Bioidentical Hormone Replacement Therapy (BHRT) involves the use of hormones that are identical in molecular structure to hormones produced by the human body. They come from a plant source from which a substance known as diosgenin is extracted and then transformed into a variety of bioidentical hormones. It is used to treat the symptoms of menopause, perimenopause, and postmenopause.
Once your blood or saliva tests have been done, and the BHRT has been created to meet your specific hormonal needs through a compounding pharmacy, you should notice that it is working within 3-4 days. It is important to note that because response to treatment is individual, the dose may need to be adjusted during the first few months of treatment to achieve the desired result.
A course of bioidentical hormone therapy is done by a compound pharmacist for each individual patient focusing on the particular symptoms and test results. The types of hormones used in BHRT include progesterone, Tri-Est (mixture of estriol, estrone, and estradiol), testosterone, DHEA, pregnenolone, melatonin, and desiccated thyroid extract, T3, and T4.
One method of administration is transdermal. (Creams and Gels) They are absorbed into the skin and the hormones are dispersed in a few seconds. They adhere to target cells. Vaginal creams are also used in a transdermal treatment.
Oral capsules are another method of administration. These capsules must be formed so that they do not break down in the stomach and become ineffective. Sublingual drops and troches are placed in veins near the surface of the mouth. (Usually the vein under the tongue) It is designed to be directly absorbed quickly. Small doses are given and the drops are usually flavoured.
Conventional synthetic hormone replacement therapy has been found to increase the risk of breast cancer, stroke, heart attack, and blood clots. BHRT treatments have not been shown to increase the risk of these types of medical problems. Other benefits of BHRT include: decreased insomnia, anxiety, depression, bloating, headaches, irritability, and hot flashes. It also improves concentration, alertness, sex drive, and menstrual cycles.
Bioidentical hormone replacement therapy has fewer side effects because the hormones are natural. Before undergoing treatment, it is important to test for hormonal imbalance so that it is not mistaken for another illness, such as depression. In addition, the specific hormone that is out of balance must be identified so that the correct therapy can be administered and tailored to the particular needs of the patient.
A hormonal imbalance can be a very difficult condition to deal with. Anxiety, mood swings, depression can be a difficult situation to manage for both patients and their families. Successful medical researchers are discovering and implementing safer methods to increase low hormones. BHRT is a hormone replacement therapy that more and more medical professionals are prescribing as a simple and harmless treatment for hormone replacement. Find out how bioidentical hormone restoration therapy can improve your overall health and wellness.
