Hormone replacement therapy (HTR) is a common treatment for women going through menopause or experiencing the symptoms associated with menopause. Slowed metabolism, hot flashes, depression, and anti-aging are just some of the reasons a physician may prescribe hormone replacement therapy. Bioidentical hormone replacement therapy (BHRT) offers a more natural method of treatment that is becoming increasingly popular among doctors and patients alike.
What are Bioidentical Hormones?
Bioidentical hormones are manufactured in a lab to have the identical molecular structure to the hormones made by your own body. Synthetic hormones, in contrast, are intentionally made to be different. Although bioidentical hormones are not FDA-approved, many physicians feel that they are safer than the synthetic hormone replacement therapy alternatives because they mimic the body's own hormones. They have been used in clinical studies for over 20 years and are considered a generally safe treatment option that lets women enjoy the later years of their life without the troubling symptoms of menopause.
Bioidentical hormones are customized for each individual patient and are available in many different forms including pills, injections, suppositories, or creams. They may include hormones such as estradiol, progesterone, testosterone, estrone and others. Their individualized nature makes it hard for drug companies to patent the formula, which is why they resort to a generic synthetic hormone replacement instead.
Benefits of Bioidentical Hormone Replacement Therapy
Bioidentical hormone replacement therapy produces many beneficial results that help patients enjoy their later adulthood with the same energy and enthusiasm as they did during their youth. There is no reason to let decreased hormone levels hold you back from continuing an active life . BHRT can increase and enhance your energy level, libido, memory and immunity to the level it was throughout
One of the largest appeals of bioidentical hormones is that they are natural, so our bodies can metabolize them as they were designed to do, minimizing side effects. Synthetic hormones are fairly strong and frequently produce unpleasant side effects. Additionally, bioidentical hormones are individually matched to each woman's specific hormonal needs, as opposed to general, mass-produced synthetic hormones.
Candidates for Bioidentical Hormone Replacement Therapy
Women who are suffering from early menopause symptoms and are looking to put an end to hot flashes, night sweats, memory loss, mood swings, weight gain, and low libido may be candidates for bioidentical hormone replacement therapy. BHRT can be specifically designed for each individual woman suffering from early menopause symptoms, menopause, perimenopause, or severe PMS.
Many women who are in menopause or perimenopause may already be taking standard medications for hormone replacement therapy. Those who feel their symptoms are not being controlled by those medications may consider switching to bioidentical hormone replacement therapy. Certain factors, such as pre-existing medical conditions, may determine whether or not bioidentical hormone replacement therapy is a viable alternative.
Bioidentical hormone replacement therapy can also be used by men to increase low hormone levels that may be causing weight gain, fatigue, stress, lost libido and other unwanted symptoms. BHRT for men uses different types and levels of bioidentical hormones to regulate the hormone levels in the body and let men enjoy an active and healthy life.
Risks and Complications of Bioidentical Hormone Replacement Therapy
Because bioidentical hormones have not been extensively studied for long enough, many experts believe their long-term effects have not been sufficiently determined. In addition, bioidentical hormone replacement therapy as a whole has not been approved by the Food and Drug Administration, although many of the individual bioidentical hormones have been FDA-approved.
Risks and possible side effects associated with synthetic hormone replacement therapy include a slightly increased risk of certain cancers, breast pain, nausea, bloating and mood swings.
Talk about the risks and benefits of bioidentical hormone replacement therapy with your doctor to decide if this treatment is right for you and can help you reduce the symptoms of early menopause, menopause or perimenopause.
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