Bioidentical Hormone Replacement Therapy – Frequently Asked Questions
Before beginning a Bioidentical Hormone Replacement Therapy (BHRT) program, it’s natural to have a few questions about the process and what to expect. The specialists at {Name} in {Area} have compiled a list of some of the most frequently asked questions to help you decide if BHRT is the best option for you.
What Forms of Bioidentical Hormone Replacement Therapy Are Available?
Currently, BHRT is available as a patch, oral medication, injection, or sub-dermal pellet. A hormone replacement specialist considers any other health issues of the patient before recommending a specific approach. For example, people with high cholesterol tend to do better with the patch but worse with oral medications. Patients may switch to another method if the initial method prescribed is not tolerated well.
What Testing Determines if BHRT is Right for Me?
For women, most practitioners choose to test hormone levels by collecting a saliva sample or by taking a blood sample at certain points in your menstrual cycle.
What Symptoms Can Be Alleviated with BHRT?
Women may undergo Bioidentical Hormone Replacement Therapy for low libido, hot flashes and night sweats, weight gain, mood swings and fatigue. Women experiencing premenstrual symptoms, perimenopause or menopause may also benefit from bioidentical hormones. This is just a small sample of some of the conditions and symptoms that may by treated with BHRT as a result of imbalanced or low hormone levels.
What Age Groups Benefit Most from BHRT?
Women tend to experience problems with hormone imbalance when they begin perimenopause, which occurs several years before menopause. This may occur anytime between the middle 30s to the early 50s. Generally speaking, women who are at or near middle age usually benefit from Bioidentical Hormone Replacement Therapy the most.
What Is the Difference between BHRT and Synthetic Hormone Options?
Bioidentical hormones are an exact replication of the hormones naturally produced by the body in terms of cellular and chemical structure. They are derived from plant extracts and manufactured by a compounding pharmacy to provide maximum benefit to the patient. Synthetic hormones, on the other hand, are altered and replaced with unnatural chemical ingredients. Medical studies conducted in Europe over the past decade indicate that bioidentical hormones are safer overall than synthetic ones.
What Types of Bioidentical Hormones Does The Clinic {Name} Offer?
The most common types of hormones offered are estradiol, progesterone and testosterone. A BHRT specialist decides on the specific hormones and amount to use in replacement therapy. Treatment is based off the results of the patient’s hormone tests and self-reported complications of hormone imbalance.
Can BHRT Help Alleviate Menopause Symptoms?
Yes. By the time a woman has completed menopause, her body has stopped producing estrogen altogether. Prior to menopause, the reduced production of estrogen can cause a wide range of symptoms such as hot flashes, mood swings and weight gain. By replacing estrogen, balance is restored and symptoms are greatly reduced or even eliminated.
Are There Side Effects I Should Know About?
The most common side effects reported for women include irritability, acne, itching or tenderness at the site of the injection or patch. Women may also experience breast tenderness, spotting and cramping. These side effects tend to disappear once the body has become accustomed to receiving the hormones.
What Type of Medical Practitioner Specializes in BHRT?
Medical practitioners who specialize in BHRT usually work in the complementary and functional medical field. They have years of experience and training on the effects of hormone imbalances on the human body. Traditional practitioners tend to prescribe synthetic hormones over bioidentical hormones as these are heavily marketed by the pharmaceutical industry and are more profitable for medical establishments and healthcare businesses.
If you have any other questions about bioidentical hormone replacement therapy, or to learn how bioidentical hormone therapy can benefit you, contact {Name} in {Area} today!