Menopause is a natural stage of life, but symptoms like hot flashes, mood swings, and sleep disturbances can feel anything but natural. For women seeking a holistic and effective solution, Bioidentical hormone replacement therapy (BHRT) offers a way to restore balance and improve quality of life.
This guide explores how BHRT works, its benefits for menopause symptom relief, and how personalized testing can optimize your treatment plan.
What Is Bioidentical Hormone Replacement Therapy (BHRT)?
Bioidentical hormone replacement therapy is created using hormones that are derived from natural sources. They are structurally identical to those produced by the body. These typically include estrogen, progesterone, and testosterone.
Hormones directly impact the body’s basic functions, affecting bodily processes such as digestion, reproduction, the immune system, and even your moods. That means that when there is an imbalance in your hormones, it can disrupt your health in multiple ways. This is especially true for women during menopause when low levels of the hormone estrogen result in hot flashes, mood swings, and vaginal dryness.
Hormone replacement therapy can help you address numerous issues that stem from hormonal imbalances. Bioidentical hormone replacement therapy can help to increase hormone levels in the body, especially for women with perimenopause or menopause.
BHRT is often used to balance the levels of estrogen in the body, improving the associated hot flashes, mood swings, and dryness. Another hormone that can be balanced using BHRT is progesterone, which affects sleep, mood, and overall hormonal balance. While often thought of as a male hormone, testosterone is another hormone in women that may be affected by menopause; returning testosterone levels to normal can help address low energy levels, decreased libido, and mental clarity.
Why BHRT Over Traditional HRT?
Bioidentical hormones differ from traditional hormone replacement therapy in several ways.
Sources
First, BHRT hormones and traditional HRT hormones are derived from different sources. Bioidentical hormones are created using plants to simulate the hormones that the body naturally makes. Traditional hormone replacement therapy is produced from myriad sources, such as from the urine of a pregnant horse, or other non-bioidentical hormones.
Bioavailability
As traditional HRT hormones are synthetic, they may not contain all the essential components of hormones produced by the human body. This means that it may be more difficult for the body to utilize these hormones well. Because Bioidentical hormones are produced using resources found in nature and react much like the hormones naturally made in the body, they may be better recognized by the body and available for use, a concept known as bioavailability.
Customization
While Bioidentical hormones are created by drug companies when there is a need for customization, a personalized blend of hormones can be created by a pharmacy. This is referred to as a compounding process. A compounding pharmacy can create optimized hormone formulations carefully calibrated to address each individual’s hormone needs.
Having customized Bioidentical hormones produced for each individual ensures that their unique hormone levels are addressed with only the correct hormone solutions.
Learn more about the compounding process and explore hormone optimization services here at Compounding Pharmacy of America.
Is BHRT Better Than Traditional Hormone Therapy?
BHRT is often considered better than traditional hormone therapy.
- Bioidentical hormones may have fewer negative side effects.
- Bioidentical hormones may be more effective in treating symptoms. Since the hormones are designed to mimic natural hormonal composition, BHRT may be more likely to pinpoint the problems resulting from imbalanced hormones.
- Synthetic hormones may not be tolerated as well within the body, which may be related to other serious side effects.
- Synthetic hormones may also result in a greater chance of other health issues developing.
- BHRT may reduce the risk of heart disease, Alzheimer’s disease, diabetes, stroke, or colon cancer.
- BHRT may assist in improving sexual health and give you back the ability to experience pain-free intercourse.
- BHRT may result in skin improvements, including more hydrated, more elastic skin.
- BHRT could help improve bone density and bone mass.
- Overall, you may experience boosts in self-esteem as you feel better about the way you feel and how you look after beginning BHRT.
How BHRT Can Relieve Menopause Symptoms
When a woman becomes older, the amount of hormones that her body produces naturally declines. Once menopause occurs, hormone production significantly decreases, which is why women frequently experience mood swings, hot flashes, night sweats, less interest in sex, a decline in energy levels, weight gain, and/or memory issues.
Hormone replacement therapy is a common treatment for these symptoms. After this type of therapy has begun, hormone rebalancing frequently results in a reduction of the negative symptoms of menopause.
Hot Flashes and Night Sweats
BHRT for menopausal symptoms can help restore the hormone balance necessary to address issues such as hot flashes and night sweats. Instead of experiencing constant sweating throughout the day and through the night, properly balanced hormones ensure the body can regulate temperature naturally.
Mood Swings
BHRT is frequently used to ease mood swings and irritability. Hormones are key neurotransmitters that can affect mood and emotional health. Stabilizing your emotional health by improving levels of estrogen and progesterone in the body can mean a more level mood.
Sleep Issues and Ongoing Fatigue
Problems sleeping and constant fatigue can also result from low hormone levels. BHRT addresses estrogen and progesterone levels to reduce insomnia. In addition, while other symptoms of menopause may be keeping you awake, addressing them with BHRT can improve sleep and boost energy levels.
Weight Changes
Weight changes are another issue that often results from menopause. Fortunately, weight fluctuations can be improved with BHRT, as properly balanced hormones can regulate the metabolism and help you maintain a healthy body weight.
Libido and Sexual Issues
Loss of sexual drive can also occur with hormonal changes. This is especially true if intercourse becomes painful due to symptoms like vaginal dryness. BHRT can help you address vaginal dryness and naturally increase libido.
Learn more about menopause symptom relief with BHRT and other women’s health solutions for menopause.
Accessing The Benefits of Personalized BHRT
Typical Bioidentical hormone therapy is not designed to meet each woman’s unique needs. Fortunately, compounding pharmacies make it possible for BHRT to be customized to address your personal hormone needs.
