Office: 1255 37th St. Suite B, Vero Beach, FL 32960

Fax: (772)228-6883

Phone: (772)228-6882

Bioidentical Hormone Therapy

What are the benefits of Bioidentical Hormone Replacement Therapy?

Bioidentical hormones are most commonly prescribed to treat symptoms of hormonal imbalance in women and men, such as hot flashes, night sweats, loss of libido, fatigue, weight gain, mood swings, and irritability. Some of the benefits of using bioidentical hormones include:

  • Reduced risk of osteoporosis and improved bone density
  • Reduced incidence of hot flashes and vaginal dryness
  • Better maintenance of muscle mass and strength
  • Improved cholesterol levels and reduced risk of heart disease
  • Reduced risk of endometrial cancer and breast cancer
  • Reduced risk of depression
  • Improved sleep
  • Better mood, concentration and memory
  • Improved libido
  • Reduced risk of Alzheimer&’s disease
  • Improved energy levels
"I had a fabulous experience with Dr. Sikora. The office is modern and extremely clean. Her staff is very friendly and the doctor? Wow - thorough, kind, sweet, very gentle, and extremely informative. She doesn’t try to push you into buying anything. She gives you all the options and the cost effectiveness of each. I felt very comfortable and really liked her. I will definitely be back"

What are bioidentical hormones?

Bioidentical hormones are derived from natural plant sources and are identical to those that the body produces for itself, in the right proportions. The hormones we use are mainly estradiol (E2), estriol (E3), progesterone (Pg), testosterone (T) and DHEA. The hormones are then compounded into creams, gels, pills, and pellets to promote simple and effective hormone delivery.

How can I get natural hormones?

With the exception of low potency progesterone creams that are widely available over-the-counter, natural bioidentical hormone therapy is generally obtained through a physician’s prescription. Commercially available bioidentical hormones come in several forms. Estrogen is available in pills, patches, creams, pellets, and various vaginal preparations. Micronized progesterone comes in a capsule or as a vaginal gel. Testosterone is available in a gel, injection, and pellets.

"Dr. Sikora and her staff are top-notch. I love her integrative approach to medicine and how she offers natural options to support her patients' overall wellness. She truly cares about her patients and their best interests. I recommend her with no reservations"

What are Hormone Pellets?

Pellets work by emitting a steady, low level of hormones over a period of several months. Dr. Sikora implants the pellets under the skin, or subcutaneously, near the hip or on the buttocks. This procedure is quick and painless due to the use of local anesthesia. A small incision is made in the skin and a tool called a trocar is used to insert the hormone pellets. The pellets should release a steady dose of the hormone for several months following the implantation. Hormone levels are monitored using blood or saliva tests. Pellets are placed every three to five months. Many patients notice a difference very quickly. However, it can take up to two weeks for the full effect to be felt, and results can last up to six months.

Estrogen is a female sex hormone that has effects on the human body’s capacity for stem cell regeneration/rejuvenation. Specifically, estrogen increases the proliferation of embryonic neural stem cells and accelerates differentiation of neurons during neurogenesis (growth of nerve cells), which suggests that estrogen may play a role in transplantation of neural stem cells as part of a therapeutic approach to neurodegenerative disease. Separate clinical research on estrogen indicates that premenopausal women presented the highest level of circulating stem cells (1.4 per 10,000 cells), while postmenopausal women presented the lowest (4 per 1,000,000 cells).  The level of stem cells increased significantly with bio-identical hormone replacement therapy, on average by 25.5 percent suggesting that bioidentical hormone replacement significantly increases stem cells and can complement stem cell injection therapy.