Bio-Identical Hormone Replacement Specialist

What is bioidentical hormone replacement therapy?

Bioidentical hormone replacement therapy (BHRT) is a treatment that can help with problems caused by low levels of circulating hormones in your body. Dr. Stavrakos uses BHRT in preference to synthetic HRT because the former has been found to be both safer for patients as well as having other significant advantages.

Artificial hormones are synthetic structures that mimic the properties of natural hormones, and do not match the molecular structure of the hormones your body produces naturally. This discrepancy can, and historically has been found to have serious implications, including  ineffective treatment to unpleasant and sometimes dangerous side effects. These side effects could include an increased risk of certain kinds of cancer, stroke, heart attack, dementia, and more

Bioidentical hormones are natural hormones made from plants, and are a precise match for your body's own missing hormones, making them both safer and more effective. BHRT is also formulated to each patient's specific requirements, rather than uniform dosing seen with conventional HRT.

Why might I need bioidentical hormone replacement therapy?

Both men and women can benefit from BHRT. Two of the primary hormones used in BHRT are:

Testosterone

Testosterone is responsible for maintaining and optimizing hundreds of bodily functions.

At the correct levels, testosterone improves sleep quality and libido, gives you more energy, increases bone density and muscle mass, and protects you from life-changing conditions like stroke, heart attack, osteoporosis, dementia, and Parkinson's disease.

Estrogen

Estrogen regulates over 400 functions in the body. Lack of estrogen can contribute to:

• Heart disease
• Mood swings
• Osteoporosis
• Depression
• Dementia
• Breast cancer
• Parkinson's disease
• Dry, thinning skin
• Hot flashes
• Urinary incontinence
• Vaginal dryness
• Obesity

These problems tend to be particularly common as women enter perimenopause and estrogen levels decrease.

You might also benefit from other forms of BHRT, such as thyroid hormone supplementation to regulate metabolism and other key functions.

How do I take bioidentical hormone replacement therapy?

Dr. Stavrakos prescribes BioTE natural hormone pellets, which have a superior track record going back decades. He’s a certified BioTE provider and has been taking bioidentical hormone replacement pellets himself for several years.

Dr. Stavrakos injects the tiny BHRT pellets under your skin. Unlike creams, patches, and injections, you get a far more consistent dose of hormone released slowly into your bloodstream. Also, the pellets last for months, so you’re not having to dose yourself on a daily or weekly basis. 

In addition to checking your hormone levels so he can prescribe the BioTE pellets you need, Dr. Stavrakos may also recommend supplements like vitamin D3 and DHEA to support hormonal health and optimize thyroid function. To maximize health benefits, he might also pair BHRT with other treatments, such as IV infusions and ozone therapy.

To find out how BHRT can help you, call Heritage Regenerative Medicine today or book an appointment online.

Sports Medicine Clinic & Wellness Center located in the greater Charlotte, NC area