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Bioidentical Hormone Replacement Therapy Specialist

Anita Petruzzelli, MD

Integrative Medicine located in Glastonbury, CT

If you’re experiencing negative side effects as a result of the natural aging process, such as low libido, mood swings, or fatigue, you may benefit from treatment with bioidentical hormone replacement therapy. At BodyLogicMD of Hartford in Glastonbury, Connecticut, board-certified integrative medicine specialist Anita Petruzzelli, MD, proudly offers bioidentical hormone replacement therapy to both men and women. To see if you’re a candidate, schedule an appointment by calling the office or booking online today.

Bioidentical Hormone Replacement Therapy Q&A

What is bioidentical hormone replacement therapy?

Bioidentical hormone replacement therapy is a cutting-edge treatment that uses manmade hormones derived from all-natural sources like plant estrogens to restore balance to your body. 

As you get older, your body stops functioning as well as it used to. One common change many people experience is a reduction in natural hormone production. This process affects men and women differently, but it’s incredibly uncomfortable. 

If your hormones are out of balance, you’re more likely to suffer from fatigue, irritability, sleep disturbances, and weight gain. Bioidentical hormone replacement therapy can address these and other issues safely and effectively. Because it uses natural substances, you’re also less likely to experience side effects associated with traditional hormone therapy. 

How does bioidentical hormone replacement therapy work?

The bioidentical hormones that Dr. Petruzzelli uses mimic those naturally found in your body. Depending on your individual needs, she might recommend estrogen, progesterone, testosterone, or a combination of several different hormones.

Delivery methods vary, but at BodyLogicMD of Hartford, Dr. Petruzzelli uses bioidentical hormone pellets. To place your bioidentical hormone pellets, Dr. Petruzzelli makes a small incision in the fatty skin just above your buttocks.

Then she carefully inserts the pellet and closes the incision with a few sutures. The implants don’t cause any discomfort and you can return to your normal routine right away.

Am I a good candidate for bioidentical hormone replacement therapy?

Only a qualified medical professional like Dr. Petruzzelli can determine if you’re a good candidate for bioidentical hormone replacement therapy. That said, if you’re a woman who’s experiencing the uncomfortable side effects of menopause or perimenopause or you’re a man over the age of 50 who’s experiencing a loss of muscle mass or erectile dysfunction, you probably qualify.

Prior to prescribing treatment, Dr. Petruzzelli conducts a physical exam, reviews your medical history, and asks you about your symptoms. She also orders advanced laboratory testing to get a better overview of your current hormone levels. Usually, the first appointment takes 60 minutes. 

Is bioidentical hormone replacement therapy safe?

Bioidentical hormone replacement therapy is safe and well-tolerated, but it does present certain risks. At the beginning of treatment, as your body adjusts to the new hormones, you might experience side effects like:

  • Weight gain
  • Acne
  • Bloating
  • Fatigue
  • Mood swings

Some women also experience an increase in facial hair. Usually, these side effects subside within a few weeks. However, if they persist, make sure to let Dr. Petruzzelli know.

There’s no way to stop the natural aging process entirely, but bioidentical hormone replacement therapy can make the process easier. To schedule your appointment at BodyLogicMD of Hartford, call the office or book online today.