Hormone Replacement

Hormone Replacement

What is Bioidentical Hormone Replacement Therapy?

It’s no secret that over time our bodies change. The hormones of our youth begin to disappear on us, changing our bodies drastically. But what if they could be replenished? With Bioidentical Hormone Replacement Therapy (BHRT), they can be.

BHRT uses the same hormones your body makes, the exact molecular structure, not a similar but synthetic molecule. They are made from a molecule found in plants, but your body cannot make these hormones just by eating the vegetable. Both men and women whose hormones have dropped or become unbalanced should consider BHRT

What hormones can be replaced?

Both men and women suffer from hormone imbalance at one point or another, but the hormones in question can vary. Here are the most common hormones replenished via BHRT:

Testosterone: Although it’s stereotypically thought of as a “male” hormone, both men and women need testosterone. And while the hormone is usually used to increase a person’s libido, it also helps with anxiety, depression, irritability, brain fog, migraines, dry skin, and many other ailments.

Estrogen/Estradiol: As women reach menopause, their estrogen levels greatly decrease. Considering that estrogen is a part of hundreds of bodily functions, it’s no wonder many women no longer “feel like themselves” after going through menopause. Signs of an estrogen deficiency include vaginal dryness, pain during intercourse, lack of sleep, and hot flashes. With BHRT, these symptoms can greatly be relieved. Additionally, research shows BHRT has far-reaching improvements for the optimal functioning of the body like improving brain function, cholesterol, blood pressure, insulin regulation, reducing the risk of heart attack, improving bone density, and with BHRT there’s no increased risk of breast cancer, there might be a slightly decreased risk.

Progesterone: Progesterone is vital for every woman. It is the “yin” to estrogen’s “yang,” meaning it balances estrogen out. Progesterone is a natural diuretic, calms and protects the nervous system, is a natural antidepressant, and helps prevent uterine cancer.

Consult with your physician to determine which hormones are right for you.

Are synthetic hormones right for you?

For decades, synthetic hormones have been used to treat men and women with hormonal imbalances. But because synthetic hormones are not exact replicas of human hormones, there can be many problems that arise.

For instance, many bodies do not “accept” synthetic hormones at all, meaning you’ve just wasted your time and money on the procedure, and got your hopes up for a solution that has failed you. And believe it or not, that’s not the “worst-case scenario” when using synthetic hormones…

Unfortunately, synthetic hormones can cause dangerous side effects, such as high blood pressure, cardiovascular issues, and even cancer. Is that a risk you are willing to take?

Bioidentical Hormones—the natural answer to hormonal imbalances.

Looking for a safer way to treat hormonal imbalances? Bioidentical hormones are the answer.

Bioidentical hormones are identical to the ones our bodies produce, making them safe and much more effective than synthetic hormones. And best of all, since bioidentical hormones are all-natural, they have a significantly lower risk of side effects than their synthetic counterparts.

Methods of application

There are a few ways to administer hormones to an individual. For optimal results for both men and women, hormonal pellets can be inserted under the skin of the upper buttocks. Within two to three weeks after the first insert, you will begin to notice a change and continue to receive the correct dosage of hormones at all hours of the day. The pellets are designed to dissolve slowly over 90 days, so the insert is repeated every three months.

Another option is troches—gummy-like substances that melt under the lip, getting absorbed into the bloodstream across the gums. . The downside to troches is that to be effective they are cumbersome since the estrogen and testosterone need to be dosed twice a day, but the progesterone needs to be dosed at bedtime since it can make you sleepy. There are injections of testosterone for men, but bioidentical injectable testosterone is very expensive. Weekly injections can be given at the clinic or instructions may be given for at-home administration.

Other hormonal treatments

Outside of BHRT, thyroid and cortisol are also commonly administered hormones.

The thyroid gland is located in your neck and produces thyroid hormones, which are sent out across the body, keeping everything functioning properly. Thyroid hormones are given for one of two reasons—either the thyroid glands have stopped working properly, or to prevent the growth of thyroid tissue (in the case of thyroid cancer or benign nodules). Unlike in BHRT, thyroid hormones can be taken orally, but for optimal absorption, it’s best to chew the tablet and let it cross into the bloodstream via your gums and tongue.

Cortisol is found in the adrenal glands located on top of your kidneys. They help regulate metabolism, control blood sugar levels, reduce inflammation, and enhance memory function. It’s also known as the “stress hormone” as it is released when a person is stressed, therefore cortisol is often high. In the event of low cortisol, it is administered via injection or orally.

Which is right for you?

Do you feel like you have a hormonal imbalance, but aren’t sure which hormone is the one for you? Contact us to find out how Bioidentical Hormone Replacement Therapy, thyroid, or cortisol hormones could help you today!