Dr. Amy Tomlinson, with Dr. Amy Tomlinson’s Wellness and Gynecology in Frisco and Buena Vista, is pleased to offer BioTe hormone replacement therapy.
Most women are familiar with menopause, but many are unaware that testosterone levels also drop with age. In fact, by the age of 40, most women’s testosterone levels have dropped by 50%. This can lead to a variety of health issues such as decreased energy, decreased sex drive, increased body fat, mood swings, concentration problems, decreased muscle strength, and loss of bone mass.
Testosterone therapy can help to restore testosterone levels to an ideal range, resulting in welcome improvements in overall quality of life. In contrast, menopause happens when the ovaries no longer produce estrogen and progesterone in sufficient amounts to cause periods and fertility. The changes in estrogen and progesterone levels can cause problems with hot flashes, night sweats, mood changes, insomnia, concentration difficulty, vaginal dryness, and loss of bone mass. BioTe pellets are a form of hormone replacement therapy.
Testosterone and estrogen can both be delivered in pellet form. These small, rice-sized pellets are inserted under the skin in the hip area, where they slowly release hormones over a period of several months.
What are the Benefits of Testosterone Replacement Therapy (TRT)?
BioTe testosterone pellets have several potential benefits for women. These include:
Increased energy levels: Women with low testosterone levels often experience fatigue and low energy levels. Testosterone helps to build and maintain muscle mass and strength, and it also plays a role in the production of red blood cells, which carry oxygen to the body's tissues. TRT can help increase energy levels, allowing women to be more productive and enjoy a higher quality of life.
Improved sexual function: Testosterone is a crucial factor in women’s sex drive. Low testosterone levels can lead to decreased libido and sexual dysfunction. TRT may help increase libido by improving blood flow to the genitals, increasing sensitivity to sexual stimuli, and improving overall sexual satisfaction. Studies have shown that TRT may help improve sexual desire, arousal, lubrication, and orgasm in women with low testosterone levels and sexual dysfunction. However, the evidence is conflicting–some studies have shown no significant effects of TRT on sexual function or desire.
Improved mood: Testosterone plays an important role in regulating mood, and women with low testosterone levels may experience symptoms such as depression and irritability. TRT can help regulate the levels of other hormones and neurotransmitters that affect mood. Studies have shown that TRT may help alleviate symptoms of depression and anxiety in women with low testosterone levels.
Improved sleep: Studies have suggested that TRT may improve sleep quality, reduce the time it takes to fall asleep, and increase the amount of time spent in deep sleep in women with low testosterone levels. TRT may help improve sleep by regulating the sleep-wake cycle and increasing the levels of hormones and neurotransmitters that play a role in sleep, such as melatonin and serotonin.
Improvement in sleep apnea: TRT may also help reduce symptoms of sleep apnea, a condition that is often associated with low testosterone levels.
Improved bone density: Testosterone is important for maintaining bone density, and women with low testosterone levels may be at increased risk of developing osteoporosis. Studies have shown that TRT may help increase bone density in women with low testosterone levels and osteoporosis. TRT may also reduce the risk of bone fractures and improve bone strength in women with low testosterone levels.
Improved cognitive function: Testosterone plays a role in cognitive function (like memory and decision-making), and women with low testosterone levels may experience cognitive decline. Some research has shown that low levels of testosterone may increase the risk of developing Alzheimer's disease and other forms of dementia in women. The evidence is conflicting–some studies have not shown a benefit.
Improvement in body fat and lean muscle mass: Testosterone deficiency can cause redistribution of fat around the abdomen as well as muscle wasting. TRT may help improve body composition by increasing lean muscle mass and decreasing body fat, which can lead to improvements in metabolic function.
Treatment of obesity: Obesity can lead to a decrease in testosterone levels in women, which may contribute to a range of health problems including insulin resistance, metabolic syndrome, and cardiovascular disease. Studies have shown that TRT may help reduce body fat and improve insulin resistance in women with low testosterone levels and obesity.
Improved metabolic function: Low testosterone levels have been linked to insulin resistance–a condition in which the body's cells become less responsive to insulin, leading to high levels of insulin in the blood. This can increase the risk of developing type 2 diabetes and metabolic syndrome. Some studies have shown that TRT may improve insulin sensitivity and glucose metabolism in women with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), a condition that is often associated with insulin resistance. The evidence is conflicting–some studies have not shown a benefit.
