What is bioidentical hormone therapy? If you are experiencing hormone imbalance, you may have asked this question. Are you trying to choose the hormone replacement treatment that is right for you? Read on to learn more about what BHRT is and why it might be your best option.
Hormones are an important part of health. They allow your cells and organ systems to communicate with one another, controlling bodily functions like appetite, mood, immunity, and libido.
A lot depends upon hormone function, so when your body stops producing them or you have a hormonal imbalance, your health can suffer.
Fortunately, patients with a hormonal imbalance or deficiency can find relief in a variety of hormone replacement therapies. Bioidentical hormone replacement therapy, or BHRT, is one treatment option that has gained a lot of attention over the last several years.
But what is it and why should patients consider choosing it over other treatments? Keep reading to learn what you need to know about this excellent treatment option.
What Is Bioidentical Hormone Therapy?
BHRT is a treatment option for men and women whose hormone levels drop or become unbalanced, as can happen during menopause and andropause. As the name implies, bioidentical hormones are indistinguishable from hormones produced naturally inside the body. In bioidentical hormone production, testosterone, estrogen, progesterone, and other hormones are derived from certain plants and synthesized to chemically resemble hormones produced by humans.
BHRT vs. Traditional HRT
What is bioidentical hormone therapy? What is traditional hormone therapy?
Before beginning treatment, patients must decide whether to undergo therapy using bioidentical hormones or hormones used in traditional hormone replacement therapy. This is a personal choice that patients should make with their doctors. To help make the facts clear, here is how these two treatments differ.
While BHRT uses hormones that are chemically identical to our natural hormones, traditional hormone replacement therapy, or HRT, uses hormones that are chemically similar, though not identical, to human hormones.
One reason that many patients choose BHRT is that HRT does not always provide relief for some symptoms of hormonal imbalance and deficiency. In the end, patients must choose the course of treatment that is best suited for their needs.
Benefits of Bioidentical Hormone Replacement Therapy
BHRT is an effective treatment for age-related hormone imbalance, which often causes several symptoms that can be disruptive. These symptoms include:
- Hot flashes
- Mood swings
- Weight gain
- Memory loss
- Night sweats
- Loss of libido
- Changes in sleep
In addition to helping the above symptoms, BHRT can also improve the appearance and elasticity of the skin.
What Is Bioidentical Hormone Therapy Going to Do for You?
If you have decided to take the step toward hormone balance that BHRT offers, it is critical that you find a provider who understands the importance of accurate, precise dosing. Simpatra offers providers technology that eliminates the guesswork of traditional dosing by basing dosing requirements on each patient’s bloodwork. Find a provider near you.
Experiencing hormone imbalance symptoms? Take our quiz.
Disclaimer: The Simpatra website and blog does not provide medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Content from the Simpatra website and blog is not intended to be used for medical diagnosis or treatment. The information provided on this website is intended for general consumer understanding only. The information provided is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice. As health and nutrition research continuously evolves, we do not guarantee the accuracy, completeness, or timeliness of any information presented on this website.