Menopause FAQ

See Frequently Asked Questions related to the bioidentical hormone medical practice here.

Bioidentical Hormones and Menopause FAQ — Frequently Asked Questions about Treatment of Symptoms of Menopause with Bioidentical Hormone Pellet Therapy

How did Dr. Maupin become so involved with bioidentical hormone Pellets?

Dr. Maupin: “I had a hysterectomy when I was 47, and I tried every hormone product available in 2002 including other bioidentical preparations, and nothing worked! So I did research, and I prayed and as usual in my life, a nurse friend introduced me to her brother, an OBGYN from California, who both treated me and eventually trained me, in the science and art of bioidentical hormone pellet therapy. It was miraculous for me as it is now for my patients….I got my life and health back!”

Why do women need testosterone?
Women grow up with three sex hormones: estradiol, progesterone and testosterone. They control our periods, emotions, sex drive and health. When we approach 40 we begin the aging process, and our first hormone to decrease is testosterone. This brings on abdominal fat, depression, loss of sex drive, and fatigue as well as insomnia. The second hormone to decrease is progesterone which causes PMS, irregular bleeding and infertility. The last hormone to go is estradiol…and that is menopause.

We need both estradiol and testosterone and a small percentage of women need progesterone as well to feel and look normal and youthful. Testosterone is the chemical element that gives us sex drive. Women can have sex drive without testosterone but it is unusual. Testosterone gives us assertiveness, energy, sound sleep and a thin waistline, not to mention libido! We need testosterone to be ourselves, inside and out!

Why are BioBalance Pellets so superior to other hormone replacements?

Three qualities of a bioidentical hormone make the difference between a treatment that brings you a modicum of relief, and that treatment that makes you feel 100% like your young self.

• HOW you take a bioidentical hormone is the most important. Our bodies transform hormones as the hormone passes through the skin, vagina, or stomach when we ingest that hormone. The transformation and what you actually absorb depends on the way the medication is delivered. The worst is oral, or swallowing the hormone because the liver and stomach change the hormone into less desirous elements. The best way to take it is under the skin. The hormone is not changed and is absorbed in the same form as your ovary or testicle makes them. It is this method that pellets employ. BioBalance pellets are placed in the fat under the skin of the hip or flank, and they are absorbed directly into the blood system.
• HOW OFTEN you have to take a medication is key to how compliant you will be with taking the drug and keeping your blood level even. If you take a medication 4-6 times a day it is likely that you will miss a dose and the blood level will go up and down, which makes you feel un balanced. Pills are generally once a day so people can take them, but as I described, they can’t bring you back to normal.
• WHAT THE BIOIDENTICAL HORMONE IS MADE FROM: I don’t mean that they are made from soy and yams which estradiol and testosterone is made of, but if they are pure estradiol and testosterone or the micronized version. The micronized hormone is cheaper and is transformed into components that cause unpleasant side effects. BioBalance pellets are made of pure hormone, so our treatment is the best possible to bring you back to who you were when you were 35.

How often will I need BioBalance® bioidentical hormone pellets?
Usually, every three to six months.

What is the cost of bioidentical hormone pellet therapy:
Visit our Bioidentical Pellet Therapy Price List.

Are there any side effects and/or complications?
Unlike other forms of hormone therapy, there are fewer side effects than traditional therapy.

How long will it take for the the bioidentical hormone pellets to get into my system and work?
24-72 hours. Optimal effect occurs at three weeks after insertion.

I get horrible headaches… will this help me?
Yes! We have had great success especially with women who have menstrual migraines, and new migraines that appear after age 35.

Do I need to take other medications?
If you still have a uterus, you will need to be on natural progesterone as well.

Why do I need estrogen?
Estrogen is the most important hormone for a woman. It protects her against heart attack, stroke, as well as osteoporosis and Alzheimer’s. It also keeps us looking young and healthy.

Why do I need Testosterone?
Testosterone is the third female hormone and is as essential as estrogen and progesterone. We need this hormone to keep our thought process quick and our libido healthy. It improves our bone density, muscle mass and strength and prevents some types of depression. It is also the source of our energy and solid sleep!

Will I grow unwanted hair from the testosterone?
There is less chance of excess hair growth with natural testosterone than with synthetic hormones. Facial hair will grow with testosterone pellets, but normally not worse than when you were in your 30′s.

I have no libido… what will this do for that, if anything?
Good hormone balance will greatly improve your libido, but the addition of testosterone in pellet form will change everything for the better!

How often will I need pellets?
Usually every 3-6 months.

Will my periods be the same?
Possibly but as hormones become more in the range of pre-menopause, periods may recur. If they appear after a year of menopause, we will order an ultrasound to make sure the lining of your uterus looks normal.

Are there any side effects and/or complications?
Unlike other forms of hormone therapy, there are fewer side effects than traditional therapy.

How long will it take for the pellets to get into my system and work?
24-72 hours. Optimal effect occurs 3 weeks after insertion.

I get horrible headaches—will they help me?
Yes! We have had great success, especially with women who have menstrual migraines, and new migraines that appear after age 35.

Do I need to take other medication?
If you still have a uterus, you will need to be on natural progesterone as well.

Why do I need estrogen?
Estrogen is the most important hormone for a woman. It protects her against heart attack, stroke, osteoporosis, and Alzheimer’s. It also keeps us looking young and healthy.

Why do I need testosterone?
Testosterone is the third female hormone and is as essential as estrogen and progesterone. We need this hormone to keep our thought process quick and our libido healthy. It improves our bone density, muscle mass, strength, and prevents some types of depression. It is also the source of our energy and solid sleep!

Will I grow unwanted hair from testosterone?
There is less chance of excess hair growth with natural testosterone than with synthetic hormones. Facial hair will grow with testosterone pellets but normally not worse than when you were in your thirties.

I have no libido—what will this do for that, if anything?
Good hormone balance will greatly improve your libido but the addition of testosterone in pellet form will change everything for the better!