HORMONE REPLACEMENT THERAPY
As the life expectancy of women increases they can expect to live more than one third of their lives beyond the child bearing years. Menopause is associated with a marked reduction in the production of ovarian steroid hormones such as estrogen, progesterone, and testosterone. This hormonal deficiency can cause moderate to severe vasomotor symptoms (hot flashes), vaginal dryness and irritation, bone loss (osteoporosis), sleep disturbances, decreased libido (sex drive), irritability and breast tenderness.
Dr. Livnat specializes in antiaging medicine that integrates Human Identical Hormone Replacement, proper nutrition, exercise, supplements and stress management for a healthier and happier life.
Bioidentical or Human Identical Hormones are natural hormones derived from plants. Their molecular structure is identical to the hormones produced by the woman. The hormones that are used in women to alleviate the symptoms of hormone imbalance or deficiency are estrogen (estradiol), progesterone and testosterone. There are several possible routes of administering the different bioidentical hormones. Pills, sublingual (under the tongue) tablets, transdermal (over the skin) patches or gels, vaginal rings or subcutaneous pellets are available. The subcutaneous (under the skin) pellets contain estradiol and testosterone. Each pellet delivers a steady level of the bioidentical hormone into the blood stream. The pellets are inserted under the skin of the abdomen or buttock every 4-6 months. Hormone pellets have been successfully used in women for over 40 years to treat the symptoms of menopause.
Many of the bioidentical hormone preparations are commercially available in FDA approved brand name prescription drugs. Other custom mixed bioidentical hormone preparations are prepared by compounding pharmacies following the physician’s orders for a specific formulation. To maintain safe therapeutic levels the lowest effective dose of the bioidentical hormone(s) is prescribed.
A comprehensive evaluation of the patient’s medical history, hormone levels, mammogram, bone density study and physical examination will be performed by Dr. Livnat. Our integrative approach to wellness and antiaging will help women improve their quality of life.