Before we get started, it might be helpful for you to know that Dr. Brannon recently released 3 podcasts that cover everything you need to know about the basics of BHRT. Check them out here: 

Dr. Brannon Talks Testosterone

Dr. Brannon Talks Estrogen

Dr. Brannon Explains Progesterone

What is BHRT?

The slightest imbalance in your hormones can cause symptoms that have a big effect on your  day to day life. Bioidentical Hormone Replacement Therapy (BHRT) uses all-natural hormones that mimic the hormones naturally made by your body to help minimize the side effects of aging and other medical issues. BHRT is meant to balance your body’s hormones, raising them to optimal levels and keeping them there. Estrogen, progesterone, and testosterone are the most commonly used hormones in this process.

What Are Benefits and Uses of BHRT?

Bioidentical hormones are the safest and most natural form of hormone replacement available as they are created using plant-based ingredients such as yams, soy, and olive oil. BHRT is most frequently used to ease symptoms of perimenopause and menopause in women and andropause in men. It may also be used to improve symptoms of cancer treatment or to treat conditions such as Adrenal and Thyroid disorders, Osteoporosis, Fibromyalgia, and Insulin Resistance.

Plus, the use of BHRT can act as a preventative measure and help improve daily tasks, such as:

• Lowers your chance of diabetes
• Improves cognitive ability
• Lowers your risk of Alzheimer’s
• Lowers your risk of depression
• Reduces your risk of cancer
• Increases your energy level
• Creates a strong sex drive
• Improves cardiovascular function
  

How Do You Receive BHRT?

BHRT can be administered via cream, suppository, orally, or injected. At Optimal Bio, pellets the size of a grain of rice are the preferred method of hormone replacement delivery as they mimic real hormones best and keep them dosed at a steady state. Pellets are implanted into fatty tissues of the quad, low back, or buttocks and can last for several months. Patients typically feel the impact of pellets within 3 weeks of the first implant - there’s really no substitute for pellet therapy. To learn more about it, check out Pellet Placement podcast.

BHRT for Men vs Women

Bioidentical hormones can be used for both men and women. Women are more susceptible to feeling the effects of a hormonal imbalance. A drop in testosterone and estrogen could be subtle over the years; however, once menopause occurs a woman's estrogen levels drop significantly, some to zero, causing extreme symptoms. 

The male body is more resilient; however, low testosterone overtime can cause many physical issues. Men have an ongoing drop in their testosterone levels from their 20s onwards and then have a drastic drop in their 40-50s, which is now being referred to as “andropause” (the male equivalent to menopause). 

Women typically require pellets every 3-5 months while men require them every 5-6 months.

How Do I Start BHRT?

Getting started with BHRT at Optimal Bio is a seamless process. You will have an in-person consultation with one of our medical providers to discuss your health concerns and treatment options. This will be followed up with lab work. Optimal Bio uses an algorithm based on your specific lab results, health history and symptoms, including your gender, physique, and overall activity, to develop your individual hormone therapy plan. Once an individualized plan has been finalized your first pellet procedure will be scheduled. At Optimal Bio, we monitor your hormone levels, from the beginning and continuously record your levels throughout treatment so we find the optimal level for you that makes you feel great.