Saliva Hormone Testing
The best place to start is with saliva hormone testing.
Saliva hormone testing is extremely useful for measuring individual hormone levels and identifying specific hormone deficiencies. It provides an accurate account of the biologically active hormones within the body, which helps ensure a pharmacist can create a precise and effective treatment plan for your needs.
Many people prefer saliva testing as it is less invasive, less expensive, and easier to store than blood samples. Better yet, it is just as accurate as a blood test. We suggest ordering a saliva hormone test kit to assess your current hormone levels and determine your needs.
Compounded Medications
The next step for personalized BHRT is to talk to your doctor about using a compounded medication. The compounding process creates a customized blend of bioidentical hormones to ensure that your hormonal treatment will help resolve your hormonal issues.
Additionally, your tailored medication can include customized doses as well as different delivery methods that work best for you. For example, BHRT can take the form of injectables, creams, patches, suppositories, and much more. You’ll experience targeted relief for your specific symptoms while also reducing the side effects that you experience.
Is BHRT Right for You?
If you’re approaching menopause and considering hormone replacement therapy, you might wonder if Bioidentical Hormone Replacement Therapy (BHRT) is a good fit. BHRT is often recommended for women experiencing menopause symptoms that significantly impact their quality of life.
Common symptoms that BHRT may help alleviate include:
- Hot flashes and night sweats: Frequent and severe temperature fluctuations.
- Mood swings and emotional instability: Irritability, anxiety, or depression.
- Sleep disturbances and fatigue: Chronic tiredness or difficulty falling and staying asleep.
Additionally, BHRT is an excellent option for those seeking natural, plant-based, or personalized hormone replacement solutions. If you prefer a treatment tailored to your specific needs, BHRT offers customized dosages and formulations designed to align with your body’s unique requirements.
Before starting BHRT, it’s essential to consult with a healthcare provider who can assess your symptoms, health history, and goals to determine the best course of action for you.
BHRT and the Role of Lifestyle Changes
While BHRT is a natural hormone replacement for menopause and addresses the hormonal issues associated with this phenomenon, combining this therapy with lifestyle adjustments can amplify your results.
Here are some things to consider along with BHRT.
Make Positive Changes to Your Diet
It is important to eat a healthy diet, especially during menopause.
Changes may include:
- Incorporating phytoestrogen-rich foods such as flax seeds, peas, garbanzo beans, bean sprouts, sunflower seeds, and soy.
- Eating cruciferous vegetables like broccoli, cabbage, bok choy, cauliflower, and Brussels sprouts to help regulate estrogen levels.
- Purchasing organic foods that do not have preservatives or other additives.
- Making sure that you do not consume too much caffeine, as it can cause issues with your central nervous system, immune system, and even your hormones.
- Drinking more green tea or herbal teas, as they contain little or no caffeine and are a source of antioxidants.
Get Regular Exercise
Regular exercise is also a good way to enhance the benefits of BHRT. Increased weight may result in excess hormone production, creating or exacerbating an existing hormonal imbalance. Regular cardio and light weight training can help to support a healthy hormone balance.
Improve Your Sleep Habits
Getting sufficient sleep is also essential to good health as it can help decrease your risk for disease, weight gain, and hormonal imbalances. While these issues can themselves cause sleep issues, you can still address the way you approach getting a quality night of sleep. For example, implementing a nightly bedtime routine and creating an environment conducive to sleeping can boost your chances of getting better sleep.
Address Your Stress
Properly managing your stress levels is also important for maintaining healthy hormone levels. Consider practicing meditation or yoga as a way of keeping your stress levels low. Then, complement your efforts with stress reducing supplements, like Stress B Plus, and BHRT.
What to Expect from the BHRT Process
Bioidentical hormone therapy for menopause can look different for every woman. In general, though, it’s best to start by learning what you can about BHRT and discussing the risks and benefits of this kind of hormone therapy with your healthcare provider. Then, use a saliva hormone test to evaluate your levels of key hormones. This will help personalize your treatment plan.
Once therapy has begun, you will be closely observed to determine how your body reacts to the hormones given. You may experience minor side effects at the beginning of treatment, but these should subside over time. The length of time that you will need to use BHRT varies depending on your situation. Many women only need treatment until their symptoms are managed, but others need it long-term.
FAQs About Hormone Therapy and Menopause
In the past there have been concerns about hormone therapy, we’d like to address them here:
FAQs About BHRT for Menopause
Answering some frequently asked questions about BHRT can help you determine if this therapy may be right for you.
Begin Your BHRT Journey
Bioidentical Hormone Replacement Therapy (BHRT) provides a natural and personalized solution to alleviate menopause symptoms, enhance your quality of life, and restore hormonal balance. Whether you’re struggling with hot flashes, mood swings, or fatigue, BHRT offers tailored treatments designed to meet your unique needs.
Before starting BHRT, consult with your doctor or a qualified healthcare professional to discuss your symptoms, medical history, and treatment options. Working with a professional ensures that your journey is safe, effective, and aligned with your health goals.
At Compounding Pharmacy of America, we specialize in creating customized BHRT solutions based on your specific hormone levels. With tools like saliva hormone testing and expert guidance, you can take the first step toward feeling like yourself again.
Start your journey today by ordering a Saliva Hormone Test Kit and explore the possibilities of a personalized approach to hormonal health. Together, we can create a path toward lasting vitality and wellness.
Editor’s Note: This article was originally published Nov 19, 2014 and has been updated December 12, 2024.
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