Bioidentical Hormone Replacement Therapy

Hormones play a critical role in wellness, acting as messengers in the body to regulate complicated processes, such as your metabolism and fertility. With age, your body may stop or decrease the production of certain hormones. As hormone levels drop, you may experience a variety of changes in your body, including weight gain, less energy and sleep disturbances.

The classic example of this is menopause in women, although a similar process, andropause, occurs in men. Other hormonal systems in the in body decrease with age, resulting in subtle but noticeable changes. Bioidentical hormone replacement therapy can replace lost hormones with ones that are biologically identical to improve your well-being and quality of life.*

A Texas native, Dr. David Dellinger holds board certifications in both plastic/reconstructive and general surgery, and has more than 20 years of experience performing surgical and non-surgical cosmetic treatments. At Elysian Plastic Surgery, Dr. Dellinger works with men and women in the Austin area and throughout Texas who are interested in improving their appearance and feeling their best.

Contact us online or call our Austin office at 512-229-1978 to learn more your options for non-surgical cosmetic treatments.

• At Elysian Plastic Surgery, you won’t be just another face. We take the time to listen to your concerns, design a custom treatment plan and provide knowledgeable, compassionate care from your visit through your final appointment.
• We offer a range of cosmetic treatments to help restore skin after sun damage and fight the signs of aging. As BHRT balances your hormones, you could see more youthful skin with non-surgical treatments.
• Dr. Dellinger is a member of the American Academy of Anti-Aging Medicine and has been a proponent and practitioner of anti-aging bioidentical hormone replacement therapy for more than 15 years.

Bioidentical hormones may be right for people who are experiencing hair loss, a decrease in sex drive, weight gain, a decline in cognitive function, a loss of muscle mass and strength, low energy levels, menstrual cycle changes, sleep disturbances or skin that has become dry and thin.

You may also be a good candidate for BHRT if you have tested low in a hormone, you have adrenal fatigue or a thyroid condition. Men who have low testosterone and women who have PMS or polycystic ovary syndrome or are going through menopause or perimenopause may also see benefits from bioidentical hormone replacement therapy.*

At your initial consultation, Dr. Dellinger will review your medical history and make sure that you’re a good candidate for bioidentical hormone replacement. Blood will be drawn for a lab panel during your first visit, too.

At your next appointment, Dr. Dellinger will go over your lab results and recommend a personalized treatment plan that may include bioidentical hormones for testosterone, progesterone or estrogen.

Smaller lab panels will be done one to three times throughout your series of treatments to check your hormone levels and adjust your dose if necessary. Dr. Dellinger may recommend checking your levels after several months or once a year to ensure that your hormones stay at the appropriate level.*

Your treatment should only take a few minutes as Dr. Dellinger places bioidentical hormone pellets just under your skin. Pellets can be an effective way to replace hormones without the inconvenience of creams, pills or injections.*

You can get back to your day immediately after your hormone replacement therapy. Women may see a change in some menopause symptoms within days and continue to see improvements over the next several weeks. Men may notice an improvement in symptoms after 4 to 6 weeks. Pellets typically last for 4 to 6 months. Dr. Dellinger may recommend a series of treatments for the best outcome.*

How often should I get BHRT?

Since we use BHRT pellets subcutaneously, most patients only need to have pellets inserted only 3 to 4 times a year.

Can bioidentical hormone replacement therapy be used as a weight-loss tool?

BHRT addresses hormonal imbalances that can directly affect metabolism. Common benefits of BHRT include increased energy and increased metabolic rate which can help support weight loss efforts. If you are experiencing weight gain related to changes in hormone levels, then BHRT could be a good option for you.

How long does it take to feel the full effects of BHRT treatment?

Many patients experience a change in symptoms in as little as 24 to 72 hours after BHRT pellet insertion, with significant improvement within a few weeks. However, the full effects of BHRT may take several months.

During your consultation, Dr. Dellinger will review your symptoms and provide a more detailed estimate for when you can expect improvement.

What symptoms are treated with bioidentical hormone replacement therapy?

There are several symptoms that result from lowered hormone levels, and many of these can be relieved with BHRT treatment. Common symptoms treated include:

• Fatigue
• Stress
• Brain fog
• Weight gain
• Low libido
• Trouble sleeping
• Hot flashes
• Night sweats
• Changes in mood

What’s the difference between HRT and BHRT?

Bioidentical hormone replacement therapy and traditional hormone replacement therapy are both intended to treat hormonal imbalances, although there are some key differences when discussing their composition. Bioidentical hormones are derived from plant estrogens though they are identical in molecular structure to the hormones in our bodies. Traditional hormone therapy uses animal estrogens that work well with human estrogen receptors.

BHRT has the advantage of customizing dosing to better address your needs, while traditional HRT treatments only offer standard dosing.

What happens when I stop taking BHRT?

When you stop taking bioidentical hormones, your pre-treatment symptoms may return, especially for women who have not yet completed menopause. Dr. Dellinger will discuss your options for stopping BHRT with you. He may recommend tapering off BHRT as this can make the transition easier.

How long should I take BHRT?

BHRT can be taken for a few months or for years. Most patients consider how their bioidentical hormone replacement therapy makes them feel overall and how effective it is in helping to manage their symptoms when deciding if it’s time to stop treatment.

How can BHRT help men?

Bioidentical hormone replacement therapy can improve testosterone levels for men. Restored hormone levels can help men boost energy and mental clarity. BHRT for men can also help improve and maintain muscle mass, stamina and sexual health.

Are there any restrictions after BHRT pellet treatment?

BHRT is a quick and simple treatment. While you’re able to resume normal activities after your treatment, there are a few restrictions you should follow. Immediately following treatment, you should avoid strenuous exercise, especially exercise involving the lower body. Also, water-related activities like swimming, showering and bathing are not recommended for at least the first 24 hours.

To schedule your bioidentical hormone replacement therapy consultation, please call our Austin plastic surgery practice at 512-229-1978 or request a consultation online.

*This information is for education only, and is not meant as a guarantee of results. Your results may vary.