Bioidentical hormone therapy has become a hot topic lately for men and women. Oprah Winfrey presents specials; celebrities write books, but what therapy is best?

Christine Farrell, MS in nursing and a family nurse practitioner, treats patients with bioidentical hormone therapy in the Conejo Valley and believes that the Vitapelle hormone pellet implant is the most bioidentical form of hormone therapy.

Therapy involves the painless insertion of a bioidentical hormone pellet just beneath the surface of the skin. These pellets are about the size of a grain of rice and release a safe, measured dose of hormones into the blood as the body needs it.

If the body's requirement goes up, the pellet releases more hormones into the bloodstream, allowing the patient's body to control the release of the hormones. By going into the bloodstream directly, the liver is bypassed and the risks associated with oral hormones are avoided.

Creams and drops used in traditional bioidentical hormone therapy are sometimes affected by the variability in absorption rates from patient to patient and do not have the same slow, continuous release of hormone that is found in the pellet. The hormone pellets dissolve completely and generally need replacing only a few times a year. They are made without the use of synthetic pharmaceuticals or animal products and are made to be biologically identical to the estradiol and testosterone found in the human body.

Patients have found that when using the Vitapelle they have a significant increase in libido, decreased fatigue, improved mood and sleep, improvement in migraines and increase in lean muscle mass. Research has shown that these hormones also help to prevent osteoporosis, elevated cholesterol, insulin resistance and Alzheimer's disease.

"Aging is inevitable, but it doesn't have to be a bad experience," said Farrell. "With the use of bioidentical hormones, we can feel better but, more importantly, be healthier as we age."

Farrell is certified in hormone pellet therapy and is a satisfied patient as well. She has a bioidentical hormone practice in Westlake Village and treats both men and women.

For more information or an appointment, call (805) 494-8520.