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Bioidentical Hormone Replacement Therapy & Anti-Aging Medicine
Are you always feeling tired? Have difficulty with your memory? Poor sleep? Low libido? Difficult to lose excess weight? We can help!
Hormonal imbalances in both men and women are much more common than we think and can lead to a variety of symptoms that directly impact your quality of life. These symptoms may include: decreased energy, irritability and low mood, cognitive or memory issues, lower sex drive and even weight gain. Men and women seek treatment for these symptoms at all stages of life: some as they are just about to enter menopause or andropause and others who have been experiencing these symptoms for years and are ready for a change. Unfortunately, many are misdiagnosed or have been prescribed a variety of medications for various symptoms, never really addressing their root cause.
Anti-Aging Medicine is defined as a holistic approach that focuses on identifying and addressing the root causes of disease, rather than simply treating its symptoms. This approach is always tailored to every patient’s unique needs, symptoms, medical and family history.
How Hormone Production Decreases As We Age
Hormones are essential ‘messengers’ in the body. As they travel they affect all of our organs and metabolic processes, how we age, fat distribution, cognitive performance, sleep quality, anxiety levels, cardiovascular and bone health, and so much more. Unfortunately our hormone production gradually, and sometimes more abruptly, decreases with age. Because of their essential roles in the body, hormone imbalances can cause a variety of symptoms that ultimately rob you of your quality of life and accelerate the aging process. It is not uncommon for patients to be prescribed a variety of medications to treat symptoms that never really address the root cause of the symptoms in the first place.
It All Starts With A Test
We don’t know your hormone levels until these get tested. At Pacifica MD we aren’t satisfied with a level that is simply in the so-called ‘normal range’. We look at optimal levels. This means taking a much closer look at your current symptoms, your hormone levels, and ensuring that you are at the most optimal hormonal level that will not only eliminate your current symptoms but restore your zest for life.
Bioidentical Matters
Not all hormones are created the same. At Pacifica MD we favor bioidentical hormones, which means they are the exact molecular copy of what is naturally made by your body. Oftentimes these are synthesized from plant compounds, thus combining the best of science and nature.
Subcutaneous Pellets: Safe and Convenient
The safe and effective way to deliver testosterone or estradiol is via the subcutaneous insertion of bioidentical pellets. These pellets are about the size of a grain or rice or smaller, and are inserted under your skin using a comfortable procedure done under local anesthesia. The effects of the pellets are expected to last 3 ½ to 4 months, ensuring a steady, safe, predictable and convenient delivery of bioidentical hormones. Subcutaneous pellets have been around since the 1930’s and there is abundant literature to support their use. They have been gaining in popularity only in the last 10 years or so. In Canada we use a bioidentical subcutaneous delivery system developed by a company called Biote. You can find out more about Biote here (hyperlink to Biote.com). Dr. Elisabeth Crisci is the only certified Biote provider serving all of Vancouver Island.
Experience is Everything
Dr. Crisci has practiced as a medical doctor for 20 years in both acute and primary care. She obtained additional training and experience in hormone replacement, menopausal care and functional medicine, seeking to optimize her patient’s health and help them live their best life. BHRT isn’t without risks, and any hormonal replacement ought to be done by an experienced medical professional who can perform a comprehensive evaluation of your medical history and current symptoms while carefully assessing the risks and benefits of hormone replacement.