What is bioidentical hormone replacement therapy?
Bioidentical hormone replacement therapy helps restore your body’s natural hormone levels so you can function normally and healthily. Unlike traditional hormone replacement therapy which uses synthetic and animal-derived hormones, bioidentical hormone replacement therapy uses plant-based hormones that are molecularly identical to those created by the human body. At PureLee Redefined, we use Pellecome time-release BHRT pellet implants because they provide a sustained, consistent release of hormones.
What are the symptoms of a male hormone imbalance?
While men don’t experience a drastic drop in hormones in their middle years as women do, it is normal for them to lose an average of 1% of their testosterone a year after the age of 40. Though many men stay within a normal range of testosterone during this reduction, some begin noticing a range of negative side effects, such as:
- Muscle loss
- Weight gain
- Fatigue
- Problems sleeping
- Mental fatigue
- Low libido
- Irritability
- Depression
- Hair loss
- Erectile dysfunction
By balancing your body’s hormone levels, bioidentical hormone replacement therapy can reverse many of these unwanted side effects, and may even reduce the risk of certain diseases in men.
What are the benefits of male hormone replacement therapy?
Men often report experiencing the following benefits from hormone replacement therapy:
- More energy
- Increased muscle mass and strength
- Weight loss
- Improved sexual function
- Increased mental acuity
- Maintenance of lean body mass
Note that because no two people share the same physiology, your results may differ from others.
What is the process like for receiving male hormone therapy?
Your hormone therapy consultation
Our Colorado Springs medical providers, Dr. Marvin and Dr. Kenya, take a whole-patient approach to hormone therapy by taking the time to understand your lifestyle, your needs, and your biology to create a treatment plan that will work best for you. The goal of hormone therapy is to use the lowest effective dose for the shortest amount of time, based on our medical assessment and your unique needs. During your initial consultation, you will meet with either Dr. Marvin or Dr. Kenya at our office. Together, you will discuss your symptoms, medical history, and whether you are a good candidate for hormone replacement therapy. If you and your provider decide to move forward with hormone therapy treatment, Dr. Marvin or Dr. Kenya will take blood and urine samples from you to learn more about any hormone imbalances you may have. During your next visit to see us, Dr. Marvin or Dr. Kenya will go over your lab results with you and discuss in detail how hormone replacement therapy can benefit you, what you can expect from your treatment, and what the potential risks are.
Your hormone replacement therapy treatment
Hormone replacement therapy is performed in the comfort and convenience of our Colorado Springs Medical Spa in 15 minutes or less. During your treatment, Dr. Marvin or Dr. Kenya will first administer a local numbing shot to help reduce any pain or discomfort. He or she will then make a small incision in your skin and insert the hormone pellet into the fatty tissue just below your skin’s surface using a needle. Pellets are roughly the size of a grain of rice and are typically placed on the hip or above the buttocks.
Post-treatment instructions
Be sure to avoid submerging your incision in water for the first 3 days after treatment (no hot tubs, baths, or pools), and avoid vigorous physical activity. You will need to visit our office every 3 to 4 months so that we can re-assess your hormone levels and administer a new pellet.
Am I a good candidate for hormone replacement therapy?
Good candidates for Pellecome bioidentical hormone replacement therapy are adult men who:
- Are experiencing lethargy, low sex drive, brain fog, mood swings, unexplained weight gain, and/or bloating
- Are between the ages of 30-60
- Are in good overall health and have a healthy diet and exercise routine
- Want to avoid synthetic or animal-derived hormones
You may not be a good candidate for hormone replacement therapy if you:
- Are obese
- Have a history of cancer, heart disease, stroke, blood clots, liver disease, or osteoporosis
If you have been previously diagnosed with prostate cancer, Dr. Marvin or Dr. Kenya will discuss particular risks that may be present.
What are the side effects?
For men, side effects of bioidentical hormone replacement therapy may include:
- Mild fluid retention
- Acne and/or oily skin
- Decreased sperm count
- Decreased testicular size
- Elevated red blood cell count
Side effects can vary widely from patient to patient. They are typically temporary and resolve on their own. Also, know that your symptoms may be stronger when your hormone pellet is first placed because your body needs time to adjust to the new hormone levels. In order to minimize any potential side effects, we carefully customize your hormone dosage by considering a variety of biological factors, including your labs, age, and weight. Contact our practice if your side effects persist.
Is hormone replacement therapy safe?
While bioidentical hormone replacement therapy is a relatively new treatment, it has been regarded as both safe and effective by many in the medical community. An article recently published in the Mayo Clinic Proceedings concluded that testosterone therapy for men “is effective, rational, and evidence based,” and there is no evidence it increases one’s risks of cardiovascular events or prostate cancer—two previously purported beliefs. Furthermore, the article posits that hormone replacement therapy may reduce one’s risk of cardiometabolic diseases, like Type 2 diabetes.
Can bioidentical hormone replacement therapy be combined with any other treatments?
Based on your lab results and personal goals, we may recommend you pair your hormone therapy with certain supplements. Dr. Kenya or Dr. Marvin will discuss this with you during your personal consultation and follow-up appointments.
Schedule your Colorado Springs male hormone replacement therapy
If you’re ready to look and feel like the best version of yourself, it may be time to try bioidentical hormone replacement therapy. Dr. Kenya Lee and Dr. Marvin Lee have years of experience performing aesthetic treatments for men in Colorado Springs, and personally undergo all of the procedures they offer, including Pellecome hormone pellets. To find out if hormone replacement therapy is right for you, schedule a personal consultation online or call (719) 452-8541 today.