Hormones are responsible for balancing many of our bodies’ essential functions. When they are unbalanced, you can experience unpleasant symptoms that may make you feel unlike yourself.
At B+A Surgeons, we are all about making sure you feel and look your best. Our medical care staff is invested in your wellness and ready to help you determine if your symptoms are caused by hormonal shifts.
Dr. Nicole Basa and Dr. Alan Abando founded B+A over 17 years ago. They started their practice to provide their community with exceptional bariatric surgical care and aesthetic treatments. Today, they continue to offer patients compassion and expertise that translate into remarkable medical results.
In this blog, we’ll discuss how B+A approaches HRT in Austin and how this treatment can positively impact how you feel.
What is HRT in Austin?
Hormone replacement therapy (HRT) in Austin can correct hormonal imbalances in men and women.
Women and men can experience hormonal shifts that drastically impact their quality of life. Some of these shifts can start when people are in their 30s but are more likely to emerge in their 40s and 50s.
Hormonal Imbalance Symptoms
While we tend to hear about hormonal imbalances in women more frequently than men, these shifts also affect men. Women and men can experience the following symptoms when they experience dysregulation:
- Energy shifts
- Changes in sexual health, including uncomfortable symptoms after intercourse, decreased sexual desire, and issues achieving and maintaining an erection
- Problems sleeping
- Increased anxiety and symptoms of depression
- Weight fluctuations
- Muscle and joint pain and decrease in muscle strength
- Brain fog and challenges focusing
- Hot flashes and other common menopause symptoms
Our team understands that these symptoms are frustrating and can disrupt your daily routine. We will always do our best to address all your needs and consider everything you’re feeling when creating your HRT treatment plan.
Understanding Menopause
Menopause indicates the end of a woman’s menstrual cycles. It’s diagnosed 12 months after a woman has gone without a menstrual period. While menopause can happen when a woman is in her 40s, it most often occurs in her 50s, with the average age of menopause being 51.
As menopause approaches, the ovaries begin to produce less estrogen and progesterone; this period is known as perimenopause. These hormonal shifts are normal but can lead to uncomfortable symptoms:
- Vaginal dryness
- Irregular periods
- Hot flashes, chills, and night sweats
- Sleep issues
- Mood shifts
- Hair thinning
- Dry skin
- Breast deflation
- Slowed metabolism
- Weight gain
Hormonal Shifts in Men
While men don’t experience “male menopause,” they can experience hormonal changes as they age.
If a man’s testosterone drops below normal levels, he can also experience frustrating symptoms that are similar to those women experience during menopause.
Considerations of HRT
While HRT is suitable for most patients, our providers will always thoroughly examine your medical history to ensure it’s safe for you. If you have or have a history of any of the following conditions, we may need more information before starting your HRT therapy:
- Breast cancer
- Ovarian cancer
- Uterus cancer
- Blood clots
- Heart disease
- Stroke
- High blood pressure
- Liver disease
- Pregnant or breastfeeding
While some people don’t experience any of the following symptoms, others may experience the following side effects of HRT in Austin:
- Bloating
- Fluid retention
- Depression
- Vaginal bleeding
- Weight gain
- Breast swelling or tenderness
- Headaches
- Indigestion
- Lowered sperm count
- Increased prostate size
- Skin fluctuations
- Sleep issues
- Increased red blood cell count
HRT Delivery
There are a variety of ways to administer HRT. Men and women receive this treatment through:
- Topical solutions, like gels, sprays, or patches
- Pills
- Implants
- Injections
At B+A Surgeons, we use bio-identical hormone therapy (BHRT) BioTE pellets placed under the skin to treat hormonal imbalances in men and women. We prefer this method because:
- This type of HRT keeps hormone levels consistent all day and throughout the night.
- The hormones in BHRT pellets come from natural sources, mirroring natural hormones.
- This type of HRT can produce fewer of the side effects listed above.
BioTE FAQ
What is BioTE pellet therapy?
BioTE therapy comes in the form of a small, custom-compounded pellet. During BioTE pellet therapy, you will come to our office for a short procedure, in which we insert the pellet under your skin.
