In the past, hormone therapy was limited in its treatment options and was used only to ease and treat menopausal symptoms. Now we know that hormone therapy can offer a whole host of benefits and preserve our long-term health, notes Deborah Varnam, FNP, of Seaside Wellness

of Shallotte.

“Both men and women can benefit from hormone therapy. Seaside Wellness of Shallotte offers evidenced-based treatment methods to treat current symptoms and prevent new issues later in life. Creams, patches, injections and pills have all been used as delivery systems for hormones currently and in the past. We avoid synthetic hormones in treatment and prefer a more natural approach. If non-synthetic creams, injections, patches or pills are appropriate and desired we may use them; however, we prefer the pellet approach,” adds Varnam.

Varnam and Dr. Nancy Murdock, DNP, have been trained using the EvexiPEL method, allowing them to learn from some of the top hormone experts in the world. The special process employs a superior approach to bioidentical hormone replacement therapy (BHRT) with pellets; using pellets means less hassle and more reliable results for patients looking to optimize their hormones.

Varnam adds, “The pellets are inserted under the skin and slowly absorbed by the body over time and avoids the rollercoaster effect observed with injections, pills, patches, creams and gels.”

Every patient has differing and unique needs, but in general hormone therapy can benefit both men and women with the following symptoms:

Women: Inability to focus and remember things; mood swings, anxiety, and depression; stubborn belly fat, weight gain, bloating and food cravings; muscle loss and weakness; cold hands and feet; saggy, dry, aging skin; loss of libido, difficulty achieving arousal and orgasm. Infrequent menstrual cycles—and or lack of menstrual cycle—prior to menopause.

Men: A decline in general well-being; feeling burned out and past your prime; loss of muscle strength; muscle aches, joint pain and longer recovery time from injuries; frequent illnesses; excessive sweating; loss of libido and inability to achieve or maintain an erection; fewer morning

erections.