Hormone Therapy

Aging comes with a lot of undesirable side effects, many of which result from the depletion of essential hormones. While many are familiar with perimenopause and menopause in women, men are also affected by a condition called andropause. For this reason, men and women can both benefit from the effects of bioidentical hormone therapy. 

As we age, hormone levels (estrogen, progesterone, testosterone, DHEA, pregnenolone, melatonin) fall and lead to symptoms of perimenopause/menopause in women, and symptoms of andropause in men. Utilizing bioidentical hormones improves low hormone levels and puts our bodies back into balance optimizing our health.

Why Bioidentical Hormone Replacement Therapy?

Bioidentical Hormone Replacement Therapy (BHRT) is a safer and more effective form of hormone replacement therapy that benefits countless men and women who experience depleted hormones. Unlike their synthetic counterparts, bioidentical hormones are compounded hormones derived from naturally-occurring sources, such as soy or yams. Bioidentical hormones are designed to be structurally indistinguishable from the natural hormone made by the human body. This exact-match replication reduces side effects and risks, as well as enhances effectiveness of the treatment.

While hormone replacement therapy was traditionally used for aging women who were experiencing symptoms of perimenopause and menopause, it is also commonly used to treat aging men experiencing andropause and young women experiencing polycystic ovarian syndrome. BHRT also benefits anyone who experiences osteoporosis, sexual dysfunction, and type 2 diabetes.

Bioidentical hormones are compounded at a compounding pharmacy. Compounding pharmacies operate under guidelines established by the FDA. Compounded hormones are specifically made by a compounding pharmacist in the exact strength and dosage as prescribed by the attending practitioner. Bioidentical hormones, in most cases, cannot be patented and made into mass prescription forms by large pharmaceutical companies. Instead, doses are carefully determined after an experienced and highly-trained hormone therapy practitioner meets with the patient to review and discuss their medical history, symptoms, lifestyle, and lab results. This information ensures that patients get a treatment plan and prescriptions that meet the specific needs of their body.

Bioidentical Hormone Therapy Program based in Southampton, NY

Hormonal balance is not achieved by meeting some ubiquitous standard of normal—balance is reached when optimal function is restored for the individual person. Bioidentical hormones are available in the form of a pill, cream, patch, gel, and injectable.

The following are typical symptoms of hormone imbalance in women (perimenopause/menopause):

• Hot flashes and night sweats
• Fatigue
• Anxiety, depression, and irritability, mood swings
• Low libido
• Memory lapses and trouble concentrating
• Weight gain
• Headaches
• Insomnia
• Lack of muscle tone
• Vaginal dryness/tears
• Vaginal pain during sexual intercourse
• Loss of elasticity and collagen (skin, mucous membranes)
• Loss of bone density

The following are typical symptoms of hormone imbalance in men (andropause):

• Erectile dysfunction
• Low libido
• Muscle mass loss
• Fatigue
• Anxiety, depression, and irritability, low vigor, low vitality
• Memory lapses and trouble concentrating
• Weight gain
• Headaches
• Insomnia
• Loss of elasticity and collagen (skin, mucous membranes)
• Loss of bone density

Program includes:

• Comprehensive personal history, as well as a family history
• Physical exam
• Blood work analysis of sex hormones, thyroid function, adrenal function, kidney/liver function, cell counts, electrolytes, and vitamins (micronutrient evaluation)
• Review of pelvic ultrasound (required prior to starting therapy)
• Review of mammogram and/or breast ultrasound (required prior to starting therapy)
• Working closely with a specialized, compounding and conventional pharmacist to create the unique dose for each patient
• Working closely with the patient to achieve optimal dose of specified bioidentical hormone
• Initial visit will be 90-120min with the doctor

Whether you already know that you suffer from a hormone disorder or you need a formal diagnosis, Dr. Magdalena Swierczewski can help. Dr. Swierczewski will perform the requisite exams and tests to determine your exact need for hormone therapy.

She will work in tandem with you and specialized pharmacists to develop the optimal dose and delivery for your hormone therapy. This will allow her to create the perfect treatment for your hormonal concerns and the symptoms that are causing you the most trouble.

Dr. Swierczewski will also provide guidance on lifestyle changes that can help you maximize the benefits of your hormone therapy. All in all, your treatment plan will be fully customized for you and your unique health challenges.