Restorasis Health at Sylvana Institute

Bio-Identical Hormone Replacement Therapy – A Natural Approach

The Effects of Aging and Bio-Identical Hormone Replacement Therapy

As women and men age, the body’s decreased production of hormones can bring about uncomfortable symptoms that may include:

• Increased anxiety, mood swings and depression
• Loss of concentration and memory
• Difficulty sleeping
• Diminished sex drive
• Loss of muscle strength and lean muscle

Bio-identical Hormone Replacement Therapy (Bio-HRT), restores certain hormones to levels that mimic youth, thus reducing many of these undesirable effects of aging. Bio-HRT is identical in structure and function to the hormones naturally produced in our bodies. Unlike animal-derived pharmaceutical hormones, they are plant-derived and are absolutely identical to human hormones.

Bio-HRT can correct hormonal imbalances in men and women. Dr. O’Connell prescribes a precise dosage to address and improve each patient’s specific symptoms and concerns. Our goal is to relieve symptoms with the lowest possible dosage. In the initial stages, blood testing is more frequent. Once hormonal balance is restored, testing may be reduced to once per year.

Pellet therapy is Sylvana’s delivery method for Bio-HRT. Every three to six months, a pellet is inserted in the fat layers — usually on the upper part of your buttocks. The pellets have estradiol or testosterone levels compounded precisely for you and they dissolve over time.

Bio-Identical Hormone Replacement Therapy FAQ

What are bio-identical hormones?

Bio-identical hormones are an exact replica of the hormones that are naturally produced by the body. The difference between Bio-HRT and synthetic hormones is that, although both are created in labs, synthetic hormones are not identical to the hormones naturally created in your body. Bio-HRT matches your body’s hormones molecule by molecule.

Depending on what your symptoms are and which hormone(s) your body needs, we may prescribe bio-identical hormones such as estrogen, progesterone, testosterone, DHEA, melatonin or others

When should I consider Bio-HRT?

In general, your body’s natural hormones begin to decline in your mid-20s and hormone imbalance symptoms may occur by your mid-30s. Men and women often start replacing hormones between the ages of 35 and 40.

Why should I use Bio-HRT?

Well-respected medical journals and researchers have reported that the bio-identical hormones estrogen and testosterone have a positive impact on disease prevention.

For additional insights from the Bioidentical Hormone Initiative, a nonprofit group of physicians dedicated to patient and physician education, visit http://online.wsj.com/article/SB123717056802137143.html.

How long until I see results with Bio-HRT?

You can expect to see improvement in as little as one to two weeks. It takes months, however, to fully benefit from therapy.

Do I need to take these hormones forever?

Not necessarily; it depends on how well your body responds. Other factors include how well you manage your diet, sleep patterns, exercise, and stress.

Some patients can wean off various hormones after they become balanced and have fewer symptoms of menopause or low testosterone. There is no single answer for everyone. At Sylvana, we design a program to specifically meet the needs of each patient.

Will you take over as my doctor?

We encourage you to continue your relationship with your primary care physician, and are happy to communicate with your doctor.

Why don’t traditional doctors prescribe Bio-HRT?

Traditional doctors don’t usually have the time or resources to seek expertise in bio-identical hormones. Dr. Jeanne O’Connell, Medical Director at Sylvana Institute, has extensive training in bio-identical hormone therapy and Functional Medicine.

Is Bio-HRT approved and regulated by the FDA?

No protocol has been established by the FDA for Bio-HRT. However, ingredients, such as estrogen, progesterone and testosterone are approved by the FDA. Sylvana utilizes an FDA-approved compounding pharmacy.

What is a compounding pharmacy?

A compounding pharmacy is a specialized pharmacy that mixes pharmaceuticals to the specifications of each patient’s prescription.

Is Bio-HRT covered by my health insurance?

We will provide you with an invoice that you can submit directly to your insurance provider. Some insurance companies do cover treatment and lab testing is frequently covered.

Why don’t we see commercials for Bio-HRT?

Bio-identical hormones are manufactured in the lab to have the same molecular structure as the hormones made by your own body. It is not a one-size-fits-all pill that can be profitably made and advertised by drug companies. Drug companies can’t patent a bio-identical structure, so they invent synthetic hormones that can be patented, such as Premarin, Prempro and Provera.

Want to know more?

Whether you’re investigating options for relieving your symptoms or you are concerned about the hormones you are already taking, you should be aware of all of your options. Please call Sylvana Institute for a free personal consultation and we’ll discuss whether Bio-HRT may be right for you,

301-668-0002.This information is not to be interpreted as medical advice. Sylvana does not sell any Bio-HRT products on this web site.

Are bio-identical hormones better than synthetic hormones?

According to the WomentoWomen web site, the answer to this question is yes. But that doesn’t mean Bio-HRT is perfect or is appropriate for all patients. According to the above web site, “the great appeal of bio-identical hormones is that they are natural, and our bodies can metabolize them as it was designed to do, minimizing side effects. Synthetic hormones are quite strong and often produce intolerable side effects.” In addition, at Sylvana the compounded Bio-HRT is matched individually to each patient’s needs — something that’s not possible with mass produced products.

Want to know more?

Whether you’re investigating options for relieving your symptoms or you are concerned about the hormones you are already taking, you should be aware of all of your options. Please call Sylvana Institute for a free personal consultation and we’ll discuss whether Bio-HRT may be right for you,
301-668-0002.

This information is not to be interpreted as medical advice. Sylvana does not sell any Bio-HRT products on this web site.