Bioidentical hormone replacement therapy (BHRT) is a form of medical treatment for women who are post-menopausal and suffering from menopause-related hormone deficiencies. It is also known as bio-hormone therapy, as it uses natural hormones with a similar structure to the hormones they are replacing. These synthetic hormones are called ‘bio-inert’ because they are produced using biotechnological processes, rather than being derived from plants or animals. The main difference between bioidentical hormone therapy and other forms of hormone replacement is that bioidentical hormones are produced to match the specific needs of each patient. Hormone replacement therapy, also known as HRT, falls under the category of ‘hormone therapy’. The main goal of HRT is to relieve menopause symptoms while also restoring natural hormone production. If you are thinking about starting HRT, or have already started and would like to know more about this topic, continue reading to learn more.
How Does Hormone Replacement Therapy Work?
If you have surgical menopause, your ovaries are no longer creating hormones, and your adrenal glands are also unable to produce sufficient amounts of cortisol. What remains for you after menopause is your pituitary gland and hypothalamus, both of which continue to produce hormones. Bioidentical hormones are identical to your own hormones and are able to enter your circulatory system and stimulate your cells, just like the hormones that your ovaries and adrenal glands produced when you were a woman. Some of the most common symptoms of menopause are fatigue, mood swings, low libido, and insomnia.
Types of Bioidentical Hormone Therapy
Bioidentical hormone therapy can be divided into two main types. The first is a combination of hormones that is custom-made for you. The second is a more generalized treatment plan that often includes a combination of hormones. For example, if you have low sex drive and low energy, your doctor can prescribe you with testosterone and estrogen to boost these two things.
Hormone Replacement Therapy for Symptoms
Symptoms are the most common reason for medical treatment, and hormone replacement therapy is no exception. In women, symptoms of menopause include hot flashes, dryness, and lack of sexual desire. There are also more serious symptoms such as low mood, memory problems, insomnia, and weight gain. If left untreated, these symptoms can lead to an increased risk of heart disease, osteoporosis, and certain cancers. Menopause symptoms are not only inconvenient and uncomfortable, but they can also be dangerous.
Hormone Replacement Therapy for Women’s Health
Many women use hormone replacement therapy to improve their quality of life. This could be due to symptoms that are interfering with their daily activities, or simply because they want to feel better. The most common reason for using hormone therapy is to restore libido, as well as increase energy, and decrease fatigue. Many women also use hormone therapy to relieve symptoms such as hot flashes, skin irritation, and insomnia. This type of therapy is used to treat menopausal symptoms, as well as to prevent osteoporosis.
Pros of Bioidentical Hormone Therapy
Bioidentical hormone therapy can be an effective treatment for many symptoms of menopause. It also has many health benefits for women, including improving mood, decreasing fatigue, increasing energy, and alleviating symptoms such as skin irritation and insomnia. Bioidentical hormone therapy is also a safe and effective treatment for many symptoms of menopause. It has been used for over 50 years and has a success rate of around 85%. Each woman’s endocrine system is unique and her doctor can tailor the treatment plan specifically to her needs.
Cons of Bioidentical Hormone Therapy
While hormone replacement therapy is an effective treatment for many symptoms of menopause, it has some potential side effects. Some patients will experience increased sex drive, increased mood, muscle soreness, and increased body hair. For others, these side effects are transient and go away after treatment is discontinued. Bioidentical hormones are identical to your own hormones and are able to enter your circulatory system and stimulate your cells, just like the hormones that your ovaries and adrenal glands produced when you were a woman.
