Bioidentical Hormones | What to Know Before You Start

Wondering how bioidentical hormones fit into care for poor sleep, brain fog, and low libido during perimenopause and menopause? In this episode, Keeli Stumbo, M.D. and Rae Benson, FNP of Hormones by Design in New Braunfels, Texas explain bioidentical hormone therapy in plain language. Keeli Stumbo, M.D. and Rae Benson, FNP start with the basics: what bioidentical hormones are and how they differ from synthetic hormone options. They also describe the symptoms that bring women in during perimenopause and menopause, which can begin as early as the late 30s. These include trouble sleeping, heavy or irregular cycles, night sweats, hot flashes, vaginal dryness, low libido, brain fog, and low energy, along with the ways these changes can affect relationships. The conversation also takes on questions many women have before starting hormone therapy. The providers share how they respond when patients ask whether hormones cause cancer, including when therapy may not be appropriate. They discuss the recent FDA boxed warning change and how it has shaped patient conversations, and they explain how they monitor treatment with regular lab work and symptom reviews, including side effects such as breast tenderness or acne and how doses can be adjusted. You will also hear about the many ways hormones can be delivered, including compounded creams, dissolvable tablets placed under the tongue, troches, pellets, and injections, along with commercially available options such as patches and tablets. The providers explain why progesterone is often part of the conversation for sleep and mood, why some women take it by mouth, and how treatment can be personalized around lifestyle, convenience, and budget. They also note that Hormones by Design sees men as well, and that couples often come in together. If you are ready to take the first step, the providers explain what that looks like, including scheduling an appointment and completing a basic lab panel to see where your hormone levels stand. Whether you are just noticing early changes or are well into menopause, this episode gives you a clearer picture of bioidentical hormone therapy and the questions to bring to your own provider. 🩺 Ready to find a root cause approach to your health? 👉 Get started: https://hormonesbydesign.com/ 📲 Follow Hormones by Design: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/hormonesbydesign 🔔 Subscribe for new episodes every week and hit the bell so you never miss one. About the Providers: Keeli Stumbo, M.D. has been a practicing gynecologist since 1999 and focuses on women's healthcare. She is passionate about helping patients address hormone imbalance and understands how it can affect daily life and relationships. She uses only bioidentical hormones, which are replicas of the hormones made by the human body. Full bio: https://hormonesbydesign.com/provider/keel... Rae Benson, FNP is a family nurse practitioner who sees both men and women for hormone related concerns and performs annual exams and other gynecology services. She practices at the New Braunfels location and is accepting new patients. Full bio: https://hormonesbydesign.com/provider/rae-... Office location: Hormones by Design, New Braunfels, Texas: https://hormonesbydesign.com/location/new-... 〰️〰️〰️〰️〰️〰️〰️〰️〰️〰️ About Hormones by Design 👉 https://hormonesbydesign.com/our-story/