BIOIDENTICAL HORMONE
REPLACEMENT THERAPY
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RESTORE BALANCE &
RELIEVE MENOPAUSAL SYMPTOMS
Are you experiencing hot flashes, night sweats, mood changes, or other symptoms of menopause? At SPOKEmed, we provide personalized bioidentical hormone replacement therapy (BHRT) designed to help you feel like yourself again. Our approach focuses on addressing your unique symptoms while providing protective benefits for your long-term health.
Michelle Middleton, PA-C, takes time to understand your specific concerns and develops a customized treatment plan that aligns with the latest medical research. Experience relief from debilitating menopausal symptoms while potentially gaining protective benefits for your heart, brain, and bones.
SCHEDULE YOUR BHRT CONSULTATION
UNDERSTANDING BIOIDENTICAL
HORMONE THERAPY FOR MENOPAUSE
Bioidentical hormone replacement therapy addresses the natural decline in hormone levels that occurs during perimenopause and menopause. When your body produces less estrogen, progesterone or testosterone, you may experience a range of uncomfortable symptoms that affect your quality of life, which can be alleviated through the use of bioidentical hormone therapy.
BHRT works by supplementing these hormones to:
- Relieve hot flashes and night sweats
- Improve sleep quality and insomnia
- Stabilize mood fluctuations
- Address vaginal dryness and discomfort
- Prevent bone loss that can lead to osteoporosis
- Potentially reduce risk of heart disease and dementia when hormone replacement therapy is started at the appropriate time.
Recent research has significantly changed our understanding of hormone therapies for perimenopause and menopause. The benefits and risks of bioidentical hormones now appear to favor treatment for most women when started before age 60 or within 10 years of menopause.
THE FOUR PILLARS OF
HORMONAL HEALTH
PROPER HORMONE
BALANCE
Customized hormone formulations based on your specific hormone level needs.
NUTRITION
SUPPORT
Dietary guidance to optimize hormone function and minimize symptoms.
STRESS
MANAGEMENT
Techniques to reduce cortisol and support overall hormonal balance can enhance the efficacy and safety of your treatment.
SLEEP
OPTIMIZATION
Strategies to improve sleep quality, which directly impacts hormonal health.
OUR BIOIDENTICAL HORMONE
REPLACEMENT APPROACH
At SPOKEmed, we take a different approach to hormone therapy than many providers. We focus on bioidentical hormones rather than custom-compounded preparations. By using bioidentical hormones, we ensure you receive treatment with proven safety and efficacy profiles.
BENEFITS AND RISKS
OF BHRT
Bioidentical hormones are made to be chemically identical to the hormones your body naturally produces, offering an alternative to traditional hormone replacement therapy for menopause. Unlike synthetic hormones used in traditional hormone therapy, bioidentical hormones closely match your body's natural hormones estrogen and progesterone.
Potential benefits include:
- Weight management
- Relief from hot flashes and night sweats
- Improved sleep quality and insomnia
- Enhanced mood stability
- Better cognitive function
- Increased energy levels
- Improved sexual function and comfort
- Protection against bone loss
While claims that bioidentical hormones are safer than traditional hormone replacement therapy exist, it's important to understand that all hormone therapies carry some risks. These may include:
BREAST CANCER AND
OTHER FEMALE-RELATED
CANCERS
There is a slight increased risk of breast cancer; however, this can often be minimized by choosing the right type and route of hormone therapy.
BLOOD CLOTS
There is a potential risk of blood clots in some individuals using conventional hormone therapies; however, the route of administration plays a significant role. For example, transdermal estrogen (applied through the skin) is associated with a lower risk of clotting compared to oral forms.
CARDIOVASCULAR
EFFECTS
Cardiovascular risk with hormone replacement therapy depends on factors such as age, timing of initiation, and type of therapy. For women who begin HRT within 10 years of menopause and are under age 60, current research shows no increased risk—and in some cases, there may be cardiovascular benefits.
BIOIDENTICAL HORMONE DELIVERY METHODS
At SPOKEmed, we offer several FDA-approved delivery methods for bioidentical hormones:
TRANSDERMAL (SKIN)
These methods allow hormones to enter directly into the bloodstream, bypassing the liver and potentially reducing side effects, particularly when using FDA-approved hormone therapies.
- Creams
- Gels
- Patches
ORAL
Convenient but passes through the liver first, which may affect hormone processing and increase side effects and risks.
- Pills and tablets
OTHER METHODS
- Vaginal applications for localized symptoms
- Injections for certain hormones like testosterone therapy
We do NOT use pellet therapy due to concerns about inconsistent hormone levels and inability to adjust or remove if side effects occur.
HOW IT WORKS
A Personalized Approach to Bioidentical Hormone Replacement TherapyAt SPOKEmed, we believe hormone therapy should never be one-size-fits-all. Our process is designed to ensure safe, effective, and personalized care every step of the way:
WHY CHOOSE SPOKEMED FOR BIOIDENTICAL
HORMONE THERAPY
At SPOKEmed, we offer several FDA-approved delivery methods for bioidentical hormones:
MEDICAL EXPERTISE
Michelle Middleton, PA-C, brings extensive medical knowledge to hormone management, ensuring your treatment is based on sound clinical judgment.
EVIDENCE-BASED APPROACH
We follow guidelines from major medical organizations like the Menopause Society and the Food and Drug Administration.
NO PELLET THERAPY
We avoid pellet therapy due to concerns about inconsistent hormone delivery and inability to adjust or remove if side effects occur.
COMPREHENSIVE CARE
We address lifestyle factors that impact hormonal health, including nutrition, stress management, exercise and sleep, while also considering the management of menopausal symptoms.
DIRECT ACCESS
You'll have direct communication with Michelle between appointments for any questions or concerns.
TRADITIONAL HORMONE THERAPY VS.
BIOIDENTICAL HORMONES
Many women wonder about the difference between traditional hormone therapy and bioidentical hormone replacement therapy. Here's a simple comparison:
Weight loss & weight management
Hormonal changes can affect metabolism and weight; address both for optimal results
Gut Health & Microbiome Testing
Health coaching
HRT FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Bioidentical hormones are designed to be chemically identical to hormones your body produces. “Natural” often refers to their plant-based origins, but what matters most is that the hormone molecule matches what your body uses.
Common signs can include changes in sleep, mood, energy, weight, cycles, and temperature regulation. Testing and a clinical review are the best way to confirm.
It depends on your needs. FDA-approved options have standardized dosing and safety data. Compounded therapy may be considered in specific situations when commercially available options aren’t appropriate.
Some symptoms may improve within a few weeks, while others can take a few months depending on dosing, delivery method, and your baseline levels.
FDA-approved products are manufactured under strict controls and have consistent dosing. Compounded products are custom-made and may vary by pharmacy and formulation.
Many clinics avoid pellets due to difficulty adjusting dose and removing therapy quickly if side effects occur. Your provider can recommend the safest option for your goals.
The FDA regulates approved hormone products for quality and consistency. Compounded hormones are not FDA-approved as finished drugs and don’t undergo the same review process.
Side effects vary by hormone type and dose. They can include breast tenderness, bloating, mood changes, headaches, and spotting. Your provider will monitor symptoms and labs to adjust as needed.
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