Hormones do a great deal of work in the body. They act as messengers sending signals throughout the body. Hormones control and coordinate different body functions such as mood, metabolism, libido, and growth.
Unbalanced hormones can cause undesirable severe effects on the body, affecting your emotional, psychological and physical well-being. People turn to hormone replacement therapy to manage and control the symptoms when this happens. Bio-identical Hormone Replacement Therapy may offer solutions to hormonal imbalances.
What Is Bioidentical Hormone Therapy (BHRT)?
Bioidentical hormones are natural hormones from plants, processed hormones designed to match the hormones produced by the body. Bio-identical hormones can help people suffering from hormonal imbalances or low hormonal levels.
Hormones are chemicals that are manufactured by the endocrine glands. The hormones are released to different body parts through the bloodstream to perform various functions. A hormonal imbalance can lead to undesirable symptoms. Improper levels may lead to bone and tissue breakdown causing health complications like arthritis. This is where bioidentical hormone replacement therapy (BHRT) becomes of use.
Bio-identical hormones are manufactured in the laboratory using extracts from plants like soya beans and yams. The processing has to be approved for use by the FDA (Food and drug administration). Bio-identical hormones come in different forms such as:
- Pills
- Gels
- Creams
- Vaginal inserts
- Injections
- Patches
- Sprays
- Implanted pellets
Bio-Identical Hormones Vs. Traditional Hormones
Synthetic or “traditional” hormones have metabolites that increase serum clotting factors and are associated with increased risk of stroke, heart attack and blood clot, and breast cancer if a woman is taking a synthetic progestin. BHRT does not have these metabolites that increase these risks. In fact, studies have shown that they protect the brain, heart, breast, and bones.
Benefits of BHRT Pellets
Different reasons lead to hormonal replacement therapy, such as age and a drop in hormonal levels. Taking doctor-prescribed bio-identical hormones improves the body’s general well-being, health, and quality of life.
Women produce lower progesterone, estrogen, and testosterone hormones in their 30s, while men’s testosterone levels decline in the 40s. BHRT can benefit people experiencing premenopausal, menopause, or andropause (male menopause) symptoms such as:
- Night sweats
- Hot flashes
- Vaginal dryness
- Mood swings
- Memory loss
- Difficulty sleeping
- Low energy levels
- Weight gain
- Decreased interest in sex or pain during sex
- Hair and nail loss
Additionally, hormone replacement therapy may help to improve and relieve symptoms of conditions such as:
- Cancer treatment
- Adrenal disorders
- Osteoporosis
- Fibromyalgia
- Thyroid disorders
Hormone therapy may also help minimize the risk of diabetes, cataracts, and tooth loss, improve the skin’s hydration elasticity, and reduce wrinkles.
Who Can Consider BHRT
Men and women can develop hormonal imbalances at any age. If suffering from hormonal imbalances or low hormonal levels, BHRT may be the best option.
People suffering from health issues without ascertaining the underlying cause can ask their doctor to conduct a hormonal test. BHRT may be considered if a person is experiencing:
- Brain fog
- Difficulty sleeping
- Low energy levels
- Muscle loss
- Hair loss
- Low libido
- Mood swings
- Sudden weight gain
Patients must get blood tests to indicate their eligibility for bio-identical hormone replacement therapy. This helps the healthcare provider calculate the correct dosage amount for the hormone therapy treatment.
BHRT Results
Every patient is different, and the amount of time taken to feel the results of the BHRT differs from person to person. Symptoms and health history influence the period in which bio-identical hormones work.
It may take a few weeks for mild relief to three months of full effect for the different types of hormonal replacement therapy. In some instances, health care providers recommend traditional hormone replacement therapies instead of bio-identical hormone therapy.
Side Effects of BHRT
After beginning BHRT, patients may experience some of the following side effects:
- Fatigue
- Cramps
- Headaches
- Spotting
- Bloating
- Increase in facial hair in women
- Acne
- Breast Tenderness
- Redness at the site of application or injection
In case of severe or prolonged side effects, contact your healthcare provider. They may make adjustments to the dosage administered or change the treatment method.
Risks
BHRT has a myriad of health benefits and is a safe alternative to synthetic or “traditional” hormones.
To see if you are a candidate for BHRT, please schedule a consult with Dr. Yung.