Bioidentical hormone replacement therapy (BHRT) has gained significant attention in recent years as a treatment option for managing hormone imbalances associated with aging, menopause, and other medical conditions. This type of hormone therapy offers a more personalized and potentially safer alternative to conventional hormone treatments, with fewer side effects and greater effectiveness. Read on to learn more about this type of hormone therapy, how the treatment works, and how it could be an effective therapy for you.

What is Bioidentical Hormone Replacement Therapy?

Bioidentical hormones mimic the hormones made by the glands in your body. Bioidentical hormone replacement therapy is a medical treatment option for people who experience symptoms of low or unbalanced hormones.

Hormones are the chemicals in your body that tell other parts of your body how and when to work, affecting many of the functions of your body. Your healthcare provider may recommend hormone replacement therapy if you are experiencing symptoms due to an imbalance or low hormonal activity. Bioidentical hormone replacement therapy is one type of treatment for these symptoms.

BHRT uses processed hormones that come from plants; the most commonly used bioidentical hormones are estrogen, testosterone, and progesterone. Some types of bioidentical hormones can be found as pre-made prescriptions from drug companies, but other forms can be custom-made by a pharmacist.

What Are Bioidentical Hormones Used For?

With age, your hormone levels will naturally decrease. The most common hormones that will decrease with age are estrogen, progesterone, and testosterone.

Common Side Effects of Low Hormones

• Fatigue, loss of energy, & problems sleeping
• Hot flashes
• Night sweats
• Weight gain
• Mood changes & mood swings
• Memory loss or confusion
• Vaginal dryness
• Loss of interest in sex
• Painful intercourse

The goal of bioidentical hormone replacement therapy is to replace low or lost hormones. Most people see their symptoms improve or subside once hormone levels are increased. Discuss your hormone replacement therapy with your healthcare provider before starting this medical treatment.

Common Conditions BHRT Is Used For

• Menopause
• Perimenopause
• Insulin resistance
• Osteoporosis
• Adrenal and thyroid disorders
• Fibromyalgia

Hormone replacement therapy can boost your low or imbalanced hormone levels associated with these conditions. Many advocates also believe that BHRT can reduce the risk of tooth loss, cataracts, and diabetes. This medical treatment may also improve your skin’s hydration, elasticity, and thickness, and may reduce wrinkles.

How Does Hormone Treatment Work?

Bioidentical hormones come in many forms. Discuss these options with your doctor to decide which method is best for you. You may have to try more than one of these methods before you find the one that works best for you.

Forms of Treatment

• Creams
• Gels
• Pills
• Patches
• Injections
• Implanted Pellets

Your doctor will watch your hormone treatment very closely through follow-up appointments. The goal of hormone therapy is to relieve your symptoms with the lowest dose and in the shortest amount of time. You may have to do routine blood, urine, or saliva tests to check your hormones regularly. These tests can help your doctor determine the success of the bioidentical hormone replacement therapy and if any changes need to be made.

Your hormone treatment may take a varied amount of time to show success. Some people going through treatment may feel mild relief within a couple of weeks, but most people feel the full effect of hormone therapy in about three months.

Does Hormone Treatment Work?

For many people, hormone replacement therapy does relieve their symptoms of low or imbalanced hormones. You may have different results depending on your symptoms and health history. If you are interested in bioidentical hormone replacement therapy, discuss your options with your healthcare provider to learn more about the medical treatment.

If you have any negative side effects after starting hormone treatment, you should consult your doctor right away. If you have a side effect that is unmanageable or lasts for a long period of time, your hormone levels may be too high. Talk to your doctor before hormone replacement therapy so you know what to expect with the treatment.

Common Side Effects of Bioidentical Hormones

• Fatigue or low energy
• Headaches
• Mood swings
• Weight gain
• Acne
• Increased facial and body hair
• Blurred vision
• Breast and body tenderness
• Spotting
• Bloating
• Cramping

Key Takeaways for BHRT

Bioidentical hormone replacement therapy may be a valid option for people who have symptoms associated with low or imbalanced hormone levels. Perimenopause and menopause are the most common conditions that are treated using this type of hormone replacement therapy. There are benefits linked to this medical treatment as well as side effects and risks, consult your healthcare provider to learn more about this therapy and find out if hormone treatment is right for you.

If you do decide to undergo bioidentical hormone replacement therapy, you should typically use the lowest dose that proves effective for your symptoms. Follow-up appointments with your doctor are encouraged to regularly check up on your hormone treatment. Hormone replacement therapy may be your best option to relieve yourself of the symptoms associated with low or imbalanced hormones. Ask your healthcare provider about the treatment today!