Expert Interview: Hormone Replacement Therapy

Carolyn Z, a bioidentical hormone expert and owner of Low TE Florida, discusses the benefits of bioidentical hormone replacement therapy (BHRT) in easing aging symptoms like fatigue, brain fog, and mood swings. She emphasizes the personalized nature of BHRT, contrasting it with synthetic hormones, which have been linked to health risks. Carolyn highlights the effectiveness of hormone pellets, explaining their role in improving energy, muscle mass, and overall well-being. She addresses myths about hormone therapy, noting its safety and benefits for both men and women. Carolyn is committed to patient care, offering tailored treatments and ongoing support.

• Hormone optimization is increasingly discussed in media for its role in alleviating aging-related issues.
• The primary reason individuals seek hormone therapy is fatigue, as declining hormones result in decreased energy and motivation.
• Hormone therapy helps improve sleep, mental focus, mood, and anxiety, which can enhance personal relationships.
• Hormone optimization can prevent sarcopenia, the loss of muscle mass, which is crucial for maintaining physical activity and preventing injuries.
• Weight gain, especially around the middle, can be addressed through hormone therapy, helping individuals regain their previous figures.
• The therapy is personalized, not a one-size-fits-all solution, and aims to treat the root cause of symptoms rather than masking them with medications like antidepressants.
• Bioidentical hormones are derived from natural sources and chemically identical to the hormones produced by human bodies, ensuring compatibility and effectiveness.

"The number one reason people schedule with me is usually for fatigue; they're just feeling tired as our hormones naturally decline with time."

• Fatigue is the primary concern that drives people to seek hormone therapy, highlighting the impact of hormonal decline on energy levels.

"A lot of people feel moody, anxious... if we can bring back that person, it really can help with a relationship."

• Hormonal changes can affect mood and anxiety, impacting relationships. Restoring hormone levels can improve personal dynamics.

"Guys will notice and women will notice their muscle mass decreases... we want to have good strong muscles to protect us if we fall."

• Hormone therapy helps maintain muscle mass, which is vital for physical health and preventing age-related injuries.

"A lot of people notice as their hormones are declining, gaining weight around the middle, and that's due to not enough hormones."

• Hormonal decline contributes to weight gain, particularly abdominal fat, which hormone therapy can help mitigate.

"I talk to them and I make promises that I'm going to help you feel better... they feel like Superman or Superwoman."

• Personalized hormone therapy can significantly improve individuals' well-being, enhancing their quality of life.

• Bioidentical hormones are derived from natural sources like wild yams and soy, and are chemically identical to human hormones.
• These hormones fit precisely into the body's receptor sites, mimicking natural hormone production and restoring balance.
• Unlike synthetic hormones, bioidentical hormones are designed to be more compatible with the human body, reducing side effects and increasing effectiveness.

"The word bioidentical stands for biology is the bio that our products are derived from Wild yams and soy."

• Bioidentical hormones are sourced from natural ingredients, ensuring they are chemically identical to human hormones.

"The chemical molecule... is exactly the same as what our ovaries used to produce and the testes for the men."

• The structural similarity of bioidentical hormones to human hormones ensures they function effectively within the body.

"When we bring it back in, those hormones fit into the receptor sites all throughout the body like a lock and key."

• Bioidentical hormones seamlessly integrate into the body's systems, restoring hormone levels and alleviating symptoms associated with hormonal decline.

• The Women's Health Initiative study, initiated in 2019, was halted in 2002 due to severe negative health outcomes observed in participants.
• Health issues included heart attacks, strokes, deep vein thrombosis, breast cancer, and Alzheimer's disease.
• Initial reports suggested estrogen was harmful, but further analysis showed that synthetic progestin, not estrogen, was the problem.

"The women that were on estrogen alone did great; they had better cardiac issues, less breast cancer, everything."

• Estrogen alone was beneficial, contradicting initial perceptions that it was harmful.

