Struggling with the effects of hormonal imbalance may seem like an inevitable fact of life for women going through menopause or for people suffering from diabetes and other medical conditions that throw the endocrine system into disarray. Bioidentical hormone replacement therapy (BHRT), a tailored, natural approach to restoring hormonal balance, may be the answer you have been seeking if you are tired of symptoms disrupting your everyday life.
Explore the key benefits of Bioidentical hormone replacement therapy, including its role in aiding with the reduction of fatigue, mood swings, and weight gain, among other symptoms. Then, learn how BHRT differs from traditional hormone replacement therapy and why it’s becoming a preferred choice for many looking to improve their quality of life.
What Makes Bioidentical Hormone Replacement Therapy Different?
Hormone replacement therapy has been used for decades to help mitigate the effects of menopause on women’s bodies and to manage postmenopausal symptoms. Men suffering from low testosterone levels from a number of issues have also benefited from this type of treatment.
Even if you have heard of hormone replacement therapy (HRT) before, you may not be aware that there are different types of HRT treatments.
Traditional Hormone Replacement Therapy
When most people refer to hormone replacement therapy, they are typically referring to traditional hormone replacement therapy, where estrogen or a combination of estrogen and progestin is administered to women via tablets, patches, creams, gels, and other forms. In men, testosterone is similarly administered through injections, patches, tablets, or implants.
These hormones (progestin, estrogen, and testosterone) are synthetically created. They are made from a combination of hormones from animals and other chemicals that are added as part of the patenting process. They mimic the hormones produced by the body, though they are not chemically identical.
The production of these hormones is similar to those found in hormonal birth control.
Bioidentical Hormone Replacement Therapy
Unlike hormones used in traditional HRT, bioidentical hormones are derived from plants and are chemically and molecularly identical to the hormones your body produces. They contain the same molecular compounds as estrogen, progestin, or testosterone in the body.
Similar to traditional HRT, BHRT can be administered into the body in a variety of ways to help manage the symptoms of menopause.
Key Differences Between BHRT and Traditional HRT
Though they are used to achieve the same end goal of helping restore hormonal balance within the body and thus reduce the symptoms associated with them, there are key differences between bioidentical hormone replacement therapy and traditional HRT treatment.
These differences include:
- Composition – BHRT uses hormones that are tailored to match your body’s natural hormones. They can also be made to meet the unique needs of the individual through compounding. Traditional hormones are often synthetic and are not structurally identical to those produced by our bodies.
- Side Effects – Research on the risks of hormone replacement therapy has shown that the use of traditional HRT leads to a higher risk of serious side effects compared to a lower risk associated with using bioidentical hormones.
- Customization – When you opt for BHRT, you receive personalized treatment based on your hormone levels and unique needs. Hormone levels can be determined through testing methods like the Adrenal Stress Test Kit or Saliva Hormone Test Kit.
The Top Benefits of BHRT
Choosing bioidentical hormone replacement therapy as a health management option for hormone imbalance affords you the ability to address the root cause of your menopausal or adrenal stress symptoms through a natural approach.
There are several reasons why men and women may experience hormonal imbalances. During menopause, for instance, as a woman reaches the end of her reproductive years, her body will produce significantly less estrogen and progesterone. As men and women age, they also begin producing less testosterone. Conditions like diabetes, chronic stress, thyroid disease, and obesity can also have an impact on how much or how little of the dozens of hormones in our bodies are produced.
A change in hormone production disrupts several functions in the body, from digestion to sleep and even our sex drive. Bioidentical hormone replacement therapy represents an increasingly optimal solution with a number of benefits.
BHRT Provides Relief from Menopause Symptoms
One of the best-known benefits of bioidentical hormone replacement therapy is the relief from menopause symptoms women experience after undergoing treatment.
As a woman transitions from a regular menstrual cycle through menopause to post-menopause, the hormonal imbalance resulting from decreased estrogen and progesterone production leads to a number of symptoms, including:
- Hot flashes
- Night sweats
- Mood swings
- Weight gain
- Vaginal dryness
- Decreased sex drive
- Fatigue
- Difficulty sleeping
Studies have shown that BHRT is effective in treating menopause symptoms. As a result, women using this treatment option can experience a reduction in some of the most disruptive symptoms of menopause, leading to better sleep, less fatigue, and an improved libido.
