Biote Hormone Optimization

BIOTE® HORMONE OPTIMIZATION

As we age, the hormones which create and maintain our sexual differentiation, estrogen, progesterone and testosterone levels gradually decline. Cortisol which is a stress response hormone gradually increases throughout life. At the age of 45 on average, the levels of testosterone and estradiol drop off and the cortisol levels rise. These curves invert and cortisol begins to break us down in the same way while the hormones which maintain our uniquely male and female appearance diminish. Our faces and extremities lose volume while our trunks fill out. We begin to see the long term effects of this as osteoporosis, heart disease and Alzheimer’s disease. It is also common to see a drop in thyroid function as well which is the metabolic engine for the body.

Symptoms of this loss of sexual differentiating hormones vary between the sexes. Woman may experience hot flashes, night sweats, vaginal dryness and painful intercourse. Males symptoms are more subtle but equally dramatic in terms of loss of energy, fatigue. Both men and women experience low sex drive, fatigue, loss of muscle mass, decreased bone mass, increased body fat, depressive mood, irritability, high sugar levels, brain fog, high cholesterol and anxiety. Men and women need to pay attention to early detection of signs and symptoms, as they develop very slowly over time. Many of the ailments and signs of aging are attributed to the “normal aging process” but we no longer need to age the way our parents and grandparents did.

Hormone optimization is crucial for leading a healthier, happier and longer life, in both men and women. Bioidentical hormones are different from the synthetic hormone replacement treatments prevalent 20+ years ago. Synthetic hormones, specifically progestins, by an oral route led to the creation of metabolites in the liver which caused an increase in the incidence of breast and uterine cancers. However, estrogen replacement at that time decreased the incidence of heart attack in woman to one third that of men. Bioidentical hormones placed either topically or in pellet form have been proven to lower the incidence of osteoporosis, coronary artery disease and Alzheimer’s disease. These therapies can have immediate symptom relief as well as long-term health benefits for men and women.

Bioidentical hormones delivered by a subcutaneous route are not associated with the 7% increase in breast and uterine cancer observed with the synthetic hormones taken orally. They are associated with menopausal and andropausal symptom relief, a reduction in osteoporosis, coronary artery disease and Alzheimer’s disease

Individuals symptoms can range from mild to severe. Individuals with more severe symptoms will experience a more profound response to their treatment. However, even individuals with mild symptoms experience substantial benefits.

Dr. Kessler will evaluate your lab results along with a symptom questionnaire. Together with your physical exam and level of activity a hormone dosing program will be recommended. Treatment involves placement of bioidentical hormone pellets beneath the skin of the buttock. Lab values are repeated at 4-6 weeks as well as a subjective assessment from you.

Additional benefits of the BioTE® hormone optimization program include resolution of menopausal symptoms, muscle mass maintenance, improvement in endurance, resolution of brain fog, better energy level, less fatigue and weight loss.

Dr. Kessler introduced this program to his practice 3 years ago and has been thrilled with the results his patients have experienced. Now he can make his patients feel as good as they look.