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Hormone imbalances have many symptoms that can prevent you from feeling your best. Hormones coordinate everything in your body. If they drop or become unbalanced, your general health will be compromised. Bioidentical hormone replacement therapy (BHRT) is among the best treatment options when you are diagnosed with hormone imbalance issues.
Bioidentical hormones are more than cosmetic upkeep; they help with weight maintenance, improve your energy levels, and libido, and so much more. It will restore your overall good health by balancing your hormone levels. Like any medical treatment, you should weigh the pros and cons. It helps you make a more informed decision that will favor your physical needs. Read on for some BHRT pros and cons.
What Is Bioidentical Hormone Replacement Therapy?
BHRT is used to treat unbalanced hormones with bio-identical hormones like estrogen, testosterone, and progesterone. Bioidentical hormones are made from plant estrogens which are chemically identical to the ones people produce. BHRT will naturally re-balance your home levels and help you feel better. They resemble naturally-produced hormones, so they will be readily recognized by your body.
Bioidentical hormones are mainly used to treat symptoms of perimenopause and menopause. Most women in today’s society start experiencing perimenopause or menopause symptoms over the age of 30. As a result, they start experiencing the classic symptoms of menopause that BHRT can treat. However, both men and women with hormonal imbalances can benefit from the treatment.
Bioidentical hormone replacement therapy can also treat other symptoms like insulin resistance, osteoporosis, thyroid, and adrenal disorders. Bioidentical hormones come in various forms, including injections, pills, gels, creams, and patches. Most people are familiar with and prefer injections. Getting a prescription is the best way to start your treatment.
Bioidentical Hormone Replacement Therapy Components
There are two main types of bioidentical hormones. There are those made in a compounding pharmacy based on the individual patient and their needs. The ingredients are altered and combined to ensure maximum effectiveness. They are customized according to the doctor’s prescription or orders. The other type of BHRT is pre-made under a brand name pharmaceutical company, and then they are dispersed to different pharmacies.
Many bioidentical hormones are produced and sold without any regard for quality, purity, and safety. That is why you must get a prescription before you get your injections. Only legal or approved BHRT will give you the full benefits. Unapproved bioidentical hormones may not be effective, and they can increase the side effects.
The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in the US has approved various forms of bioidentical hormones that are manufactured, including bioidentical estriol and progesterone. Compounded bioidentical hormones are yet to get the seal of approval from the FDA. When you work with a reliable healthcare provider, they will ensure you get the best quality products. A lot of medical organizations and doctors have taken a stand against suing or marketing unapproved BHRT treatments.
Traditional Vs. Bioidentical Hormones
There is one big difference between conventional hormone replacement therapy (HRT) and BHRT. Bioidentical hormones are chemically identical to the ones you produce naturally. Traditional hormone replacement therapy uses synthetic hormones like urine from pregnant horses.
It is arguably the safest and most effective because it’s immediately recognized by your body. However, many experts still believe HRT and BHRT effectiveness, risks, and benefits are similar.
Common Signs of Hormone Deficiency
Most adults who experience hormone deficiency are undergoing menopause or andropause or have already passed these aging processes. There are physical and emotional symptoms that will tell you if you have a hormonal imbalance. These signs include:
- Difficulty sleeping
- Excessive sweating
- Changes in heart rate
- Anxiety and irritability
- Bloating
- Headaches
- Reduced sex drive
- Increased thirst
- Unexplained weight loss or gain
When you notice any of these signs, you should schedule a consultation with your doctor. If it’s aging-related, you will get a bioidentical hormone replacement therapy prescription.
Pros
Patients who undergo BHRT report a tremendous improvement in their quality of life. There are many symptoms of hormonal imbalance that can rob you of your physical and mental health. Bioidentical hormones are used to ease such symptoms. It will help you treat symptoms like:
- Fatigue
- Sleeping problems
- Decreased sex drive and pain during sex
- Muscle weakness
- Loss of muscle mass
- Weight gain
- Mood swings
- Increased sensitivity to heat or cold
- Memory loss
- Night sweats
- Dry skin
- Thinning hair
Both men and women will experience physical improvement from the treatment. Mood swings related to hormonal imbalance can cause anxiety or lead to depression. BHRT will help you decrease the chances of going into depression. You will also maintain healthy cholesterol levels, which reduce the risk of heart disease and keeps your weight in check.
You will have more energy and the ability to sleep soundly every night because your hormones will be balanced. Your sense of well-being will increase, and you will be dealing with less stress and anxiety. Most people are opting for this therapy because these benefits are evident every time someone gets the injections.
The therapy treatment is also effective in battling tooth loss and reducing the risk of getting diabetes. Other aging symptoms like wrinkles will also reduce when you are under treatment. When people undergo cancer treatment, their estrogen levels may be affected depending on the treatment. Bioidentical hormones have been shown to help cancer patients with such issues.
Cons
There are a few side effects associated with bioidentical hormones. These are some of the effects you may notice in case of improper administration of the therapy.
- Mood changes
- Bloating
- Weight gain
- Acne
- Increased facial hair in women
- Low energy or fatigue
For some people, BHRT will increase their risk of developing different medical conditions. These are rare instances because most people only experience a few side effects while adjusting to the medications. Ensure you review your medical history with our doctors. They will tell if the bioidentical hormone treatment option is right for you or not. You should stick to buying approved hormone treatment medication prescribed by your doctor.
How to Take Bioidentical Hormone Replacement Therapy
BHRT comes in various forms, which include pellets, pills, creams, gels, and injections. Injections offer distinct benefits over other forms. Pellets, for example, need a surgical procedure that involves an incision in your skin. Injections are much simpler and equally effective. You have to discuss the forms of administration with the doctor when prescribing your bioidentical hormone medications.
Go for something that fits your lifestyle. Injections can be very convenient, especially when you have a busy schedule. Getting the dosage right is also an advantage of injections. Your doctor can change the dosage depending on how you are responding to the treatment. It’s easy to customize the therapy treatment and make it right for you and your needs when using injections.
Hormone imbalance or overbalance is already a nuisance; you need the treatment to go as smoothly as possible. Injections provide you with consistent, personalized treatment to help you recover quickly. If you want to learn more about how the injections can help you, fill out the online contact form on the HRT Cure Anti-Aging Clinic website. You will get a free consultation from the experts who will advise on the way forward in your treatment.
Who Are The Best Candidates For Bioidentical Hormone Replacement Therapy?
Bioidentical hormones are worth considering for men and women in their middle ages. But some people, especially women, can start experiencing menopause symptoms as early as 40 or slightly above 30 years. Good BHRT candidates are those who are currently experiencing symptoms that interfere with their life. The levels of critical hormones, including testosterone and estrogen in the body, go down as you age. This will have certain symptoms that can get worse if you don’t treat them.
However, self-diagnosing yourself is not an option. You need to consult a physician to get a proper diagnosis. Your symptoms may be related to other health conditions that bioidentical hormones cannot treat. If you are an eligible candidate for the BHRT, the doctor will prescribe your injections, and you can start treatment.
Conclusion
BHRT is the best treatment option for aging symptoms. It has many benefits and is safe and effective. The side effects or cons will mostly come if the treatment is not administered correctly. That is why you must get a prescription first. The treatment varies slightly from traditional hormone replacement therapy. Get a consultation if you want to learn more and see if it’s a viable option for you. Once you fill out the contact form, you will contact experts to help you.
