Types of Hormone Replacement Therapy

March 15, 2023

Types of Hormone Replacement Therapy: Bioidentical vs Synthetic Hormones

When considering hormone replacement therapy, it is important to research the different types of therapies available, the method in which it’s administered, as well as the provider and their credentials. Aesthetica is a certified provider for BioTE, a leading innovator in bioidentical hormone replacement therapy (BHRT). Our Medical Director, Dr. Crofts, is a Board Certified Plastic Surgeon who oversees all of the treatments the medical spa offers. Aesthetica’s Family Nurse Practitioners, FNP-C’s, have years of experience with BioTE, and all have their board certifications through the American Academy of Nurse Practitioners (AANP). Meet our Nurse Practitioners here!

How do hormones work and what do they control?

Hormones and cell receptors (what hormones attach to) act like a key and a lock. Hormones (the key) travel through the bloodstream and eventually attach to a receptor (the lock) to perform various bodily functions. If the hormone differs in shape from that of the receptor, then the function may not occur or even worse, an issue can arise.

Hormones perform many important functions in our bodies through chemical processes to make sure our body’s are operating properly. Some of these functions are:

Metabolism
Maintenance of blood pressure
Maintenance of blood sugar
Maintenance of body temperature
Sexual function
Sleep cycles
Mood

What is the difference between synthetic and bioidentical hormones?

Testosterone creams keep blood hormone levels more stable since they’re released at a slower rate, but this type of hormone therapy is applied daily. Testosterone creams are applied topically and have a tendency to transfer onto clothes which can lead to the medication transferring to kids and pets causing harmful side effects.

Bioidentical hormones, like BioTe, are replaced for men every 5-6 months and every 3-4 months for women. They too release hormones more steadily and maintain more stable blood levels. However, BioTE pellets are in no way transferred to kids or pets, because the pellets are inserted into buttocks. Patients also experience less water retention and see overall best results.

Additionally, bioidentical hormones are naturally derived from plants and animals, whereas synthetic hormones, cream and injectable, are purely lab-made. BioTe pellets replicate the exact molecular structure of the hormones produced naturally in our bodies. However, synthetic hormones do not have a chemical structure that resembles the natural occurring hormones in our bodies. Since our hormones and cell receptors act like a key and a lock, the body recognizes the molecular structure of bioidentical hormones resulting in less side effects and far better functions for patients.

Another key difference is that synthetic hormones come in pre-made doses. On the other hand, BioTE pellets and other bioidentical types of hormone replacement therapy doses are made to tailor your body’s needs. This is one of the many advantages in taking bioidentical hormones like BioTE versus synthetic hormones.

What can BioTE Pellets treat?

BioTE pellets can help restore a healthier lifestyle for patients and improve their overall quality of life. Some of the benefits of BioTE pellets are:

Mental clarity
Mood stabilization
Relieve anxiety and depression
Increase libido
Maintain normal sleep pattern
Help prevent diseases such as cardiovascular disease, diabetes, alzheimers, and more

Improving menopausal symptoms
Hot flash relief
Help with weight loss/maintaining overall weight
Increase bone density
Increase lean muscle mass
Increase energy and motivation

How can I start my BioTE pellet treatment at Aesthetica?

During your BioTE consultation, an Aesthetica Nurse Practitioner will take your blood sample and then send it to a lab for analysis. The lab analysis helps determine which hormones and/or vitamins are deficient in your body and the exact dose you may need. Once we have your lab results back, one of our Nurse Practitioners will determine your individualized therapy and pellet dosing.

Finally, during your insertion appointment, the pellets are inserted into the fatty tissue of the buttocks by an Aesthetica Nurse Practitioner. BioTE pellets are recommended to be replaced every 3 to 4 months in females and every 6 months in males. To schedule a BioTE consultation, call us at 801-785-8884.

*Disclaimer: these statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. These products are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.