Bioidentical Hormone Replacement (HRT) Glastonbury
Anita Petruzzelli, MD
Integrative Medicine located in Glastonbury, CT
If you are experiencing negative side effects because of the natural aging process, such as low libido, mood swings, or fatigue, you may benefit from treatment with bioidentical hormone replacement therapy. Bioidentical hormone replacement therapy is available for men and women at BodyLogicMD in Glastonbury, CT, with Dr. Anita Petruzzelli. To see if you are a candidate, schedule an appointment by calling the office or booking online today.
Bioidentical Hormone Replacement Therapy Q&A
What is bioidentical hormone replacement therapy (HRT)?
Bioidentical hormone replacement therapy is a modern treatment that uses hormones made in a lab from natural sources, like plants, to help your body find balance.
As you get older, your body stops functioning as well as it used to. One common change many people experience is a reduction in natural hormone production. This process affects men and women differently, but it’s incredibly uncomfortable.
If your hormones are out of balance, you’re more likely to suffer from fatigue, irritability, sleep disturbances, and weight gain. Bioidentical hormone replacement therapy can address these and other issues safely and effectively. Because it uses natural substances, you’re also less likely to experience side effects associated with traditional hormone therapy.
How does hormone replacement therapy work?
The bioidentical hormones that Dr. Petruzzelli uses mirror those existing in your body. She might recommend progesterone, testosterone, or a combination of hormones, depending on what you need.
Delivery methods vary, but at BodyLogicMD of Hartford, Dr. Petruzzelli uses bioidentical hormone pellets. To place your bioidentical hormone pellets, Dr. Petruzzelli makes a small incision in the fatty skin just above your buttocks.
Then she carefully inserts the pellet and closes the incision with a few sutures. The implants don’t cause any discomfort and you can return to your normal routine right away.
Am I a candidate for bioidentical hormone replacement therapy?
Only a qualified medical professional like Dr. Petruzzelli can determine if you are a candidate for bioidentical hormone replacement therapy. That said, if you are a woman who is experiencing the uncomfortable side effects of menopause or perimenopause or you are a man over the age of 50 who is experiencing a loss of muscle mass or erectile dysfunction, you qualify.
Dr. Petruzzelli will examine you, review your medical history, and ask about your symptoms before deciding on treatment. She also orders advanced laboratory testing to get a better overview of your current hormone levels. Usually, the first appointment takes 60 minutes.
Is bioidentical hormone replacement therapy safe?
Bioidentical hormone replacement therapy is safe and well-tolerated, but it presents certain risks. At the beginning of treatment, as your body adjusts to the new hormones, you might experience side effects such as:
- Weight gain
- Acne
- Bloating
- Fatigue
- Mood swings
Some women also experience an increase in facial hair. Usually, these side effects subside within a few weeks.
However, if they persist, let Dr. Petruzzelli know.
There is no way to stop the natural aging process entirely, but bioidentical hormone replacement therapy can make the process easier. To schedule your appointment at BodyLogicMD of Hartford, call the office or book online today.