Bioidentical Hormone Replacement Therapy (BHRT)

Consultations offered at our three convenient locations in Austin, TX, San Antonio, TX and Westlake Hills, TX

Hormone replacement therapy (HRT) is a treatment that replenishes the levels of testosterone, estrogen, and/or progesterone in the body. As you age, changes to your body from menopause, andropause, and genetic conditions can affect your natural hormone supply, impacting your quality of life and daily function. Hormones can affect your weight, mood, sleep quality, skin quality, and libido. Rebalancing your hormone levels with HRT treatments can help you increase your energy levels and improve your intimate relationships.

Austin Plastic Surgeon is proud to offer Bioidentical Hormone Replacement Therapy (BHRT) as part of our integrative wellness program. BHRT is a natural and effective way to address hormone imbalances, improve overall health, and enhance quality of life.

The team at Austin Plastic Surgeon has helped many patients improve their quality of life with customizable treatments. We adjust each prescription based on your lab values and unique wellness goals.

Contact our office to learn more about how we can enhance your life with a simple, well-tolerated treatment that has helped thousands of patients achieve life-changing results:

About Bioidentical Hormone Replacement Therapy (BHRT)

Bioidentical hormone treatments (BHRT) address hormonal imbalances with plant-based hormones in the form of pellets. Bioidentical hormones are plant-derived compounds that have the exact same chemical structure as the hormones naturally produced by your body. This structural match allows them to mimic the body’s natural hormones more effectively, reducing the risk of side effects in sensitive patients. Common bioidentical hormones include:

  • Testosterone: Supports cardiovascular health, reduces the risk of diabetes and some cancers, improves energy, improves libido and enhances your physical strength and endurance.
  • Progesterone: Helps to improve sleep and reduces breast and endometrial cancer risk.
  • Estradiol: Reproduces premenopausal hormone levels for reduction of hot flashes, brain fog, hair loss, and night sweats.

The hormones bind to cellular receptors to deliver hormones to vital organs within the endocrine system, altering the composition of your cells to improve your well-being. (1) We can adjust the treatment to your needs to address different types of hormone imbalances:

  • Andropause: Age-related testosterone decline in men can result in moodiness, low libido, and trouble sleeping. After the age of 30, most men lose approximately 1% of testosterone each year. (2) Hormone replacement therapy for men increases the body’s testosterone levels to improve energy, strength, and sexual function.
  • Menopause: Hormone therapy for women increases levels of testosterone, estrogen, and/or progesterone. Menopause occurs 12 months after a woman has her last period. The customizable therapy comes in different forms, and we can adjust the dose and type of hormones you receive based on your unique needs.

Hormone Pellets

Hormone pellets are capsules that release hormones into the bloodstream. With a thin incision, we can place them beneath the skin to allow your body to absorb the hormones over time. They slowly release the hormones to help your body rebalance itself. The minimally invasive treatment can improve your quality of life.

Benefits

There are several benefits to BHRT, which include:

  • Improved cardiovascular health and reduced cholesterol levels.
  • Decreased risks of diabetes, breast cancer, prostate cancer, and osteoporosis.
  • Vasodilation, or the widening of blood vessels to enhance blood flow.
  • Anti-inflammatory effects.
  • Improved energy and brain function.
  • High-quality ingredients.

Candidates

Suitable candidates for BHRT would like to improve their quality of life with a non-surgical treatment, and they are prepared to make healthy lifestyle changes to help them address their symptoms. Most candidates are men and women who would like to address:

  • Hot Flashes
  • Night Sweats
  • Low Libido
  • Weight Gain
  • Concentration Issues
  • Hair Loss
  • Fatigue
  • Mood Fluctuations

Personal Consultation

During your consultation, we will ask about your medical history and whether you have any conditions that could affect your ability to receive BHRT treatments. Please come prepared to discuss your symptoms as well as your lifestyle. We will create a personalized treatment plan to help you improve your quality of life. Patients will need to take the following steps:

  1. Initial Appointment: Schedule an appointment to discuss your symptoms and goals.
  2. Lab Work: Complete lab testing to assess hormone levels and overall health.
  3. Customized Plan: Receive a personalized dosing plan based on lab results, weight, and activity level.
  4. Treatment: Schedule a procedure appointment with us. Hormone pellets are inserted in a quick, in-office procedure.
  5. Follow-Up: Monitor hormone levels and adjust dosing as needed.

Treatment Process

Hormones are delivered via tiny pellets that are inserted subcutaneously (under the skin) in a simple, in-office procedure. These pellets:

  • Are derived from soy and plant materials, ensuring minimal allergic reactions.
  • Provide consistent hormone release over 4-6 months.
  • Bypass the liver, avoiding the first-pass effect and risks.

