Hormone Replacement Therapy Specialist

What is bioidentical hormone replacement therapy?

Bioidentical hormone replacement therapy (BHRT) consists of hormones derived from yam, soybean, or other plant extracts. Their molecular structure is identical to your natural hormones, estrogen and progesterone, which decrease during perimenopause and menopause.

You need sufficient estrogen keep your bones strong and to protect against atherosclerosis, or hardened arteries. Progesterone maintains a healthy thickness to your uterine lining to reduce your risk for uterine cancer.

BHRT has the same chemical structure as your existing hormones so there is less chance your body will reject them. BHRT helps alleviate hormonal imbalances caused by aging, menopause, and stress.

Do I need BHRT if I’m in menopause?

Not all women who are in menopause experience symptoms that require BHRT. You should strongly consider BHRT if you notice symptoms of hormonal imbalance, such as:

• Hot flashes
• Vaginal atrophy
• Dry or itchy vulva or vagina
• Uncomfortable or painful sex
• Decreased libido
• Night sweats

What are the different types of BHRT?

BHRTs come in several forms. At The Women’s Centre, nurse practitioner Amy Dean recommends the BioTE implant.

What’s the BioTE implant?

The BioTE implant is a pellet that’s inserted into the area around your hip. The BioTE pellets are custom-compounded BHRTs that are based on your hormone levels and mixed with a binder.

How do I get a BioTE implant?

When you schedule a BHRT consultation with Amy, she first determines if you’re a candidate for BioTE based on your medical history and a comprehensive examination. She then performs the blood test that determines your unique and current hormone levels.

Your hormone profile is used to compound your BioTE pellet in one of only two pharmacies in the United States that are FDA-licensed to do so. Your pellet is tested for consistency and purity.

When your BHRT pellet is ready, you come back to Amy. She creates a tiny incision and inserts the pellet underneath the fatty layer of your skin.

What kinds of conditions can BioTE help?

Menopause isn’t the only condition that causes hormonal imbalances. The BioTE implant can also alleviate:

• Depression
• Anxiety
• Osteoporosis
• Heart Disease
• Premenstrual syndrome (PMS)
• Hypothyroidism

How long does BioTE take to work?

You start to feel the hormone-balancing effects of your BioTE implant within seven to ten days. How long it takes your symptoms resolve depends on your unique physiology; it may take as little as two weeks or as much as six months.

To start balancing and optimizing your hormones, contact Amy Dean or Dr. Mantri at The Women’s Centre. You can reach the friendly staff by phone or book a consultation online.