Bioidentical hormone therapy (BHRT) is a treatment approach that involves using hormones that are identical in molecular structure to those naturally produced by the human body. (1) A patient can replenish hormones to help regulate functional and emotional aspects of everyday life. Dysregulated hormone levels often cause fatigue, low sex drive, pain, insomnia, and mood changes. Bioidentical hormones greatly enhance a patient’s well-being and vitality by replacing the missing compounds that act as “biological messengers.”
Dr. Christopher Asandra is an esteemed anti-aging physician practicing in Los Angeles and the surrounding area. At his practice AsandraMD, he treats patients with the latest and effective techniques to improve their vitality and lives. After spending many years researching and developing his signature hormone replacement methods, he now offers his expertise to help patients from all over the world feel better in their bodies.
If you are searching for hormone regulation and increased well-being, fill out our contact form today to schedule a private consultation. You can also call AsandraMD directly at:
All About Bioidentical Hormones
As the human body ages, our hormone levels naturally decline. In men, testosterone levels drop as they get older, typically causing sexual dysfunction and symptoms of depression and anxiety. Replacing testosterone is a simple and effective in-office process that greatly improves a patient’s everyday life.
Bioidentical hormones are produced from completely natural elements, and modified in a lab to become structurally identical to those found in the body. In contrast to traditional hormones used in replacement therapy, they do not contain synthetic materials. (2)
How Does BHRT Differ From Conventional Hormone Replacement?
Bioidentical hormones are not only safe but indistinguishable from those already present in the body. There is little to no risk of adverse effects when they are used to treat the right patient. Since their structural integrity is exactly the same as naturally occurring ones, bioidentical hormones do not alter receptor binding and their function inside the body. (2)
To remedy hormone loss, Dr. Asandra treats patients with BHRT to reintroduce testosterone and other important hormones back into their bodies. He studies their symptoms and uses blood tests to determine the necessary dosage and missing hormones to determine treatment steps. This makes BHRT an extremely powerful tool in regulating a patient’s health and quality of life.
What is Pellet Therapy?
Pellet therapy is a treatment wherein a patient receives customized hormone replacement through tiny, rice-grain-sized pellets inserted subcutaneously. Dr. Asandra customizes each pellet to the patient and their specific needs. BHRT for men replaces dwindling testosterone after they enter andropause, also known as “male menopause”. Remedying the loss of hormones improves a patient’s libido, cognitive function, and overall mood.
How Can Bioidentical Hormones Benefit Me?
Some benefits of bioidentical hormone treatments are:
- Increased sex drive
- Improved skin quality
- Decreased depression/anxiety
- Increased metabolism
- Improved lean muscle mass
- Increased energy
- Healthier hair
- Better quality sleep
- Mental clarity
Bringing your hormone levels back to a normal level supports your energy levels, making everyday life much easier. You will feel stronger and your mind clearer, and those with low sex drive will have an increase in libido.
Ideal BHRT Candidates
You are a good candidate for BHRT if you have:
- Severe andropause symptoms – headaches, erectile dysfunction, memory loss, etc.
- Family history of colon cancer or osteoporosis – BHRT reduces your risk of developing these conditions
- Age between 40 and 60 – patients hitting middle-age are more prone to irregular hormone levels
If you are experiencing andropause, bioidentical hormones greatly decrease your symptoms.
Those with fatigue, depression, decreased sexual function, and cognitive decline can greatly benefit from BHRT. To qualify, you must be in good overall health with obvious signs of low hormone levels like low energy, insomnia, weight gain, and irritability. If you smoke, you must quit before the start of your treatments for optimal results.
Personal Consultation at AsandraMD
Dr. Asandra will meet with you privately for a consultation to discuss your BHRT candidacy. He will draw your blood and test it to see your current hormone levels. This will allow him to easily customize your treatment, improve your results, and personalize your experience. Dr. Asandra will use great care in categorizing your symptoms and incorporating them into your BHRT. After your blood test, he will perform a medical examination to determine your health and see if there is anything else in need of assistance. This private consultation will also provide time to ask questions about treatment. He will make sure you are extremely informed and prepared.
You will discuss the hormone pellet process, then Dr. Asandra will prescribe your dosage according to your blood test results. A member of the AsandraMD staff will assist you in scheduling your future appointments to keep you on track.
How Do I Prepare for Bioidentical Hormone Treatment?
