BHRT for Women
Conveniently located to serve the areas of Miami, FL
Bioidentical hormone replacement therapy (BHRT) is a treatment to help women find relief from various symptoms relating to perimenopause, menopause, and other hormonal imbalances.
The therapy utilizes plant-based phytohormones which are chemically identical to naturally occurring estrogen, progesterone, and testosterone, so the body processes them in the same way.
As a result, these hormones promote an optimal, healthy balance typically observed in younger women. By undergoing this treatment, you can eliminate fatigue, hot flashes, unwanted weight gain, low libido, and other symptoms that can become burdensome and reduce quality of life. Under the supervision of Dr. Jason Shapiro, a medical doctor with a strong understanding of endocrinology, BHRT can positively impact your health and become a vital part of your wellness journey.
Dr. Jason Shapiro uses safe, state-of-the-art bioidentical hormone replacement treatments for women interested in preventing or reversing these age-related health issues. At his practice in Miami, TribecaMed, you can learn more about our advanced approaches to integrative and functional medicine, as we help patients attain the longevity and energy of their youth.
To get in touch for a consultation and a personalized treatment plan catered to your needs, call us at (305) 763-8832 or inquire with our contact form, and we will get back to you as soon as possible.
Contents
Sex hormones are not just essential for your sexual health, they can make a dramatic impact on your mental and physical health as a whole. Women can begin experiencing hormonal fluctuations as early as their late 30s, but many see noticeable changes after age 40. These symptoms mark another stage in a woman’s life- the years leading up to menopause, a short period called perimenopause. For about 4 to 8 years, irregular menstrual cycles become more common due to the decreased ovary function. With these changes can come a range of symptoms including:
- Hot flashes & night sweats
- Cold intolerance
- Difficulty sleeping
- Bloating
- Constipation
- Vaginal dryness
- Low sex drive
- Painful sexual intercourse
- Unexplained weight gain
- Skin laxity and loose skin
- Thinning hair or hair loss
- Mood swings
- Anxiety or depression
- Brain fog
How BHRT Affects Your Health
Dr. Shapiro monitors patients’ natural hormone levels before prescribing a specific treatment plan, helping them find the optimal therapy that will not cause unwanted side effects. BHRT can serve to regulate these hormones that are usually plentiful before perimenopause, combating these common symptoms and easing the aging process.
BHRT can also mitigate similar problems that can arise after a hysterectomy or with Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS), an ovarian disorder. It has also been proven beneficial in helping treat other conditions, such as insulin resistance, fibromyalgia pain, osteoporosis, and even thyroid disorders.
Benefits of BHRT For Women
After formulating a BHRT treatment plan with Dr. Shapiro, you can expect to reap the following benefits, restoring more vitality to your everyday life:
- More restful, uninterrupted sleep
- Minimized or removal of hot flashes and night sweats
- Diminished anxiety and depression
- Boosted libido and sexual activity
- Reduced vaginal dryness
- Enhanced energy and stamina
- Sharper memory and mental focus
- Improved bone and muscle strength
- Improved skin appearance and elasticity
Candidates
Dr. Shapiro can customize a bioidentical hormone treatment plan to a wide variety of women, but it may not be appropriate for everyone. He will ask you to visit your primary care physician beforehand if you have any of the following conditions:
- Breast/ovarian cancer or have a family history of these cancers
- History of cardiovascular events or a heart condition
- High blood pressure
- A liver condition
Personal Consultation
Every hormone assessment with Dr. Shapiro begins with a quick symptom questionnaire. This will provide him with an accurate understanding of your current symptoms and help direct his clinical focus at the time of your appointment.
Dr. Shapiro will then order fasting blood work either at our Miami office, at your home (with our mobile team), or at a laboratory nearest you. This blood work will provide a comprehensive evaluation of all your hormones, including various metabolic and inflammatory markers. This will help Dr. Shapiro identify your active health issues and focus on optimization with BHRT.
During this consultation, you will also have the ability to ask questions about BHRT and when you can expect to experience its effects.
To find out if this therapy can revolutionize your well-being, call our staff at (305) 763-8832 or request your consultation online, and a member of our team will help you set up a time and date for you to speak with Dr. Shapiro.
How BHRT Treatment Works
For the reduction of menopausal symptoms, Dr. Shapiro will likely focus on implementing estradiol, a plant-based alternative to natural estrogen and one of the most effective therapeutic choices for hot flashes. (1) Research finds that replenishing estrogen can help slow down the rate of bone loss and aid in the prevention of heart disease in older women. (2)
Various other studies find that combining BHRT estrogen and progesterone is the most successful at helping women find relief. Though it is primarily a male hormone, implementing testosterone can restore libido and improve sexual satisfaction. Regardless of the unique formulation that works best for you, Dr. Shapiro will prescribe the treatment in the form of a hormonal pellet.
What is a Hormonal Pellet?
