by Carolyn Zaumeyer

At present and with great success, Dr. Gary Donovitz and Dr. Mandy Cotten at BioTE Medical, in Irving, Texas, are providing Bio-Identical Hormone Replacement Therapy (BHRT) via pellets to more than 100 returning war veterans suffering with Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD). A current BioTE Medical Combat Trauma Treatment Study, in conjunction with the Veterans Advocacy Center (VAC), is showing promising results in helping veterans suffering from PTSD and Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI).

The veterans’ testimonials after treatment are amazing and very moving. They are clearly saying that they have a new lease on life—they are able to go out of their houses, they have better energy, feel like exercising, feel like working, have meaningful relationships and are very grateful. Testimonials can be viewed at BioteMedical.com/combat-trauma-tbi-and-ptsd-treatment-study.html.

PTSD is a disorder that develops in some people who have experienced a shocking, scary or dangerous event. This may lead to depression, anxiety, sleep disorders, sexual dysfunction and, unfortunately, suicide for some. Experiencing a traumatic event and/or developing PTSD can have a tremendous impact on a person’s life. The symptoms of PTSD can make a person feel constantly afraid and isolated. In addition, depression is common following a traumatic event and among people with PTSD. A person may feel as though there is no hope or escape from their symptoms leading them to contemplate suicide.

Many patients suffering from depression, anxiety, mood and sleep issues find relief with BHRT pellet therapy, to the point that they can be weaned off their antidepressants and anti-anxiety medications. BHRT pellets are plant-based, originating from soy and yams and are bio-identical, meaning the molecular structure is identical to what the body and mind produce naturally. Pellet therapy has been around for more than 80 years and is the most studied and safe delivery system for hormone optimization.

Traditionally, we think of BHRT for menopausal women suffering with vasomotor symptoms (night sweats, hot flashes and flushes). However, over the years, we have learned that optimizing hormones in men and women with plant-based BHRT has many health benefits. Research has shown that bio-identical testosterone and estradiol in the pellet form can reverse the course of heart disease, diabetes, obesity, fibromyalgia, arthritis and high cholesterol. Studies also show that the risk for Alzheimer’s disease, breast cancer, osteoporosis and prostate cancer can be lowered with the BioTE pellets. The safety of BHRT pellets has been proven over the years in hundreds of studies.

As we age, our hormone production naturally declines, leading to mood changes (depression and anxiety), sleep disturbance, temperature changes, sexual dysfunction, weight gain, skin changes and much more.

The differences between synthetic hormones, such as Premarin, and bio-identical hormones are night and day. For example, where studies show synthetic hormones may cause breast cancer, studies show BHRT may reduce the risk for breast cancer.

Carolyn Zaumeyer, nurse practitioner, BioTE provider and owner of Low TE Florida, is working with local fire fighters and police officers suffering from PTSD. First responders have exposure to some horrific experiences and sights. Optimizing hormones can provide them with the mental and physical strength to better handle the situations they encounter every day in the line of duty.

Zaumeyer has traveled throughout the U.S. and studied under the most prominent experts in BHRT, including Dr. Sangeeta Pati in Orlando, Dr. Neil Rouzier in Salt Lake City, Dr. Daved Rosensweet in Naples, Florida, and Dr. Gary Donovitz in Dallas. She is knowledgeable in all the delivery methods of hormone replacement and is especially satisfied with the BioTE pelleting system. Zaumeyer was the first BioTE Medical Certified Practitioner in Florida and currently serves on the BioTE Medical Advisory Board. She has recently been invited to serve as faculty for the Tampa BioTE Medical Training Center, training physicians and nurse practitioners from throughout the U.S.

Low TE is located at 4540 N. Federal Hwy., Fort Lauderdale. For more information, call 954- 791-4498 and/or visit LowTEFlorida.com.