To best prepare for hormone replacement, please closely track your current symptoms before your consultation. This, along with the results of your blood tests, helps Dr. Asandra to get an accurate picture of your health. It is also important to track symptoms so you can look back and better understand how BHRT is affecting you. Be sure to inform him about your current medications and supplements and alter them if they may negatively affect your results.
Please closely follow Dr. Asandra’s detailed preparation instructions for optimal hormone function. Avoid heavy alcohol consumption and stop tobacco and nicotine use before the start of BHRT.
Bioidentical Hormone Pellet Procedure
Dr. Asandra believes that administering BHRT as pellets under the skin is the optimal treatment modality for his patients. The procedure itself is very simple. He inserts a very small pellet under the skin of your hip or buttocks. The pellets are slow-release, so you receive the first dose and it lasts for an extended period of time. He then monitors your progress over time and continually tests your hormone levels to make sure the treatment benefits you. If you experience any negative effects from BHRT, Dr. Asandra will change your treatment plan or discontinue it completely. Please tell AsandraMD immediately if you notice any adverse effects.
Advantages of Hormone Pellet Therapy
Dr. Asandra’s signature delivery method for bioidentical hormone replacement is pellet therapy. This method allows the hormones to enter a patient’s body directly through the bloodstream. Since the pellet is slow-release, it controls how much the body gets at a time, further promoting neutral hormone levels and consistency throughout the BHRT experience.
Dr. Asandra administers one pellet every three to six months depending on the patient’s needs. This allows them to relax with certainty that their hormone replacement therapy is working without having to remember to take a pill or apply a topical agent. They can be at ease with this administration technique and focus on other things.
BHRT Results
During your treatment process, Dr. Asandra closely monitors hormone levels and dosage with consistent blood tests. You may notice a difference right away, but your body likely needs time to absorb the hormones and put them to use before your symptoms improve. It typically takes three to six months to feel the full effects of BHRT.
Depending on your circumstances and current levels, BHRT can be a long-term treatment option to keep you regulated and improve your health. Balancing hormone levels often improves your sleep cycle and ability to feel and control your emotions. As your body adjusts, you will feel more energetic, less depressed or anxious, and well-rested. Your libido increases and you may find arousal and maintaining an erection easier. Hormone levels often have a significant effect on your self-esteem and vitality, therefore BHRT works to increase your daily life inside and out.
Cost of Bioidentical Hormone Replacement Therapy in Newport Beach
Dr. Asandra and his team take great care in diagnosing and implementing bioidentical hormones into your life. The price of treatment is extremely dependent on your current levels, treatment specifics, and required lab tests.
AsandraMD is a premiere practice focusing on hormone health and the vitality of each patient. To get an accurate cost estimate for bioidentical hormone treatments, please schedule a consultation with Dr. Asandra. Contact us online, or call our offices directly at:
FAQ
What is BHRT for men?
BHRT for men, or bioidentical hormone replacement therapy for men, involves the use of hormones that are chemically identical to those naturally produced by the male body, such as testosterone, to address hormonal imbalances and alleviate associated symptoms.
What are the common reasons men undergo BHRT?
Men may undergo BHRT to address symptoms associated with low testosterone levels, also known as hypogonadism. These symptoms may include decreased libido, erectile dysfunction, fatigue, muscle weakness, mood changes, and reduced bone density.
How is BHRT for men different from traditional testosterone replacement therapy (TRT)?
BHRT for men typically involves the use of bioidentical hormones, which are identical in structure to the hormones naturally produced by the body. Traditional TRT may involve the use of synthetic hormones or testosterone formulations that are not identical to natural testosterone.
Who may benefit most from BHRT for men?
Men experiencing symptoms of low testosterone, such as decreased libido, erectile dysfunction, fatigue, and mood changes, may benefit from BHRT. Additionally, men with conditions such as andropause (male menopause) or hypogonadism may also benefit from BHRT.
References
- Ruiz AD, Daniels KR, Barner JC, Carson JJ, Frei CR. Effectiveness of Compounded Bioidentical Hormone Replacement Therapy: An Observational Cohort Study. BMC Women’s Health. 2011;11(1). doi:https://doi.org/10.1186/1472-6874-11-27
- Culkin A. Understanding bioidentical hormones and their effect on quality of life. Journal of prescribing practice. 2020;2(1):18-22. doi:https://doi.org/10.12968/jprp.2020.2.1.18