HRT – Hormone Replacement Therapy – Garramone

HRT (Hormone Replacement Therapy) refers to the replacement of estrogen/progesterone in a womans body to counteract the loss of these hormones during the cycle of menopause as a result of the natural aging process. When correctly administered, HRT addresses the health issues and symptoms that can accompany the pre, peri, and post-menopause stages. HRT that includes the use of DHEA and Human Growth Hormone as a part of its components, can also be used to effectively combat many of the biological effects of aging.

Conventional HRT has a decades-long history of being approached from a One size fits all methodology with regard to mass-market, predetermined dosages. Additionally many of the hormones that have been traditionally used are synthesized from inorganic chemical elements, or animal derived substances such as horse urine. These substances are not molecularly identical (bio-identical) to human hormones, and the result is a series of side effects and health drawbacks that will be discussed below.

Many women experiencing perimenopause are reluctant to begin HRT or refuse to continue with it as a result of myriad side effects. They can experience depression, anxiety, breast tenderness or even the elevated occurrence of other menopause symptoms like increased vaginal bleeding, hot flashes and irritability. The widely publicized negative press that followed the results of the Womens Health Initiative Postmenopausal Hormone Therapy Trials regarding heart disease risk factors and an increase in breast cancer risk, have also raised concern. However, over the past several years many physicians and informed patients now understand that the side effects and risks as reported, are the result of two Non-Bioidentical Hormones that were tested. As mentioned above, these non-bioidentical hormones are not a match for human hormones and contain potent estrogens that are foreign to the human body.

Unilateral dosages taken orally (with the result that they hit the digestive and endocrine systems all at once) also serve as a major negative factor in conventional HRT. While this method of delivery is convenient, it alters the natural and gradual way that estrogen is released into the body. The resulting change in the bodys metabolism of estrogen can be harmful in many ways. There is often an increase in clotting factors, androgen (testosterone) deficiency, loss of muscle mass and fat increase, an increase in triglycerides and an increase in the occurrence of gall stones. Furthermore if a woman drinks even one glass of alcohol a day while taking estrogen orally, she can increase her level of estrogen by over 300% compared to when she is not drinking. This increase in estrogen is a suspected culprit behind the elevated risk of breast cancer with oral HRT.

In sharp contrast to conventional HRT, Dr. Varveris utilizes Bioidentical Hormones that are individually dosed to match the amounts naturally produced by the womans body in youth. These hormones have a chemical structure identical to those found in humans and when administered trans-dermally, are released gradually into the body and do not change the metabolism of the estrogens. As a result menopause symptoms are effectively addressed with virtually no side effects, no increase in clotting factors or the occurrence of strokes, as well as no increased risk of other forms of heart disease or breast cancer. The transdermal delivery of the HRT only results in a 30% increase in estrogen levels with the consumption of alcohol.

Dr. Varveris is Board Certified in Anti-Aging, Functional & Regenerative Medicine and Internal Medicine & Clinical Lipidology. Focusing on bioidentical hormone replacement therapy as a more effective and safe way to return the body to hormonal balance, he also considers this balance as essential to retaining and regaining its youthful vitality in later years. When used correctly as components of Dr. Varveris practice of bioidentical HRT, DHEA and Human Growth Hormone (HGH) can be invaluable to prolonging a patients overall health and vitality.

DHEA (dehydroepiandrosterone) is a hormone produced by the bodys adrenal glands and has received much recent press coverage. While it is not a magic bullet, it is an important hormonal element. Studies in which older adults had their DHEA returned to the levels of a twenty year old, produced impressive results. These patients experienced increased muscle mass, a decrease in wrinkle occurrence, decreased fat mass (in men), an increase in immune cell function, and an increase in their perception of their psychological and physical well-being.

Like DHEA, the production of Human Growth Hormone continuously declines with age. Produced by the pituitary gland, it encourages growth in children and adolescents. It also helps to regulate such things as body muscle and fat composition, body fluids, bone growth, as well as sugar and fat metabolism. Properly monitored reintroduction of Human Growth Hormone into the body can aid in the reversal of many aging effects such as thinning of the skin and bones, decrease in muscle tone and increase in fat around the abdominal area.

Two basic canons of Dr. Varveris HRT program are to use only the same hormones that the body produces naturally, and to restore them only to levels that it has known before (physiological levels). An initial consultation as well as thorough blood and other testing is completed prior to the establishment of an HRT regime, in order to properly assess the physiological requirements of the individual patient. The patients hormone levels including DHEA and HGH levels are then monitored regularly thereafter. This ensures that any side effects are minimalized, and that the optimal health of the individual woman can be retained or restored.

Hormone Replacement Therapy is not like it used to be. There are new advances and exciting options and Dr. Varveris has the expertise that can help each woman explore them safely and effectively for herself.

Call our Fort Myers offices at 239-482-1900 to schedule your Hormone Replacement Therapy consultation with Dr. Varveris today.

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HRT - Hormone Replacement Therapy - Garramone