A hormone pellet is a grain-sized implant that Dr. Shapiro inserts subcutaneously, allowing the body to slowly dissolve it and utilize the hormones over a few months. Dr. Shapiro is careful to begin every treatment plan with a low dose of hormones to avoid creating bothersome side effects. After determining the right dosage for your needs, he will administer a small amount of local anesthetic in the upper buttock area or a fatty area of the abdomen. He will make a tiny incision in the area and load one or more pellets into a device that will place them just under the skin. The small incision will not require any sutures. Dr. Shapiro will close it with steri strips, gauze and surgical tape to protect it. This minor procedure only takes a few minutes to complete, and any residual swelling or tenderness in the area will subside within a couple of days. Pellets remain under the skin, invisible from the surface, for around 3 to 4 months before the body metabolizes them.
Recovery and Results
Though there may be some sensitivity in the area, you will not require any downtime from the pellet procedure. However, you should avoid physically strenuous activities for a couple of days to make sure the pellet stays nicely intact under the skin. If necessary, you can take acetaminophen or apply an ice pack to reduce any minor tenderness in the area.
When Does BHRT Begin to Work?
The results will vary since every woman’s metabolism and hormonal makeup is different. You may experience some improvements in your symptoms within just a few days, but it typically takes about a week. Pellets slowly administer the bioidentical hormones, so it will take time for you to feel more balanced. Many women experience the results they are looking for within 90 days, but if not, Dr. Shapiro can repeat the treatment with a different dosage. Women can undergo the pellet therapy procedure 2 to 4 times per year to keep levels optimized.
Corresponding & Complementary Procedures
Semaglutide and Tirzepatide
Semaglutide (Ozempic, Wegovy, and Rybelsus) and Tirzepatide (Mounjaro) are the most cutting-edge weight loss treatments today, offering women and men alike a way to control their hunger with convenient once-weekly injections. These medications can be especially efficient for perimenopausal and menopausal women who gain weight as a result of their hormone fluctuations.
Both semaglutide and tirzepatide imitate the GLP-1 hormone, a hormone that regulates insulin production and release. With controlled insulin release, the hypothalamus area of the brain can interpret satiation. (3) Type 2 diabetics can also harness the boost in insulin to help control their blood sugar levels, allowing their bodies to more optimally convert sugar into energy- rather than fat.
How Much Does BHRT Cost in Miami?
The cost of your bioidentical hormone pellet therapy will depend on your dosage, personalized treatment plan, and various follow-up appointments at TribecaMed. Dr. Shapiro’s patient coordinator will be sure to provide you with a detailed quote at your first consultation to help you decide if BHRT is right for you.
Hormone optimization can be an ongoing process, but Dr. Shapiro will be by your side to ensure the treatment is safe and comfortable, so he will always start with a low dose to see how you respond.
To get started at our Miami practice today, call (305) 763-8832 or fill out our contact form, and our staff can help you take the first steps toward long-term health and vigor with BHRT.
FAQ
Are there any side effects of BHRT for women?
Breast tenderness, weight gain, bloating, headaches, fatigue, and spotting can occur with BHRT, but clinicians can prevent these from ever occurring by prescribing a low dosage and increasing it slowly. BHRT is highly tolerable when physicians prescribe it appropriately.
Is BHRT for women safe as a long-term treatment?
You can continue BHRT safely for several years. However, your physician should routinely check your hormone levels and assess your hormone-related symptoms. You may need to adjust the treatment according to your fluctuations.
How long do BHRT pellets last?
Pellets fully dissolve in the body within 3 to 4 months. They dissolve slowly, allowing your body to take the hormones as needed.
What other forms of BHRT are there?
Injections, pills, topicals, and pellets are all forms of BHRT, but pellets are considered the standard of treatment. These tiny subcutaneous implants dissolve slowly, allowing the body to utilize them gradually and help prevent drastic side effects.
Is BHRT suitable for men?
BHRT for men is available in the form of testosterone. Low-T is a common ailment that many men face as they age, resulting in some of the side effects that women experience such as lack of energy and loss of libido. Other symptoms may include increased anxiety, higher body fat, decreased bone density, and loss of facial and body hair. (4)
References
- National Academies of Sciences E, Division H and M, Policy B on HS, et al. The Safety and Effectiveness of Compounded Bioidentical Hormone Therapy. www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov. Published July 1, 2020. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK562865/
- Delgado BJ, Lopez-Ojeda W. Estrogen. PubMed. Published 2023. Accessed October 19, 2023. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK538260/#:~:text=Mechanism%20of%20Action
- De la Cruz Concepción B, Cortez YAF, Bonilla MIB, Bello JMM, Rojo ME. Insulin: A connection between pancreatic β cells and the hypothalamus. World Journal of Diabetes. 2023;14(2):76-91. doi:https://doi.org/10.4239/wjd.v14.i2.76
- Rivas AM, Mulkey Z, Lado-Abeal J, Yarbrough S. Diagnosing and managing low serum testosterone. Proceedings (Baylor University Medical Center). 2014;27(4):321-324. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4255853/#:~:text=Symptoms%20of%20hypogonadism%20are%20highly