Dosing

Dosing is tailored to your unique needs using advanced calculators based on your lab results, weight, and activity level.

Target Hormone Levels for Females:

  • Testosterone: 120-200 ng/dL
  • Estradiol: 60-100 pg/mL
  • Follicle-Stimulating Hormone (FSH): Decrease to 23 mIU/mL or by 50% if >70-80 mIU/mL

Target Hormone Levels for Males:

  • Testosterone: 800-1200 ng/dL
  • Estradiol: 10-40 pg/mL

These levels vary from person to person and you should consult with your provider about the best range for your specific situation.

Recovery

After your treatment, you can return to most of your activities and we will provide specific instructions based on your treatment plan. Some patients experience temporary fluid retention, breast tenderness, acne, or uterine bleeding afterward as their bodies adjust to the change in hormones. You may also experience minor swelling or redness near the injection site. Most patients will need to:

  • Keep the outer bandage on for 1 day and the inner bandage on for 3-5 days.
  • Avoid soaking in hot tubs, baths, or swimming pools.
  • Adjust your exercise routine, as recommended for up to 1 week.
  • Follow your provider’s specific aftercare instructions for optimal healing.

BHRT is a well-tolerated, natural solution to restoring hormonal balance and improving overall health. To learn more, schedule a consultation and contact Austin Plastic Surgeon today!

Results

Many patients enjoy improved muscle mass, skin quality, sleep, and energy levels after BHRT. Some patients remain on BHRT treatments to manage long-term hormone imbalances. We will personalize your treatment based on your needs. To help you maintain your results, we may also recommend that you receive BHRT as part of a long-term treatment plan to help you address chronic imbalances.

Hormone Therapy for Weight Loss

Weight loss injections optimize the endocrine system to help you lose weight more effectively. Weight fluctuations can affect your quality of life. At Austin Plastic Surgeon, we offer a variety of weight loss therapies, including but not limited to semaglutide and tirzepatide to help you lose weight:

  • Semaglutide is a glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptor agonist that improves your insulin sensitivity, reduces food cravings, and increases feelings of satiety.
  • Tirzepatide is a dual-receptor agonist that the body registers as both a GLP-1 and glucose-dependent insulinotropic polypeptide (GIP) to help you lose weight.

The Cost of Hormone Replacement Therapy in Austin

The cost of HRT will depend on your specific treatment plan and whether you need a series of treatments to achieve your goals. We can discuss the most effective approach during your consultation. We can also provide an all-inclusive quote during your appointment.

Contact our office to learn more about how we can enhance your quality of life with a simple, well-tolerated procedure that has helped thousands of patients achieve life-changing results:

FAQ

Who can benefit from BHRT?

Both men and women experiencing symptoms of hormone imbalances, such as fatigue, weight gain, mood swings, and reduced libido, can benefit.

How long do the effects of BHRT last?

Hormone pellets typically last 4-6 months, depending on individual factors.

What is the BHRT procedure like?

The treatment is a minimally invasive procedure performed in-office with local anesthesia.

Are there any BHRT pre-procedure requirements?

Female patients should have a current pap smear and mammogram (as per age and family history guidelines). All patients must complete lab work to determine baseline hormone levels, and have filled out the in-office patient questionnaire.

Can BHRT hormone replacement therapy address chronic hormone imbalances?

Yes, with regular treatments, we can improve your quality of life and help you manage the symptoms of chronic hormone imbalances.

How do I know if BHRT hormone therapy is right for me?

We will take a blood sample to determine the most effective treatment plan for your needs after analyzing your hormone levels. We can also discuss your symptoms such as fatigue, mood swings, weight fluctuations or sexual dysfunction to create the most effective treatment plan.

Will BHRT hormone therapy help me lose weight?

We offer weight loss treatments that can help you lose weight effectively by optimizing the endocrine system. We can discuss the best treatment options during your consultation.

How long will BHRT hormone therapy last?

This will depend on whether you need long-term treatments to address a chronic imbalance, and we can discuss the most effective treatment plan during your consultation.

References

  1. Hiller-Sturmhöfel S, Bartke A. The endocrine system. Alcohol Health and Research World. 1998;22(3):153-164. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6761896/
  2. Martins da Silva S, Anderson RA. Reproductive axis ageing and fertility in men. Reviews in Endocrine & Metabolic Disorders. 2022;23(6):1109-1121. doi:https://doi.org/10.1007/s11154-022-09759-0