Human hormones help to regulate many physiological processes and directly impact nearly all aspects of health, wellbeing, and quality of life. Some of the key functions of hormones include regulating metabolism, blood glucose levels, sleep cycles, mood, muscle and bone health, reproductive health, and more. When hormones like estrogen, progesterone, testosterone, and DHEA are not present in optimal levels, serious symptoms and health risks can develop.
Bioidentical hormone replacement therapy (BHRT) works to restore deficient hormones to healthy, youthful levels in order to relieve symptoms and promote better health and longevity.
Following a personalized treatment plan with bioidentical hormones, an exact match of the hormones found naturally in the human body, offers many advantages over traditional synthetic hormone therapy. Bioidentical hormones can help relieve symptoms of menopause, andropause, hormonal imbalances, and the natural effects of aging. Key benefits include:
Alleviation of Symptoms: Bioidentical hormones are precisely customized based on individual needs for optimal symptom relief. Some common symptoms alleviated include:
Improved Health: Restoring hormones to optimal levels also promotes overall improvement in health. Some key benefits include:
Better Quality of Life: Patients report consistently improved quality of life across physical, mental, and emotional dimensions when hormone levels are restored. Patients often describe feeling healthier, happier, more energetic, focused, and optimistic on customized bioidentical hormone plans.
The first step to receiving bioidentical hormone replacement therapy is having diagnostic blood tests to precisely determine current hormone levels along with testing key biomarkers related to hormone balance. Based on these lab results and considering factors like family history, symptoms, health conditions, lifestyle choices (smoking, activity level, nutrition), and more, highly specialized bioidentical hormone doctors develop a customized prescription specifically adapted to meet each patient's needs. Since hormone levels naturally decline with age, it's important that testing and screenings are conducted regularly as part of an ongoing preventative health plan.
Bioidentical hormone replacement therapy is typically prescribed in convenient topical applications like sublingual drops, transdermal gels/creams, vaginal inserts, and slow-release pellets. These methods allow for precise dosing, steady absorption, and excellent tolerance. Frequent follow-ups and lab testing are done to assess progress and make dosage adjustments as-needed until ideal hormone balance is achieved.
Bioidentical hormone replacement therapy works best when combined with a healthy lifestyle for both men and women. Some key recommendations include:
Bioidentical hormones are not necessarily safer or more effective than synthetic hormones for menopausal symptoms. Quality control varies widely among compounding pharmacies that make bioidentical hormones, so dosing can be inconsistent. More research is still needed on their long-term risks and benefits.
Bioidentical hormone therapy is highly complex and requires specialized expertise in endocrinology, age management medicine, and advanced hormone testing/diagnostics for best results and safety. Choosing an experienced hormone health specialist that you trust is absolutely essential for successfully restoring optimal hormonal balance and vitality.