This is a relatively pain-free, quick process; most patients only experience mild bruising after the procedure and don’t need to take any time off to recover.
After the pellet insertion, you should avoid the following:
- Strenuous physical activity or exercise for a few weeks after placement to prevent the pellet from potentially extruding.
- No swimming for at least a month to prevent an infection at the implantation site.
Why do you prefer to use BioTE pellets for HRT in Austin?
We recommend the BioTE method for HRT in Austin because pellets keep hormones consistent and balanced 24/7. We also prefer using bio-identical hormones because their chemical structure mirrors hormones the body already produces.
How do I know I need HRT?
If you have any of the previously mentioned symptoms, we recommend scheduling an appointment so our providers can run bloodwork to test your hormone levels. After reviewing your results, we will determine if hormone therapy will benefit you.
How frequently will I need to come in for BioTE therapy?
Women typically need follow-up appointments every 3 months, and men every 6 months.
At what age do men and women typically benefit from HRT in Austin?
Some people benefit from pellet therapy in their 30s, but most people start noticing hormonal fluctuations beginning in their 40s.
What can hormone optimization do?
Balanced hormones can help prevent patients from developing the following health issues:
- Heart disease
- Osteoporosis
- Diabetes
How can BioTE pellets help women?
Women often notice the following benefits after starting HRT:
- Improvements in skin elasticity
- Protection from developing osteoporosis
- Reduced feelings of depression or mood swings
- Decrease in cognitive issues
- Decrease in hot flashes and other common menopause symptoms
How can BioTE pellets help men?
Men often notice the following benefits after starting HRT:
- Less fatigue or lack of energy
- Libido return and improved sexual performance
- Decrease in cognitive issues
How long does it take for BHRT to work?
While each patient’s experience is different, most people start to see results in 4 weeks, with full results sometimes taking 6 or more months.
Why Choose B+A for HRT in Austin
Patients who undergo hormonal testing and treatment at B+A Surgeons will benefit from our providers’ expertise and commitment to patient care. You can expect to experience the following when you work with our skilled team:
HRT in Austin Consultation
At your first appointment, one of our compassionate providers will learn more about you. We’ll ask about and review your medical history and discuss your symptoms.
If your symptoms suggest you could benefit from hormone optimization, we will run labs to check your hormone levels. Once we get your results, we’ll create a customized treatment plan to meet your needs.
The B+A Difference
At B+A Surgeons, we prioritize our patients’ experience. We know it can feel intimidating to discuss personal information with your medical providers. Our team strives to make your experience at our practice as relaxing as possible.
When you work with B+A, you will benefit from receiving the following kind of treatment because it reflects our values and philosophy:
- Compassion: Every provider at our practice is committed to showing compassion to patients. You deserve to feel heard and supported during your consultation and throughout your treatment. We know that feeling comfortable with your doctor is essential to healing.
- Quality: Our practice is run by surgeons at the top of their field. Every person on our team also has exceptional talent and skill and is equally dedicated to serving your needs.
- Support: In addition to providing exceptional medical care, we are also dedicated to supporting you throughout your medical journey. We do this with the help of amazing support staff who want to see you succeed, and we continuously provide patients with information-rich resources, such as those appearing on our frequently updated blog.
- Comfort: When Dr. Basa and Dr. Abando founded B+A, they strove to create a space where patients could seek medical assistance comfortably. Since then, they’ve realized that dream by building a clean, modern practice that allows patients to feel at ease.
Visit B+A Surgeons for Effective HRT in Austin
When you partner with B+A Surgeons for your HRT in Austin, you will experience expert care. Our providers and support staff understand how frustrating and disruptive hormonal fluctuations can feel, and we want to help you feel better.
Dr. Nicole Basa and Dr. Alan Abando are board-certified surgeons who specialize in aesthetics, bariatric surgery, and helping patients improve their well-being. They understand how hormone fluctuations can impact your life, and have effective tools to treat your symptoms.
Ready to talk to one of our supportive providers? Schedule a consultation with one of our experienced providers today.