"They were using a synthetic version of the progestin, and that was the problem."

• The synthetic progestin used in the study was linked to adverse health effects, not the estrogen itself.

• Pellets are a compacted form of hormones inserted under the skin, providing a steady hormone release.
• This method avoids the first-pass metabolism through the liver, making it a safer option compared to other delivery methods like shots or creams.
• The pellet system maintains steady hormone levels for months, reducing the frequency of treatments.

"The pellet delivery system is the safest because it's not doing a first pass through the liver."

• Pellets provide a gradual hormone release, avoiding the high doses required by other methods.

"I've pelleted over 20,000 butts... because I totally devoted my practice to it."

• The speaker has extensive experience with pellet therapy, indicating high proficiency and success in the practice.

• Common myths include fears of developing male characteristics in women and the risk of cancer.
• Testosterone therapy in women does not cause masculinization, such as growing a beard or a penis.
• Concerns about testosterone causing prostate cancer in men have been debunked.

"Women on testosterone will grow a penis or a beard... no such thing."

• Myths about testosterone therapy causing masculinization in women are unfounded.

"There's a doctor at Harvard, Dr. Abraham Morgentaler, that has devoted his life to testosterone research."

• Dr. Morgentaler's research supports the safety and benefits of testosterone therapy, even in prostate cancer treatment.

• The speaker shares personal experiences with pellet therapy, noting improvements in mood and overall well-being.
• Forgetting to schedule treatments leads to noticeable declines in mood and energy, underscoring the therapy's impact.
• Quick recovery and minimal pain are emphasized as benefits of pellet therapy.

"I feel the results almost instantly."

• The immediate positive effects of pellet therapy highlight its effectiveness for the speaker.

"Then I'll realize I need a pellet because I'm just not myself."

• Regular pellet therapy is crucial for maintaining the speaker's well-being and daily function.

• Hormone therapy does not cause breast cancer or accelerate its growth, as confirmed by experts in the field.
• The development of breast cancer from initial cell mutation to detection takes 7 to 10 years.
• Annual mammograms are crucial for early detection of breast cancer, irrespective of hormone therapy.
• Over 60% of women diagnosed with breast cancer have never taken hormones, indicating that hormones are not the primary driver of breast cancer.

"What I do does not cause breast cancer or make it grow quicker, and I've spoken to every expert that I know and asked them straight out."

• Experts confirm that the speaker's hormone therapy does not induce or expedite breast cancer.

"From the time the cells decide to go bad, turn into cancer, till you can actually find it is 7 to 10 years."

• Breast cancer development is a long process, highlighting the importance of regular screenings.

"Over 60% of the women being diagnosed with breast cancer have never taken hormones at all."

• A significant portion of breast cancer cases occur in women who have never undergone hormone therapy.

• Hormone pellet therapy should be administered by experienced professionals to ensure safety and efficacy.
• The speaker has been recognized as a top provider in the country for hormone therapy.
• Continuous education and learning are essential to stay updated with the latest advancements in hormone therapy.

"I tell friends, I'm like you must go see Carolyn, she's the expert, someone that's done 20,000."

• The speaker emphasizes the importance of consulting experienced professionals for hormone therapy.

"For the last two years, I've been named in the top 10 providers in the country."

• Recognition of the speaker's expertise and contribution to the field of hormone therapy.

• Hormone therapy is associated with decreased risks of cardiac issues, Alzheimer's dementia, prostate cancer, and breast cancer.
• Research indicates a 30 to 40% reduced risk of breast cancer with the speaker's hormone pellet system.
• The speaker is writing a book to provide scientific backing for the benefits of hormone therapy.

"Our pellet system over time with the research that we have helps decrease cardiac issues, helps decrease Alzheimer's dementia, prostate cancer for guys, breast cancer for women."

• Hormone therapy offers significant health benefits beyond hormone regulation.

"Two researchers producing studies showing a 30 to 40% decrease risk of breast cancer utilizing our system."

