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Subcutaneous Hormone Implants - Relief for Persistent Menopausal
Symptoms And Sexual Dysfunction
"…a wonderful hormone replacement option for my patients."
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I have tried several types of hormone replacement therapy and I still have
severe menopausal symptoms. Is this just me, or do other women have this problem?
It's not just you. Most menopausal women do well while using the routine methods
of hormone replacement, but unfortunately 10% to 20% experience persistent life-altering menopausal symptoms unresponsive
to the more commonly prescribed therapies. This occurs with greater frequency and severity in those women who have
had a hysterectomy irrespective whether the ovaries have been removed, however it can and does occur following
a natural menopause. While some women who are hormonally deficient at least on the surface seem to have few symptoms,
others may suffer from chronic sleep deprivation, depressed mood, severe hot flashes and sweats, body aches, irritability,
loss of libido, decreased quality of sex and memory problems.
My desire for sex is completely gone and this is causing problems in my
relationship with my partner. Is this because I am menopausal, or is it a normal part of aging?
Loss of sexual interest following a natural or surgical menopause is an under
appreciated problem. The hormonal basis for the decrease in sexuality is often incorrectly attributed to the aging
process by affected women and their partners. Unfortunately, in the context of an ongoing relationship even a subtle
decline in the level of sexual intimacy may cause considerable distress for both parties and weaken the existing
emotional bond. Typically the cause of the problem is not recognized as being hormonally related and is attributed
to aging, or a problem in the relationship. The problem is often compounded when the treating physician mistakenly
assumes the problem is due to an emotional, or relationship disorder and suggests a referral to a therapist.
I would really like to feel like myself again. Is there anything that can
help?
Subcutaneous implantation of hormone pellets is the treatment of choice in
this group of menopausal women. This hormone replacement option is almost always successful in relieving persistent
menopausal symptoms and restoring, libido, sexuality, quality of life and sense of well being. The pellets used
are derived from plant source and contain estradiol. This form of estrogen is biologically identical to the natural
estrogen produced by the ovary. If the patient is testosterone deficient, a pellet containing testosterone can
be implanted as well. Testosterone is a naturally occurring female hormone and is the hormone most closely related
to sex drive, energy levels and the maintenance of muscle mass. This rarely fails to relieve even longstanding
menopausal symptoms, or restore sexuality.
How is this done?
The procedure is performed in the physician's office with a minimum of discomfort
and takes only a few minutes. A small amount of local anesthesia is injected into the area where the hormone pellets
are to be placed, usually the buttock. The hormone pellets are then inserted into the subcutaneous tissue through
an instrument designed for this purpose. Pressure is applied to the site for 5-10 minutes. No sutures are required
as the actual incision is very small. As with any other surgical procedure, postoperative infection, or bleeding
is possible but uncommon. The pellets, which contain the biologically identical form of natural estrogen produced
by the ovary are absorbed into the blood stream producing hormone levels that are physiologic and remain relatively
constant day-to-day. As the hormones bypass the gastrointestinal tract and are absorbed slowly it mimics natural
ovarian secretion. Depending on the metabolism of the individual and the number of pellets implanted they last
from 3-6 months and the procedure is repeated at that time.
I have never heard of this method of hormone replacement, is it something
new?
Actually, it has been available in the United States and other countries for
over 50 years. In general, it is offered by physicians who specialize in menopausal issues. This method of hormone
replacement was developed by Dr. Robert B. Greenblatt, of the Medical College of Georgia, a pioneer in menopausal
medicine and a founder of the International Menopause Society.
Have you used this method in your patients?
I have offered this method of hormone replacement to my patients for almost
20 years. I believe it is the most successful treatment for persistent menopausal symptoms and decreased sexuality
even when the problems have existed for several years. It has been a wonderful hormone replacement option for my
patients, capable of restoring them to a previous quality of life, sexuality and intimacy that they had given up
hope of ever regaining.
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Dr Nosanchuk is currently in practice in Southeastern Michigan
and is accepting new patients. His office is located in Bingham Farms, a suburb of the Detroit Metropolitan Area.
Dr N specializes in the care and treatment of menopausal women and has a special interest providing treatment to
women whose lives have been altered by their menopause, hysterectomy, or both. This includes strategies to restore
quality of life, by resolving problems, such as persistent symptoms, loss of libido and disturbances of sexual
function.
Appointments with Dr Nosanchuk can be scheduled by calling (248) 644-7200
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IMPORTANT
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