What Every Woman Should Know About Bioidentical Hormone Replacement Therapy
Although the internet is a great source of information about general medical issues and treatments, it doesn't take into account the particulars of your personal medical history. Here’s what you need to know when considering HRT:
Conventional vs. bioidentical hormone replacement therapy
Two treatments that can help you regulate your hormones throughout perimenopause are hormone replacement therapy (HRT) and bioidentical hormone replacement therapy (BHRT).
Hormone replacement therapy is the standard of care for reducing perimenopausal symptoms. It provides hormone support that your body can no longer make in sufficient quantities. What is typically given is synthetic estrogen and progestin, or birth control.
Bioidentical hormone replacement therapy
Similar to hormone replacement therapy (HRT), BHRT can alleviate symptoms and other hormonal imbalances. However, BHRT is customized to meet individual hormonal requirements and is still chemically identical to those produced by your body. BHRT is available in a variety of forms, including pills, skin patches, gels, and implants, and usually consists of estrogen, progesterone, testosterone, and DHEA.
Both are effective at relieving symptoms, and because BHRT is customized, it’s a great option for those who are sensitive or need customized dosing.
Know why to consider BHRT
Hot flashes, vaginal discomfort, mood swings, weight gain, low libido, and insomnia are among the most frequent menopausal symptoms that are treated with BHRT, which replaces your body with either estrogen alone or estrogen, testosterone, and progesterone together.
Additionally, BHRT may lessen fractures and stop bone loss, which is common in postmenopausal women.
Because bioidentical hormones are most like natural hormones, your body may respond to them more favorably and have fewer adverse effects.
They may lower the risk of certain illnesses, including dementia, and enhance mood and energy levels.
Improves your skin by making it more hydrated, thicker, more elastic, and less prone to wrinkles.
Now, for the BHRT cons.
Bioidentical hormones have advantages, but there are risks as well. Use caution, as with traditional HRT. You might also experience the following adverse effects:
Bloating
Fatigue
Acne
Mood swings
Weight gain
Increased facial hair
Know the types and forms of BHRT
Similar to HRT, BHRT is available in a variety of forms, such as pills, troches, patches, gels, and creams. To determine the appropriate form for you, we’ll talk with you about your lifestyle, health, and the symptoms you're attempting to address.
We hope this blog has helped you learn more about the advantages of BHRT, and if you have more questions, we’d love to hear from you. Schedule a consultation with our team of experts at Potentia MedSpa in Lafayette, California, or call us at 510 230 2282. We are the only Functional Aesthetics Medspa in the San Francisco Bay Area, offering a combination of medical expertise, innovative technology in skin care, and holistic support for midlife hormone changes.