HORMONE OPTIMIZATION THERAPY FOR WOMEN
FEMALE HORMONE OPTIMIZATION IN NORTH CAROLINA
HORMONE OPTIMIZATION THERAPY FOR WOMEN PROCEDURE INSTRUCTIONS
Hormone Optimization Therapy (HOT), often referred to as Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT) or Bioidentical Hormone Replacement Therapy (BHRT), is a personalized treatment approach designed to alleviate symptoms caused by hormonal imbalances often experienced during perimenopause, menopause, and other hormonal transitions.
Post-Insertion Instructions for Women
● Your insertion site has been covered with two layers of bandages. The inner layer is a steri-strip, and the outer layer is a waterproof dressing.
● Do not take tub baths or get into a hot tub or swimming pool for 7 days. You may shower, but do not remove the bandage or steri-strips for 5-7 days.
● No major exercises for the incision area. No heavy lifting using the legs for 7 days. This includes running, elliptical, squats, lunges, etc. You can do moderate upper body work and normal walking on a flat surface.
● The sodium bicarbonate in the anesthetic may cause the site to swell for 1-3 days. ● The insertion site may be uncomfortable for up to 2 to 3 weeks. If there is itching or redness you may take Benadryl for relief (25 to 50 mg orally every 6 hours). Caution: this can cause drowsiness! ● You may experience bruising, swelling, and/or redness of the insertion site which may last from a few days up to 2 to 3 weeks. If the redness worsens after the first 2-3 days, please contact the office. ● You may notice some pinkish or bloody discoloration of the outer bandage. This is normal. ● If you experience bleeding from the incision, apply firm pressure for 5 minutes. ● Please call if you have any bleeding not relieved with pressure (not oozing), as this is NOT normal. ● Please call if you have any pus coming out of the insertion site, as this is NOT normal. ● We recommend putting an ice pack on the area where the pellets are located a couple of times for about 20 minutes each time over the next 4 to 5 hours. You can continue this for swelling, if needed. Be sure to place something between the ice pack and your bandages/skin. Do not place ice packs directly on bare skin.
Reminders
● Remember to have your post-insertion blood work done 6 weeks after your FIRST insertion. If you are not feeling any better by 4 weeks, however, please call the office to discuss having your labs drawn sooner. ● Most women will need re-insertion of their pellets 3.5 months after their initial insertion. If you experience symptoms prior to this, please call the office. ● Please call as soon as symptoms that were relieved from the pellets start to return to make an appointment for your next insertion.