Hormone Replacement Therapy
Many women seek treatment for symptoms like insomnia, depression, and weight gain when the underlying issue is a hormone imbalance. Board-certified gynecologists Stephanie Carmichael, MD, and Andrea Johnson, MD, offer BioTE® bioidentical hormone replacement therapy at Total Women’s Health & Wellness Center in Decatur and Lithonia, Georgia. To find out if hormone replacement therapy is right for you, call or book an appointment online today.
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Hormone Replacement Therapy Q & A
What is hormone replacement therapy?
Hormones are chemical messengers that manage almost all of your body’s functions, from digestion and growth to your mood and sex drive. Even the slightest imbalance in hormones can have a major effect on your health and quality of life.
At Total Women’s Health & Wellness Center, Dr. Carmichael and Dr. Johnson offer bioidentical hormone replacement therapy (BHRT) to ease the physical and emotional symptoms of hormone imbalance in women.
What are bioidentical hormones?
Bioidentical hormones are made from plant sources like yams. They’re called bioidentical because their molecular structure mimics that of the hormones your body creates naturally. Since your body treats them the same as natural hormones, bioidentical hormones are associated with fewer side effects than traditional hormone replacement therapy.
How do I know if I have a hormone imbalance?
Many women experience a hormone imbalance as part of the natural aging process, especially around the time of menopause. Common symptoms of hormone imbalance in women include:
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Hot flashes
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Night sweats
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Difficulty sleeping
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Weight gain
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Mood swings
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Memory loss
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Irregular menstrual periods
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Vaginal dryness
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Pain during sex
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Decreased interest in sex
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Reduced energy
If you experience any of these symptoms, Dr. Carmichael and Dr. Johnson can help. They offer BioTE custom-compounded BHRT pellets to treat the underlying hormone imbalance causing your symptoms.
What should I expect from hormone replacement therapy?
The process begins with a comprehensive hormone test at Total Women’s Health & Wellness Center. At your next appointment, Dr. Carmichael or Dr. Johnson reviews your results and determines whether you’re a good candidate for treatment with BioTE.
If so, they will insert your first custom-compounded pellet at that appointment or your next one. The pellets are customized to meet your unique needs and, once inserted, deliver a consistent level of BHRT into your body.
Pellet insertion only takes a few minutes. Dr. Carmichael or Dr. Johnson numbs a small area, usually on your hip or buttock. Then, they make a small incision and insert the BioTE pellets. They cover the insertion site with a small bandage.
Dr. Carmichael or Dr. Johnson provide you with instructions on how to care for the incision wound at home and let you know when it’s safe to resume strenuous activity. You should notice an improvement within 7-10 days.
To get started on your path to hormone optimization, call Total Women’s Health & Wellness Center or book an appointment online today.