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Testosterone Injections


 


Data supports that testosterone implants effectively treat symptoms in both men and women. Implants, placed under the skin, consistently release small, physiologic doses of hormones providing optimal therapy without adverse effects.

Symptoms of Low Testosterone

• Decrease In Sex Drive
• Lack Of Energy
• Loss Of Drive & Ambition
• Decrease In Strength
• Sadness Or Irritability
• Erectile Dysfunction
• Difficulty Concentration
• Forgetfulness
• Increase In Body Fat
• Depression
• Decreased Endurance
• Decreased Muscle Mass
• Decreased “Life Enjoyment”
• (Man Boobs)

Benefits Of Testosterone Therapy!

Look, act, feel younger and more energetic.  Providing the aging body with a healthy testosterone level has been shown to benefit the body by:

• Building Lean Muscle

• Increasing Energy

• Enhancing Sex Drive

• Protecting Against Heart Disease

• Improving Sexual Performance

• Improving Mood

• Improving Memory

• Lowering Cholesterol

Bioidentical Hormone Replacement Therapy, can get you back to feeling like you are in your prime again.  Call today (805.987.7222) to schedule an appointment and learn more about how Bioidentical Hormone Replacement Therapy, along with a customized fitness and supplement plan, can give you that youthful energy again.

I am thrilled to tell you about an exciting hormone replacement therapy now being offered at our office.

I traveled to Ohio to study with Rebecca Glaser M.D. She is a leading researcher in the field of hormone replacement therapy and the use of hormonal pellet therapy. Her work has focused on the use of testosterone for the relief of Andropause, fibrocystic breasts, endometriosis, PMS and menopausal and peri-menopausal hot flashes, insomnia, depression, anxiety, fatigue, memory loss, migraine headaches, sexual problems, vaginal dryness, urinary symptoms, joint pain and bone loss. In her extensive research, she has found testosterone to be better at controlling symptoms and it appears to be protect I’ve against Alzheimer’s, Breast and Prostate cancers.

I had a hard time accepting that testosterone alone could work better than estrogen, progesterone and testosterone together so I asked her to let me try the implants myself. I had them inserted and the very next day I felt better than I had in years! I felt focused, calm and alert. My hot flashes were gone and my libido was back!

I spent the day interviewing her male and female clients and they reported feeling wonderful. Many of her patients had been on the pellets for over 6 years. The pellets are about the size of a grain of rice and usually women need two. They are inserted painlessly under the skin of the hip area and last from 3 to 6 months.

If you would like more information, please call our office to set up an appointment to discuss if pellets may be right for you.

With warmest regards!

Susan

 

Implants FAQ

Introduction:

Data supports that testosterone implants effectively treat symptoms in both men and women. Implants, placed under the skin, consistently release small, physiologic doses of hormones providing optimal therapy without adverse effects.

What are Pellets?

Pellets, or implants are made up of hormones (i.e. testosterone) that are pressed or fused into very small solid cylinders. These pellets are larger than a grain of rice and smaller than a ‘Tic Tac’. In the United States, the majority of pellets are made by compounding pharmacists and delivered in sterile glass vials. There is a ‘FDA approved’ 75 mg testosterone pellet.

Why pellets?

Pellets deliver consistent, healthy levels of hormones for 3-4 months in women. They avoid the fluctuations, or ups and downs, of hormone levels seen with every other method of delivery. This is important for optimal health and disease prevention. Pellets do not increase the risk of blood clots like conventional or synthetic hormone replacement therapy.

In studies, when compared to conventional hormone replacement therapy, pellets have been shown to be superior for relief of menopausal symptoms, maintenance of bone density, restoration of sleep patterns, and improvement in sex drive, libido, sexual response and performance.

Testosterone delivered by a pellet implant, has been used to treat migraine and menstrual headaches. It also helps with vaginal dryness, incontinence, urinary urgency and frequency. Testosterone has been shown to increase energy, relieve depression, increase sense of well being, relieve anxiety and improve memory and concentration. Testosterone, delivered by pellet implant, increases lean body mass (muscle strength, bone density) and decreases fat mass. Women need adequate levels of testosterone for optimal mental and physical health and for the prevention of chronic illnesses like Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s disease, which are associated with low testosterone levels.

Even patients who have failed other types of hormone therapy have a very high success rate with pellets. There is no other ‘method of hormone delivery’ that is as convenient for the patient as the implants. Implants have been used in both men and women since the late 1930’s. There is significant data that supports the use of testosterone implants in both men and women.

Bio-identical progesterone (including FDA approved Prometrium®) has not been shown to increase the risk of breast cancer like the synthetic progestins. In addition, progesterone, used vaginally, does not negate the beneficial effects of estrogen on the heart like the synthetic progestins. Estriol is a bio-identical estrogen widely used in Europe that does not bind strongly to estrogen receptor and does not stimulate breast tissue. Numerous studies have shown that vaginal estriol does not increase the risk of breast cancer (RR 0.7). It has safely been used in breast cancer survivors.