A clinical study published in early 2018 also found a notable decrease in the incidence of depression for perimenopausal and early postmenopausal women following hormone replacement therapy treatment.
BHRT Leads to Improved Energy and Mental Clarity
For those who are experiencing low energy levels and poor mental clarity, BHRT can provide a respite through improved sleep.
The relationship between hormone imbalance and poor sleep has been well-documented. Poor sleep can lead to hormonal imbalance that results in weight gain and increased insulin production. Sleep deprivation leads to an increase in ghrelin production, the hormone that tells the body you are hungry.
Conversely, hormone imbalance caused by menopause or adrenal fatigue is associated with sleep impairment. Studies show a correlation between interruptions in sleep and the onset of menopause, highlighting the role these hormones play in helping us maintain a regular circadian rhythm.
Bioidentical hormone replacement therapy contributes to better sleep quality by providing the body with the required amounts of estrogen, progesterone, and testerone it needs. The result is higher energy levels, less brain fog, and more mental clarity.
BHRT Is Tailored to Your Body’s Needs
It is a personalized approach to hormone therapy that uses hormones chemically identical to those naturally produced by the body to address hormonal imbalances.
For Women:
- BHRT is commonly used to alleviate symptoms of menopause, perimenopause, and postmenopause.
- It helps manage hot flashes, night sweats, mood swings, fatigue, vaginal dryness, and decreased bone density.
- Bioidentical hormones like estrogen, progesterone, and sometimes testosterone are tailored to each woman’s needs.
For Men:
- BHRT is also effective for men experiencing andropause (sometimes called “male menopause”) or other hormonal imbalances, such as low testosterone (Low T).
- Symptoms BHRT can address in men include fatigue, reduced libido, erectile dysfunction, muscle loss, depression, and mental fog.
- Testosterone replacement therapy is the most common type of BHRT for men.
Key Benefits of BHRT for Both Genders:
- Restores hormone levels to optimal ranges.
- Improves overall quality of life by addressing specific symptoms of hormonal imbalance.
- Supports long-term health benefits, including improved bone density, cardiovascular health, and energy levels.
BHRT is personalized to the individual’s hormone levels and health needs. Both men and women benefit from customized dosages and formulations, which are often prepared by compounding pharmacies to ensure precision and effectiveness.
The bioidentical hormone development process is optimal for those who may have tried traditional hormone replacement therapy unsuccessfully and can facilitate treatment by giving patients options for how to receive care.
There are Fewer Side Effects from BHRT
All medical treatments can produce side effects. Another important benefit of bioidentical hormone replacement therapy is that it produces fewer side effects than traditional hormone replacement therapy.
Since bioidentical hormones are naturally absorbed due to their identical molecular structure to that of hormones produced within our bodies, they are naturally absorbed and metabolized by the body, minimizing adverse reactions that may result from synthetic hormones.
BHRT Supports Long-Term Health
Beyond the more notable benefits of bioidentical hormone replacement therapy, including improved menopause symptoms, better mental clarity, and increased energy, as well as fewer side effects, it has been observed that undergoing BHRT can have a positive effect on several aspects of your long-term health.
- Bone Health – The risk of bone disease is significantly higher in women going through perimenopause, but increasing estrogen levels through BHRT has been shown as an effective way of reducing postmenopausal osteoporosis by helping the body preserve bone mineral density. Research on the correlation between decreased testosterone levels and lower bone mineral density may also suggest that BHRT can play a role in maintaining bone density in men as they age.
- Cardiovascular Health – Receiving estrogen through BHRT can also benefit your cardiovascular health since the hormone appears to reduce overall cholesterol levels and keeps LDL cholesterol levels low. There are also studies that show estrogen has anti-inflammatory properties. Both of these factors can contribute significantly to maintaining healthy cardiovascular function.
- Weight Management – Bioidentical hormone replacement therapy helps maintain weight or even reduce weight post-menopause by influencing levels of insulin in the body and helping maintain hormonal balance.
Why Choose BHRT Over Traditional Hormone Replacement Therapy?
It can be argued that many of the benefits associated with bioidentical hormone replacement therapy can also be obtained from traditional hormone replacement therapy. So, why choose BHRT over traditional HRT? A deeper look reveals that the benefits of BHRT, especially long-term, far outweigh those of traditional HRT.