Improved diabetes management: Studies have shown that TRT may help improve insulin sensitivity and glucose control in women with low testosterone levels and type 2 diabetes. TRT may also reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease, which is a common complication of diabetes.
Reduced risk of heart disease: Low testosterone levels have been linked to an increased risk of heart disease. Studies have shown that TRT may help improve various cardiovascular risk factors in women with low testosterone levels. For example, TRT may help reduce blood pressure, improve lipid profiles, and decrease markers of inflammation and oxidative stress in women. TRT may also improve arterial stiffness and endothelial function, which are important markers of cardiovascular health. Additionally, TRT may improve exercise capacity and reduce the risk of heart failure in women with low testosterone levels.
Risks of Testosterone Treatment
Any medical treatment has potential risks. With TRT, the risks are generally low and can be minimized through monitoring and follow-up. Acne, fluid retention, and breast enlargement usually resolve on their own within one to two months.
Pellets confer a small risk of infection at the insertion site. Extrusion of the pellets from the skin is possible and the pellets can be replaced. A small increased risk of blood clots can be detected with blood work and then mitigated with treatment. The relationship between testosterone levels in women and breast cancer risk is complex, and the evidence is conflicting.
Some studies have suggested that higher testosterone levels in women may increase the risk of developing breast cancer, while others have suggested that lower testosterone levels may be a risk factor. Evidence linking testosterone levels and breast cancer risk is not conclusive, and more research is needed to fully understand the relationship between the two. For many people with low testosterone levels who are experiencing symptoms, the benefits of TRT often outweigh the risks.
What are BioTe Testosterone Pellets?
BioTe pellets are made from natural plant sources and contain bioidentical testosterone, which is identical in structure to the testosterone produced by the human body. This allows the body to easily absorb the testosterone and use it as needed.
The pellets are typically inserted during a quick in-office procedure using local anesthesia. Once in place, the pellets slowly release testosterone into the bloodstream over a period of several months. BioTe pellet therapy is unique in that it provides a consistent level of testosterone to the body over a period of several months. This is in contrast to other forms of testosterone therapy such as creams and troches, which can cause testosterone levels to fluctuate. Fluctuating testosterone levels are more likely to cause side effects such as mood swings, acne, and fluid retention.
With BioTe pellet therapy, patients receive a steady release of testosterone, which can help minimize these side effects. The convenience of pellet therapy also makes it an attractive option for many people, as treatment is only needed once every few months instead of remembering to take medication daily.
The BioTe Process
The process of receiving BioTe pellet treatment for testosterone replacement therapy typically involves the following steps:
Initial Consultation: The first step is to schedule an initial consultation with Dr. Tomlinson who is trained in BioTe pellet therapy. During this consultation, she will review your medical history, symptoms, and lab results to determine if BioTe pellet therapy is a suitable treatment option for you.
Lab Testing: Before starting pellet therapy, you will need to undergo blood testing to measure your hormone levels, including testosterone. This is done to ensure that your levels are low enough to warrant treatment and to help determine the appropriate dosage for your individual needs.
Pellet Insertion: this takes about 15 minutes with Dr. Tomlinson. The skin is numbed and the pellets are inserted into the fatty tissue in the hip or buttock. The area is covered with a waterproof dressing.
Post Pellet Activity: normal daily activities can be resumed immediately after the procedure. Exercises targeting the glutes–like bike rides, squats, and running–should be avoided for 3 days post procedure.
Follow-Up Appointments: After the initial pellet insertion, a repeat blood test will be scheduled at 6 weeks to monitor your hormone levels.
Repeat Pellet Insertion: The pellets are designed to dissolve slowly over time, typically lasting 3-4 months before needing to be replaced. Repeat pellet insertions are scheduled as needed to maintain consistent hormone levels.
In summary, BioTe pellet TRT can help improve overall wellness and quality of life. The consistent delivery of testosterone can alleviate many of the symptoms associated with low testosterone, including fatigue, low libido, mood problems, concentration difficulty, increased belly fat, muscle weakness, heart disease, osteoporosis, and metabolic problems. Testosterone replacement can improve these issues and boost the overall sense of well-being. Dr. Tomlinson personalizes therapy to meet your unique needs.
Come in to see Dr. Tomlinson for a consultation and blood work to see if treatment is right for you!
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