Bioidentical hormones are made to mirror the hormones that the body’s endocrine glands create. Hormones act as messengers to the other parts of the body to tell them how or when to work and affect many functions and systems in the body. If there is even a slight imbalance in hormones the body can show symptoms and react in ways that can mess with a person’s day-to-day life. It is when the imbalance becomes more than the body can naturally regulate that healthcare providers recommend hormone replacement treatment.
DCSI talks about Bioidentical hormone therapy (BHRT) with our patients who may be experiencing an imbalance in estrogen, progesterone, and testosterone hormones. BHRT uses processed hormones that come from plants in treatment programs. While this form of hormone therapy can be used in both men and women, it is important to know who cannot take bioidentical hormones. People dealing with the following issues or disorders are at high-risk for hormone therapies.
- Blood Clotting Disorders
- Heart or cardiovascular disease
- Breast Cancer
- Stroke
What Do Bioidentical Hormones Help With?
As we age the level of hormones in our body decreases. Some of the common side effects when hormones like estrogen, progesterone, and testosterone decrease are:- Hot flashes
- Night sweats
- Vaginal dryness
- Loss of interest in sex or painful intercourse
- Problems sleeping
- Loss of energy or fatigue
- Weight gain
- Mood changes
- Memory loss or confusion
How are Bioidentical Hormones Administered?
These hormones can be given in many different forms including, pills, patches, creams, gels, shots, or implanted pellets. After further conversations with your doctors, you both can figure out the best form and dosage for you.Is Bioidentical Hormone Replacement Therapy Safe?
There are bioidentical hormones that are approved by the FDA and have been tested for safety. The FDA has strict standards that they passed and are safe for people to use. Like any hormone therapy, there are risks, so make sure you are having constant conversations with your healthcare providers to make sure you are weighing all the pros and cons before choosing a course of action. Like any treatment there is a chance of side effects, here are a few for this type of hormone therapy. Bioidentical hormone replacement side effects may include:- Weight gain
- Blurred vision
- Tiredness
- Acne
- Increased facial hair
- Headaches
- Breast tenderness
- Spotting
- Cramping
- Bloating
- Mood swings
Bioidentical Hormone Treatment For Men
Men seeking BHRT options are often dealing with low testosterone levels or other hormonal imbalances. Regulating and managing those imbalances can bring some of the following benefits:- Fewer migraines
- Less heart palpitations
- Better concentration, focus, and memory
- Healthier-looking skin (improved elasticity, hydration, volume, and reduction in wrinkles)
- Help in weight loss
- Less hot flashes and night sweats
- More energy
- Better mood stability
- Reduction in bloating
- Better sleep habits
- Higher sexual desire and function
- More ability to gain and retain muscle mass
- Thicker hair
- Stronger bones
BHRT For Women
This is a natural and safe option for women dealing with hormone imbalances. BHRT is an effective treatment for women as they age. Around their mid-30s a woman’s body begins to create more estrogen and less progesterone. This is known as ‘estrogen dominance” and could trigger negative responses throughout the body and brain. Symptoms of estrogen dominance can include:- Fatigue
- Low libido
- Depression
- Weight gain
- Insomnia
- Mood swings
- Hot flashes & night sweats
- Bloating
- Irregular bleeding
- Headaches / Migraines
- Tender breast