Hormones affect nearly every function in your body, from metabolism and mood to energy levels and sexual health. When hormone levels drop or become imbalanced, the effects can show up in subtle or disruptive ways, depending on the individual. Both men and women can experience shifts in hormone production as they age.
Restoring hormonal balance can help regulate many of the issues that appear during midlife or after medical changes. At Dr. Christopher Calapai’s practice, we offer bioidentical hormone replacement therapy to support patients dealing with symptoms tied to hormone fluctuations.
What Is Bioidentical Hormone Replacement Therapy?
Bioidentical hormone replacement therapy, or BHRT, is a treatment used to support hormonal balance by supplementing the body with compounds that closely resemble natural hormones. These hormones are derived from plant sources like yams and are structurally similar to those produced by your endocrine system. They can help with symptoms of estrogen, testosterone and progesterone changes that can happen naturally or because of certain health conditions.
One method we use is hormone pellet therapy, which involves placing small pellets under the skin. These pellets continually release the right dose of hormones into your bloodstream until they dissolve, and they help regulate issues like fatigue, poor sleep and sexual health disruptions that are connected to hormonal shifts.
Hormone Decline in Men and Women
As you get older, your body naturally produces fewer hormones like estrogen, progesterone and testosterone. This decline can affect how you feel physically and mentally and can lead to disruptive and uncomfortable symptoms.
In women, hormone decline often begins during perimenopause, the stage leading up to menopause. Estrogen and progesterone levels start to drop, which often causes a cascade of symptoms from irregular periods to hot flashes. After menopause, when the ovaries stop releasing eggs, these hormone levels remain low.
Men can also experience a steady drop in testosterone, often referred to as andropause. Some men notice reduced muscle mass and a lower sex drive. While hormone decline is an expected part of aging, the symptoms can be frustrating, which is why some patients consider treatments like hormone pellet therapy to help manage these effects.
Benefits of BHRT for Men
Testosterone usually begins declining for men in their 30s and continues at a slow, steady pace. BHRT therapy can support testosterone levels and provide improvements, including:
- Improved Energy and Physical Performance: Low testosterone can lead to sluggishness and decreased stamina. BHRT can help restore your ability to stay active and support healthy muscle function.
- Cognitive Clarity and Mood Stability: If you find it harder to concentrate and you have shifts in your mood, hormonal balance could be contributing. Hormone pellets can be used to reduce mental fog and promote a more even mood.
- Sexual Health and Libido Support: Testosterone decline often affects libido and sexual function. BHRT can support a more consistent sex drive and improved performance in the bedroom.
- Metabolic and Cardiovascular Support: Balanced testosterone may help support healthy blood pressure, cholesterol levels, and metabolism. You may also notice better weight control when your hormones are stabilized.
What Men Should Expect From BHRT
BHRT therapy for men typically involves treatment sessions spaced every four to six months when using hormone pellets, depending on how your body absorbs and responds to the hormones. During a session, a small pellet is inserted just beneath the skin, often in the upper hip area, using a local anesthetic. This appointment is fast, and you will be able to go back to your day right after, but you should avoid intense exercise or submerging the incision site until it heals.
We start by checking hormone levels through lab testing, then monitor your symptoms and hormone levels periodically in case we need to make adjustments to future treatments. It can take several weeks to notice changes in energy, mood or libido. When you come in for regular follow-ups, we can assess how well your therapy is working and make any needed adjustments.
Benefits of BHRT for Women
Hormonal changes in women can begin in the years leading up to menopause, known as perimenopause. Sometimes symptoms are even more intense during this period, but they can be supported and reduced through hormone regulation. Menopause marks the end of menstrual cycles, and post-menopause refers to the years after. Benefits of this treatment for women include:
- Symptom Relief and Daily Comfort: Hot flashes, night sweats and disrupted sleep are some of the symptoms that may appear during menopause. BHRT pellet therapy can support a more stable hormone level, which may help reduce these symptoms.
- Emotional Well-Being and Cognitive Support: Hormonal changes can contribute to mood swings, anxiety, depression or mental fog. BHRT may help support a more stable mood and clearer thinking as hormone levels are balanced.
- Sexual Health and Intimacy: Low estrogen can affect vaginal tissue and cause dryness and discomfort during intimacy. BHRT can also help improve sexual interest while improving lubrication and tissue health.
- Bone, Muscle and Metabolic Health: BHRT treatment can help support your musculoskeletal and metabolic systems as your body adjusts to lower hormone levels.
What Women Should Expect From BHRT
Hormone replacement using BHRT typically involves treatments every three to five months. We insert pellets into the fatty layer of the hip or upper buttocks during a short visit. Each pellet is customized according to your hormone levels, as determined by labs. Avoid intense exercising or swimming/bathing for several days after your treatment.
Customizing Your BHRT Treatments
We begin BHRT with a detailed lab evaluation to measure hormone levels and identify which imbalances you have. From there, we select a dosage and method that fits your current needs, whether that’s pellet therapy, creams or other forms of hormone delivery. We will take everything from your age and medical history to your lifestyle and symptom severity into account when guiding you to the right option.
Once we start your treatment, it can be adjusted based on how your body responds. We may need to make slight dosage changes or other adjustments depending on how you feel and how your hormones shift.
Is BHRT in Garden City Right for You?
Hormonal decline can lead to a wide range of physical and cognitive changes for both men and women, especially during midlife. Bioidentical hormone replacement therapy is a method we use to support your energy, mood, sexual health and long-term metabolic stability through consistent hormone levels. At Dr. Christopher Calapai, we start with lab testing and a detailed consultation to make sure we find the right treatments for you. To request an appointment in Garden City, NY, call 516-794-0404 or contact us using the online form.