Can Testosterone be used in pre-menopausal women?

Testosterone pellets may be used in pre-menopausal females (women who have not stopped menstruating). Testosterone has been shown to relieve migraine or menstrual headaches, help with symptoms of PMS (pre menstrual syndrome), relieve anxiety and depression, increase energy, help with sleep and improve sex drive and libido. If a pre-menopausal female has a testosterone pellet inserted, she must use birth control. There is a theoretical risk of ‘masculinizing’ a female fetus (giving male traits to a female fetus).

Why isn’t estrogen therapy or Estradiol pellet therapy recommended?

We have shown that symptoms, including hot flashes, are relieved with continuous testosterone alone. Testosterone delivered by pellet implant is extremely effective therapy. In addition, it does not have the unwanted side effects of estrogen therapy.

Over half of women treated with estrogen (especially the pellet implant) will experience uterine bleeding. If a menopausal patient has bleeding, she must notify her physician and have an evaluation, which may include a vaginal ultrasound and endometrial biopsy. Estrogen also stimulates the breast tissue can cause breast pain and cysts. It also increases the risk of breast cancer. Higher levels of estrogen (in the second half of the menstrual cycle) are needed for pregnancy. Most women feel better with lower levels of estrogen.
Almost all symptoms, including hot flashes, are relieved with testosterone pellets alone. A study by Sherwin in 1985 looked at testosterone, testosterone with estradiol, estradiol alone and placebo. The group of women who responded best (somatic, psychological and total score)…testosterone alone! The groups that did the worst…estrogen alone and placebo. Higher levels of testosterone were associated with a better response. These results are expected.Testosterone is the major ‘substrate’ for estrogen production in the brain, bones, vascular system, breast and adipose tissue. Some physicians do not understand this and may insist that estrogen therapy is needed.

Excess estrogen can cause anxiety, weight gain, belly fat, tender breasts, emotional lability, symptoms of PMS, and mood swings. Long-term exposure to stronger estrogens like estradiol and Premarin can increase the risk of breast cancer. In addition, there is exposure to many estrogen-like chemicals.
Some women (and men) ‘aromatize’ or convert too much testosterone to estradiol, which can interfere with the beneficial effects of testosterone. An ‘aromatase inhibitor’ (i.e. anastrozole) may be prescribed to prevent this. Patients, including breast cancer survivors and men with elevated estrogens, may be treated with the combination testosterone-anastrozole implants.

Will hormone therapy with estradiol and testosterone pellets help with hair loss?

Hormone deficiency is a common cause of hair loss and treatment with testosterone implants can help to re-grow hair. Hair becomes thicker and less dry with pellet therapy.

How long until a patient feels better after pellets are inserted?

Some patients begin to ‘feel better’ within 24-48 hours while others may take a week or two to notice a difference. Diet and lifestyle, along with hormone balance are critical for optimal health. Stress is a major contributor to hormone imbalance and illness. Side effects and adverse drug events from prescription medications can interfere with the beneficial effects of the testosterone implant.

How long do pellets last?

The pellets usually last between 3-4 months in women and 4-5 months in men. The pellets do not need to be removed. They completely dissolve on their own.

Do patients need progesterone when they use the pellets?

No. Women who are treated with testosterone implants alone (no estrogen therapy) do not require progestin therapy. However, if estradiol, or other estrogen therapy is prescribed, progestins are also needed. The main indication for the use of synthetic progestins, like Provera® or progesterone, is to prevent the proliferation (stimulation) of the uterine lining caused by estrogen. Progestin therapy is NOT required if estrogen therapy is not prescribed. However, there may be other health benefits from the hormone, progesterone. It may help with anxiety or insomnia. Interestingly, progesterone implants have been used since the 1940’s.

How are hormones monitored during therapy?

Hormone levels may be drawn and evaluated before therapy is started. This may include an FSH, estradiol, and testosterone (free and total) for women. Men need a PSA (prostate specific antigen), sensitive estradiol, testosterone, LH, liver profile and blood count prior to starting therapy. Thyroid hormone levels (TSH) may also be evaluated.

Can a patient be allergic to the implants?

Very rarely, a patient will develop local zone of redness (3-8 cm) and itching at the site of the testosterone implant. There is minimal or no tenderness and no other sign of infection. Pellets are made of up testosterone, stearic acid and PVP (povidone). Patients may react to the PVP. Implants can be compounded or made without PVP. Many patients who develop a local reaction to the implant have low cortisol levels and upon further questioning, have symptoms of adrenal insufficiency. Cortisol testing may be recommended. If needed, 25-50 mg of benedryl works well for the itching.

I also encourage you to visit Dr. Glaser’s website at hormonebalance.org

With warmest regards!

Susan

Location

Rejuvenicity
1601 Carmen Drive, Suite 203
Camarillo, CA 93010
Phone: 928-272-6802
Fax: 805-987-0055

Office Hours

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928-272-6802