Hormone Replacement Therapy | Hormone Replacement Therapy Austin, New Braunfels, San Antonio, Waco & Boerne

18/Mar/2022

What is a hysterectomy or oophorectomy?

A hysterectomy is the surgical removal of the uterus, and an oophorectomy is the surgical removal of the ovaries. Hysterectomies and oophorectomies can be performed together or separately.

Why do you get a hysterectomy or oophorectomy?

There are many reasons why a hysterectomy or oophorectomy may be recommended.

Some common reasons include:

Endometriosis
Uterine fibroids
Chronic pelvic pain
Cancer of the uterus, ovaries, or cervix
Severe bleeding during menses

What are the consequences of a hysterectomy and/or oophorectomy?

The loss of the ovaries can cause a woman to experience a sudden and drastic decrease in estrogen levels (also called surgical menopause).

This can lead to numerous health problems, including osteoporosis, heart disease, and cognitive decline. Symptoms of low estrogen include:

Hot flashes
Vaginal dryness
Mood swings
Sleep problems
Foggy thinking
any many more

What are my estrogen replacement options/alternatives?

Fortunately, there are several ways to increase estrogen levels naturally. One option is bio-identical hormone replacement therapy (BHRT), which involves taking estrogen injections, pills, patches, or creams.

In fact, most patients need estrogen, progesterone, and testosterone to feel their best after a hysterectomy or oophorectomy.

Natural vs. Synthetic Estrogens

There are two main types of estrogen therapy: synthetic and natural:

Synthetic estrogens are made in a laboratory and are not identical to the hormones produced by the body.

Natural estrogens, on the other hand, are derived from plant sources and are chemically identical to the hormones produced by the body. This is often termed “bio-identical.” The most common form of estrogen used for HRT is Estradiol.

woman speaking with nurse

How long should you take estrogen after a hysterectomy?

This is a question that should be discussed with your doctor. Typically, patients will take estrogen therapy for the rest of their lives. However, some women may only need to take it for a few years.

If you are considering a hysterectomy or oophorectomy, it is important to talk to your medical provider about hormone replacement before the procedure. Here at Hormones by Design, we specialize in BHRT.

We can help you with determining your estrogen levels and help you make a plan for the best method to replace all your needed hormones.

If you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to call our new New Braunfels location at (830) 627-7979. We would be happy to help!

Jeanette Maxey

10/Feb/2022

Bio-identical hormone replacement therapy (BHRT) using pellets has become a popular treatment for hormone imbalance.

The pellets are implanted under the skin and release hormones into the bloodstream gradually over time. They provide a steady stream of hormones that can help to restore balance and improve symptoms.

But what happens if you decide you want to stop taking pellets? Can they be removed once they have been implanted?

How long have hormone pellets been in use?

Hormone pellets have been used as a medical treatment since 1939. They were originally developed as a way to treat hypothyroidism and are still used for this purpose today. In the 1960s, researchers began using pellets to treat menopausal symptoms such as mood swings and hot flashes caused by hormonal imbalance in women.

Since then, research into the use of pellets for bio-identical hormone replacement therapy (BHRT) has increased and they have become a popular treatment option.

How do BHRT pellets work?

Pellets are small cylinders (about the size of a grain of rice) that contain hormones in a solid form. They are made from estrogen or testosterone and can be used to treat both men and women.

In men, pellets can be used for testosterone replacement therapy (TRT), while in women estrogen or testosterone pellets are typically used to treat symptoms of hormonal imbalance.

How are BHRT pellets implanted?

The BHRT pellets are implanted under the skin in a surgical procedure (a small incision) that takes just a few minutes. The pellets are typically placed into the fat tissue of your hip or upper buttocks.

What are the risks involved in this procedure?

As with any surgical procedure, there are risks associated with implanting BHRT pellets. These include infection, bleeding, scarring, and damage to the surrounding tissue. If the implantation site becomes infected, the pellets may be expelled with the infection.

You should not take a bath, get in a hot tub, or go swimming (in a pool, river, or at the beach) for at least two weeks after the pellets are implanted. You should discuss these risks with your doctor before deciding whether or not to have the implant procedure.

Can BHRT pellets be removed?