• Scientific studies support the reduced risk of breast cancer with the speaker's hormone therapy system.

• The speaker is authoring a book titled "Are You Hormone Curious? Bioidentical Hormones Explained" to educate people on hormone therapy.
• The book aims to demystify hormone therapy and provide evidence-based information for both men and women.
• The book will be available as a free ebook and a printed version by the end of the year.

"Are you hormone curious? Bioidentical hormones explained by Carolyn Z, her bioidentical hormone expert."

• The book provides comprehensive information on bioidentical hormones and their benefits.

"I want to be able to say go to chapter 7, you can speed through and go to chapter 7 even, it'll be all about you."

• The book is structured to cater to the specific needs of different readers, including focused chapters for men.

• The speaker shares personal success stories of patients who have found relief from conditions like PMDD through hormone therapy.
• Patients from around the world seek the speaker's expertise for relief from PMDD and other hormone-related issues.

"I was diagnosed with PMDD with premenstrual dysphoric disorder, and I tried so many different treatments for years."

• Personal testimony of a patient finding relief from PMDD through the speaker's hormone therapy.

"You have clients coming from around the world for relief from PMDD."

• The speaker's reputation for effectively treating PMDD attracts patients globally.

• BHRT is recognized as a National Center of Excellence, attracting patients worldwide including from Nigeria, Scotland, South America, the Caribbean, Canada, Illinois, and Hawaii.
• Patients prefer the personalized care offered, despite the availability of local providers.

"Currently we've been declared the Internet National Center of Excellence for bioidentical hormone replacement therapy... I have patients... from Nigeria every 3 months... from Scotland... South America, the Caribbean, Canada... two coming in today from Illinois... two from Hawaii."

• The quote highlights the global reputation and reach of the practice, emphasizing the trust and preference patients have for the provider's expertise.

• Emphasis on listening to patients and personalizing treatment plans based on individual experiences and needs.
• The provider is accessible, answering calls and texts, including weekends, to ensure patient satisfaction and care continuity.

"I care and I listen and I don't hide from the telephone if you're my patient I answer the phone on the weekends and texts and all that."

• This quote underscores the provider's dedication to patient-centered care, highlighting their availability and commitment to addressing patient concerns promptly.

• Hormone dosing is individualized, with adjustments made based on lab tests at specific intervals for men and women.
• The goal is to achieve a "happy place" safely, avoiding adverse effects from excessive hormone levels.

"I can give the same dose of hormone to you and to somebody that has your same weight... and it'll be metabolized totally differently... if we need to tweak it we do it then for no charge."

• The quote illustrates the precision and adaptability in treatment, ensuring each patient receives the optimal hormone balance for their unique metabolism.

• The practice advocates for sustainable hormone therapy, contrasting with traditional medicine's approach of minimal, temporary synthetic hormone use.
• The goal is long-term well-being, allowing patients to feel good throughout their lives.

"I want you to have something that's sustainable that you can do forever... my oldest patient is 92 and he's still playing tennis."

• This quote highlights the long-term benefits and sustainability of BHRT, promoting longevity and quality of life in patients.

• BHRT can significantly improve personal relationships by addressing hormonal imbalances that affect mood and libido.
• The therapy is particularly beneficial for postpartum women experiencing low testosterone levels.

"I make happy husbands... I had one patient... her husband with a sharpie had written on her... thank you Carolyn."

• The quote exemplifies the positive impact of BHRT on relationships, with improved mood and intimacy leading to greater marital satisfaction.

• Hormonal changes, particularly the decline of estrogen, can lead to depression, anxiety, and altered self-perception.
• BHRT aims to restore hormonal balance, helping women feel like their "old self."

"When the estrogen leaves a building it really can mess with you... if we can bring you back to where you were fabulous."

• This quote emphasizes the transformative effect of BHRT on women's mental health and self-identity, offering hope for those struggling with hormonal changes.