms such as:
- Hot Flashes
- Sweating
- Sleep Problems
- Depressive Moods
- Fatigue
- Sexual Desire, Activity, Satisfaction
- Joint and Muscle Pain
- Bladder Symptoms
- Bone Density
- Irritability/Anxiety
- Thickness, Fullness of Scalp Hair
What are bioidentical hormones?
Bioidentical hormones are compounds that exactly match the natural hormones your body makes when it is (or was) in balance. Intermittent testing is required to monitor the changes you need as menopause progresses.
Why use hormone pellets and creams?
When hormones are absorbed rather than swallowed, they go directly to the tissues and are not altered by the liver. This is called the “first pass effect.” Bypassing the gastrointestinal system also avoids many possible side effects. We use pellets as a convenient and measurable way to provide your hormone replacement.
Are bioidentical hormones safer than standard hormones?
There are no studies to prove that bioidentical hormones are safer than standard hormone replacement pills; however, hundreds of thousands of women have been treated successfully and with fewer side effects.
How quickly does it work? When will I start to feel better?
You will see improvement within the first 2 to 3 weeks of therapy, but it will take up to 8 weeks to feel the full effect. We want to achieve balance with the lowest dose of each hormone – the recommendation of the FDA and American College of OBGYN.
What is adrenal fatigue?
Fatigue, foggy mind, poor sleep, and weight gain are common symptoms of adrenal fatigue. The adrenal gland produces Cortisol, which controls our response to stress. During times of high stress, whether short or long-term, your ability to produce the proper levels of Cortisol can be affected. Sound nutrition, exercise, and Adrenal supplementation can help reverse this condition.