Bioidentical Hormone Replacement Therapy: What you Need to Know

The hormones in the human body serve as an internal communication system between cells. They control the majority of basic bodily functions. If a person’s hormones decrease or become unbalanced, they consider getting hormone replacement therapies to ease their symptoms. Bioidentical hormone replacement therapy (BHRT) is one of these.

Bioidentical hormones have a molecular structure identical to the body’s natural hormones. These manmade hormones are derived from plant estrogens chemically identical to hormones produced by the human body. Estrogen, testosterone, and progesterone are some of the natural hormones replicated and used in treatment.

Why BHRT is Important

The human body naturally produces various types of hormones which regulate the different function needed for survival. The body’s natural processes cause hormonal changes as people age. Such changes lead to some symptoms because of modern lifestyle and sedentary habits. These symptoms include hot flashes, mood swings, sleep disturbance, weight gain, fatigue, depression, and others. Low hormone levels impact the quality of life. BHRT helps balance hormone level fluctuations and manage the symptoms.

Is It for You?

Symptoms such as night sweats, hot flashes, mood swings, and sleeplessness are common in most perimenopausal and menopausal women. But, women differ in their body composition and hormone requirement. Thus, what may be best for a woman may not work for others. Some of the symptoms can be controlled by changing the diet and performing exercises. But, BHRT can help if these approaches don’t work.

Moreover, hormonal issues are not only limited to women. Men will also go through the stage called andropause which is similar to menopause in women. Andropause results from a drop in testosterone, which is a male hormone. This can lead to symptoms such as changes in sleep pattern, fatigue, low sex drive, and mood changes. In general, andropause sets in after the age of 40; however, some men in their 30s already experience it. Bioidentical hormones for men help in treating andropause symptoms. It helps both men and women in managing their symptoms and making the transition more manageable.

Administering the Bioidentical Hormones

Traditionally, these hormones are administered orally in the form of pills or topically using creams, gels, and patches. But, they can also be delivered in the form of pellets. These pellets are implanted within the body. Hormone pellets are a better alternative because they help in maintaining hormone levels throughout the day and avoid the fluctuations associated with traditional hormone replacement therapy.

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