BHRT Can Be Part of a Holistic Approach to Healing
Bioidentical hormone replacement therapy utilizes hormones that are produced from plants and are bioidentical to those produced in our bodies.
These similarities may allow your body to absorb them more easily.
Conversely, the hormones associated with traditional HRT are synthetically created and have a different molecular and chemical makeup than the body’s natural hormones.
As a result, BHRT can be considered more natural than HRT, both in the way the body interacts with it and based on the composition of its hormones. You may include BHRT as part of your holistic approach to health, along with maintaining a healthy diet and increasing daily movement.
Custom Compounding Makes BHRT More Patient-Friendly
BHRT is much more adaptable to the unique needs of patients than synthetic hormones. This is because bioidentical hormones can be custom-compounded, meaning they are created by a compounding pharmacy to meet the needs of the recipient. With this tailored-made hormone method, it is much easier to adjust your dosage and method of administration.
One of the biggest advantages of BHRT is the variety of forms available to suit individual preferences and needs.
These include:
- Pills: A convenient and familiar option for many patients.
- Shots: Ideal for those requiring precise, high-dose administration.
- Patches: Provide steady hormone release over time, reducing peaks and troughs in hormone levels.
- Gels and Creams: Applied directly to the skin, these are easily absorbed and allow for localized delivery.
- Troches or Lozenges: Dissolvable forms placed in the mouth for easy absorption.
Many considering hormone replacement therapy may find that they cannot tolerate traditional synthetic hormones or the standard delivery methods associated with them. Bioidentical hormone replacement therapy offers a much better alternative, ensuring that both the form and dosage are perfectly matched to your individual needs and comfort.
BHRT Is Safer and More Efficient Than Traditional HRT
While BHRT may pose some risks, as do many medication regimens, the risks associated with traditional hormone replacement therapy can be more severe.
Traditional HRT has been associated with an increased risk of breast cancer and stroke. Many patients report fewer side effects and improved outcomes from using BHRT compared to traditional HRT.
Bioidentical hormone advantages outweigh those of traditional hormone replacement therapy, especially for women who are experiencing symptoms of menopause. Explore our Women’s Health Solutions and discover ways you can optimize your health.
Testing is Key: The Role of Hormone Assessments in BHRT
To reap the most benefits from bioidentical hormone replacement therapy, it is essential to pursue testing and assess your hormone levels. Accurate testing ensures that BHRT is tailored to your specific hormonal needs.
There are several testing options available for hormone assessment.
Saliva Hormone Testing
Saliva hormone testing has been used for decades. It serves to analyze active hormones and provides a more accurate assessment of your hormone levels. You can use it to test levels of hormones like estrogen, progesterone, and testosterone.
You can use a saliva hormone testing kit from the comfort of your home to measure levels of one specific hormone. You can also request a complete hormone panel. Simply collect a sample of your saliva and send it off to the lab for analysis.
Adrenal Stress Testing
Adrenal stress testing measures the level of DHEA-S and diurnal cortisol, which are produced when you experience high levels of stress, causing a hormonal imbalance that produces fatigue and anxiety and can even affect fertility. Stress hormone levels are measured through a saliva sample, which you can mail to the lab. Order your adrenal stress test kit today and begin taking control of your health.
Bioidentical HRT FAQs
Discover the Benefits of BHRT
Bioidentical Hormone Replacement Therapy (BHRT) is a powerful and natural solution for individuals experiencing the effects of hormonal imbalance. By utilizing custom-compounded hormones derived from plant sources, BHRT mimics the hormones naturally produced by the body, allowing for better absorption and utilization. This approach provides relief from menopause symptoms, supports men’s hormonal health, and promotes long-term wellness.
BHRT stands out as a safer and more personalized alternative to traditional hormone replacement therapies.
If you’re ready to take control of your hormonal health, start with one of our diagnostic kits:
- Saliva Hormone Test Kit: Ideal for assessing a broad range of hormone imbalances, including those related to menopause, testosterone levels, and general hormonal health.
- Adrenal Stress Test Kit: Specifically designed to evaluate adrenal function and stress-related hormone imbalances that could impact energy and well-being.
If you’re considering BHRT, consult a qualified healthcare provider to determine if it’s right for you and to develop a treatment plan tailored to your unique needs.
*Editor’s Note: Older articles on this topic have been updated and consolidated into this comprehensive guide as of December 16, 2024.
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