Hormonal imbalances can be experienced throughout a lifetime and are not considered uncommon in men and women. Bioidentical hormone therapy can help to improve health and quality of life.

Hormones are the chemical messengers that coordinate processes throughout the body. They influence appetite, libido, and behavior. As people age, their hormone levels naturally drop and some functions that hormones carry out slow down. This can have a negative effect on the quality of life. Bioidentical Hormone Replacement Therapy (BHRT) is the use of man-made hormones that are identical chemically to those created in the human body rather than animal hormones that are used in other therapies. Estrogen and testosterone are some of the most commonly replicated. BHRT is most frequently used to treat the effects of menopause and andropause.

It's also used to ease some symptoms of chemotherapy and conditions such as:

fibromyalgia
osteoporosis
insulin resistance
thyroid disorders

Why Should I Choose BHRT?

BHRT is more commonly used as people age and their hormone levels naturally drop. Women who have survived cancer and then had BHRT treatment had fewer instances of migraines and insomnia. Boosting the body's hormone levels also helps alleviate conditions associated with aging like:

memory loss
sleeping issues
loss of sex drive
night sweats
weight gain

It has been shown that hormone therapy can also reduce your risk of diabetes, cataracts, and tooth loss. There is even evidence of affect with some of the issues that can come with the aging process like wrinkles and skin elasticity.

Who can benefit from Bioidentical Hormone Therapy?

Men and women alike can benefit from using bioidentical hormone therapy. For women, it can regulate estrogen and progesterone levels to combat irregular periods, vaginal dryness, blood glucose issues, hot flashes or chills, lines and wrinkles and high cholesterol.

In men, bioidentical hormone therapy can assist with managing symptoms like exhaustion, irritability or mood swings due to a hormonal imbalance. Both stimulate a physical and emotional return to optimal health.

BHRT Delivery Methods

The FDA has approved several delivery routes for bioidentical hormones such as pills, creams, gels, and sprays. A doctor will help the patient decide which way may work best, but the only way to know is to try a variety of delivery methods.

The dose will be selected and adjusted by the doctor based on the symptoms and needs of the patient. The hormone levels in the body will be checked regularly by a blood test, saliva, or urine, but the FDA has recommended regulating dose based on symptoms and needs rather than hormone levels which fluctuate wildly throughout the day.

It’s important to note that as menopause or andropause begin, symptoms can mistakenly be attributed to the aging process as opposed to what is actually occurring. Quality of life can diminish if left undiagnosed when bioidentical hormone therapy can step in to help restore hormonal balance, even bettering your health situation. Diet and exercise have been known to aid in the reduction of aging symptoms but their benefits can be multiplied when used in combination with hormone therapy. As with any hormone therapy treatments, consistency and patience are key. Symptoms can worsen or new symptoms can appear when beginning bioidentical hormone therapy but these are signs therapy is having an effect. Once your body adjusts, physical and mental health will burgeon.