Q&A: Dr. Carrie Blades breaks down bioidentical hormone replacement therapy

Can you briefly explain what bioidentical hormone replacement therapy is?

As we age, our body slowly stops producing all of our hormones. For most of us, it's a gradual progress. ... We start to put more fat on places we've never had. And sometimes it doesn't matter how much you exercise [or] how clean you eat; it can be very difficult to maintain a lean body mass. A lot of that has to do with our hormones changing, and so as our bodies get weaker, we start to develop certain chronic diseases. ... Bioidentical hormone replacement therapy helps a person optimize their hormones to not only get them feeling better, but also to help them be able to build lean muscle again, strengthen bone density, improve cognitive function and reduce visceral fat so that we can reduce our risk of things like cardiovascular disease, dementia, diabetes and metabolic syndrome. There’s so many different hormonal issues that people can have symptoms of yet their labs don’t always indicate that there’s an issue.

What specific symptoms indicate someone could benefit from bioidentical hormone replacement therapy?

Acne, abnormal or irregular cycles, weight gain, insomnia, fatigue, PMS, hair loss, anxiety or depression, memory fog, concentration issues and mood changes can all be symptoms of someone who could benefit from BHRT.

What therapies does Blades Wellness & Aesthetics provide, and how are they derived?

We offer hormone replacement therapy in various routes. There are oral medications, patches, creams, injections and pellet options for replacement of certain hormones. Hormones that we commonly help patients optimize depending on their needs are thyroid, DHEA, testosterone, estradiol, progesterone, vitamin D3, melatonin and oxytocin.

How long does it typically take to see results from bioidentical hormone replacement therapy?

Most of our patients feel significantly better within the first four to six weeks of starting our program. If a patient has been suffering for several years, it may take several months or even up to a year to get their disease process reversed to get them feeling back to their best self. Typically, we have somebody optimized and feeling their best by the second or third visit.

What is the cost of your services at Blades Wellness & Aesthetics, and do you accept insurance?

Lab tests and most medications can be covered by insurance, however our visits are not. First visits are 90 minutes in length and are $500. The second visit is one hour in length and is $375. All following lab review visits are 45 minutes and are $250. Currently, we are accepting patients by physician referral only.

• 10242 Greenhouse Road, Ste. 201, Cypress
• www.bladeswellness.com