No. Once implanted, pellets are not meant to be removed. They dissolve over time and release hormones into the bloodstream gradually. We understand one advantage of pellets is that they don’t have to be taken daily like pills and that makes them convenient. But once they are placed under the skin, you are stuck with them for 3-4 months.

What alternatives are there to pellet therapy?

Besides pellets, there are other ways to take hormones. For example, patients can take oral medications, or our preferred form of treatment, hormone injections. In fact, at Hormones by Design, we specialize in crafting a unique hormone injection for each of our female patients.

Injections are created and administered every 3-4 weeks. Dosage for each patient is based on their lab work and most importantly, their symptoms. This dose can be adjusted up or down as needed at EVERY visit…unlike dosing with pellets. Our most recent location in New Braunfels is now specializing in hormone injections as well.

In short, pellets can be a convenient choice for some patients. However here at Hormones by Design, we recommend our uniquely crafted hormone injection therapy. We want to listen to you and help you through all the symptoms of perimenopause and menopause. Call 830-627-7979 today to schedule your appointment in our newest location, New Braunfels, Texas.

Jeanette Maxey

08/Feb/2022

It’s normal to lose hair as you age. Hair loss in women is usually caused by a decrease in hormones, which can happen as you approach menopause. However, other factors can cause hair loss in women, including stress, diet, and genetics.

In this blog post, we will discuss the causes and symptoms of hair loss in women, as well as treatment options.

Causes of Hair Loss in Women

Decreased hormones: This is the most common cause of hair loss in women. As you approach menopause, your body produces less estrogen and progesterone, which can lead to a decrease in hair growth.
Stress: When you’re stressed, your body releases cortisol, which can cause hair loss. Hair can also fall out when you’re going through emotional stress, such as grief or trauma.
Diet: Hair needs nutrients to grow and stay healthy. If your diet is low in protein, vitamins A and B12, zinc, iron, or fatty acids like omega-three fatty acids (found in fish oil), then you may be more likely to experience hair loss.
Genetics: Hair loss can sometimes be hereditary. If your parents or grandparents had noticeable hair loss, you may also experience it.
Thyroid issues: An overactive or under-active thyroid can cause hair loss.
Autoimmune diseases: Hair loss is a common symptom of autoimmune diseases, such as lupus and rheumatoid arthritis.
Birth control pills: Some women experience hair loss after starting birth control pills. This is most likely due to the change in hormone levels.

Symptoms of Hair Loss in Women

Hair thinning: You may start to notice that your hair is thinner than usual. You see lots of hair after shampooing, in the shower, or on your brush.
Hair loss: You may start to lose hair in clumps. Hair may also come out when you brush it or style it.
Bald patches: You may develop bald patches on your scalp where there is little or no hair growth.
Difficulty styling hair: Your hair may be harder to style than normal, due to a decrease in its thickness and volume.

Treatment Options for Hair Loss in Women

treatment for hair loss

Medications: There are several medications available to treat hair loss in women, including minoxidil (Rogaine) and finasteride (Propecia). They can help regrow hair, but they must be used for several months to see results.
Bio-identical hormone replacement therapy: When your hormones are out of balance, bio-identical hormone replacement therapy can help. This therapy involves taking hormones that are identical to the ones your body produces.
Platelet Rich Plasma (PRP) Hair Restoration: PRP Hair Restoration is a treatment that uses your body’s growth factors to stimulate hair regrowth and healing. This is a simple process that begins with a blood draw from your arm. We then spin down the blood to separate the platelets and growth factors, which we inject into areas of hair loss on your scalp. Hair grows in a cyclical pattern, so it may take several treatments to see results. This treatment is now offered in our New Braunfels, San Antonio, and Boerne locations.
Thyroid medications: Medications can help regulate your thyroid if you have an overactive or under-active thyroid. Hair loss may be reduced once the thyroid is back in balance.
Collagen supplements: Collagen is the most abundant protein in your body, and it’s essential for hair growth. Hair loss can be reduced by taking collagen supplements or eating foods high in this nutrient (such as bone broth).
Vitamins and minerals: Taking a multivitamin that includes vitamins A, B12, zinc, and iron can help promote hair growth. You can also speak to your doctor about taking specific supplements for hair loss.

If you’re concerned about thinning hair or other signs of aging, schedule a consultation with one of our providers in our newest location, New Braunfels, Texas! Call 830-627-7979 today.

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