Hormone Therapy San Diego

Understanding Abnormal Hormone Levels in Women

Causes of Hormonal Imbalance

The primary cause of low hormones in women is menopause, occurring typically between 45 and 55 years. During this period, estrogen, progesterone, and testosterone secretion from the pituitary gland, adrenal glands, and ovaries decrease significantly. This hormonal shift is vital for a woman's mental and physical health. Other factors contributing to low hormones include premature ovarian failure, excessive exercise or extreme dieting, eating disorders, autoimmune diseases, and surgical ovary removal.

Symptoms Associated with Hormonal Deficiencies

The symptoms of low hormones vary based on the specific hormone affected:

Low Estrogen Symptoms:

• Hot flashes and night sweats.
• Menstrual changes or cessation.
• Vaginal dryness and discomfort during intercourse.
• Sleep difficulties and insomnia.
• Mood fluctuations.
• Increased risk of depression and anxiety.
• Bladder issues, including urination problems and incontinence.

Low Testosterone Symptoms:

• Reduced sexual desire and difficulty in achieving orgasm.
• Fatigue and concentration issues.
• Muscle weakness and weight gain.
• Hair thinning.
• Higher risk of cardiovascular diseases.
• Decrease in bone density.
• Cognitive decline and increased risk of disorders like Alzheimer’s.

Overview of Bio-Identical Hormone Pellets

Bio-Identical Hormone pellets are tiny, about the size of a grain of rice, and contain natural testosterone and estrogen identical to those produced in the body. This differentiates them from synthetic hormone forms found in other treatments. The bio-identical nature of these hormones is advantageous as synthetic versions can lead to side effects like deep vein thrombosis and pulmonary embolism with oral estrogens, or allergic reactions to injectable testosterones. Pellets offer a gradual, controlled release of hormones over several months, unlike the daily and weekly fluctuations associated with other administration methods. The hormone levels achieved with pellets are more consistent, peaking at about 4-6 weeks after insertion and gradually diminishing over 3-4 months.

The Process of Hormone Supplementation

For those interested in hormone supplementation:

1. Schedule a consultation with a physician.
2. Fill out medical intake forms using an online portal.
3. Consult with a physician to review medical history, symptoms, health concerns, and discuss the benefits of hormone supplementation and treatment options.
4. Utilize the SottoPelle algorithm for dosing, which factors in symptoms and lab results to determine the optimal hormone dose.
5. Undergo a quick, in-office procedure for pellet placement.
6. Begin feeling the hormone benefits approximately 3-4 weeks after pellet insertion.
7. Conduct labs at 5-6 weeks post-placement to ensure optimal hormone levels. If symptoms persist, additional pellets can be administered.
8. Pellets typically last 3-4 months, with repeat lab tests at 14-16 weeks to guide future dosing.

Benefits of Hormone Supplementation for Women

Testosterone Supplementation Benefits:

• Enhanced libido and sexual desire.
• Protection against depression and anxiety.
• Lower breast cancer incidence in supplemented women.
• A 5-8% increase in bone mineral density after 12 months of therapy.
• Reduction in testosterone-related migraines.
• Increase in lean muscle mass and reduction in body fat.
• Decrease in triglycerides, LDL cholesterol, and overall cholesterol levels.
• Lowered risk of heart attacks and cardiovascular events.
• Neuroprotective effects against cognitive decline.

Estrogen Supplementation Benefits:

• Alleviation of hot flashes and night sweats.
• Improvement in sleep quality.
• Reduction in vaginal dryness and intercourse pain.
• Decrease in estrogen-related migraines.
• Enhanced mood and decreased irritability.

Both testosterone and estrogen play crucial roles in maintaining various aspects of women’s health, from mood regulation to physical well-being.

Addressing Concerns and Misconceptions

Many primary care or gynecology doctors may express reservations about hormone replacement therapy (HRT) using bio-identical pellets. Common responses from healthcare providers include skepticism about hormone supplementation for women, citing a lack of supportive data or organizational endorsement. For concerns like low libido, a referral to a sex therapist might be suggested.

These hesitations often stem from a lack of distinction between different hormone preparations like creams, pills, injections, and bio-identical pellets. For instance, oral estrogen supplements, being synthetic, can significantly increase the risk of thromboembolic events. In contrast, bio-identical estrogen mirrors the body's own estrogen and does not carry the same risks. The Women's Health Initiative (WHI) study highlighted risks associated with synthetic estrogens and progestins but did not involve bio-identical hormones. Subsequent clinical studies have demonstrated that bio-identical hormone pellets can actually reduce the risk of breast cancer, stroke, and cardiovascular disease in women compared to those with low hormones and no supplementation.