Hormones control most of our basic bodily functions by acting as the messenger between different systems. When they fall out of balance, it can create health concerns. Hormone replacement can help correct these problems. To learn more about this type of therapy and how you can benefit from it, consult the guide below.
What role do hormones play in the body?
Contrary to popular belief, hormones play a large role in our lives beyond puberty. They contribute to our appetite and ability to digest, our sexual interest, brain function, immunity, skin health, sleep, energy, and mood. As we age, our bodies go through a natural decline in hormone production, which can contribute to weight gain, irritability and mood changes, body aches and pains, skin changes, poor sleep, and hot flashes. Bioidentical hormone replacement therapy is one way to balance hormones and relieve these symptoms.
What conditions does this procedure help to treat?
BHRT can be used to treat conditions including menopause, thyroid, and parathyroid disorders, osteoporosis, and erectile dysfunction, among other conditions. This type of therapy is most often utilized to help women with symptoms of perimenopause and menopause, or in men, as they age as well.
How are bioidentical hormones different from other hormone treatments?
Bioidentical hormone replacement therapy (BHRT) utilizes hormones that are identical to ones naturally produced in the body, often made synthetically from plant estrogens. This is in contrast to Hormonal Replacement Therapy (HRT), which uses synthetic, biochemically different, hormones. Common BHRT hormones include estrogen, progesterone, and testosterone, to name the most common ones.
What is the process like?
Before beginning the therapy, patients undergo a thorough analysis of their current hormone levels to determine what specific formula of hormones will be used. BHRT comes in a variety of forms, which include creams, patches, injections, gels, and implanted pellets. Before starting a hormone regimen, talk to your doctor about your symptoms and your goals, so they can come up with a specialized treatment plan just for you and your goals.
