Bioidentical hormone replacement therapy (BHRT) is used as a subset of hormone therapy that uses hormones that are structurally identical to the substances as they naturally occur in your body. BHRT can be used to help treat women and men when their hormone levels become unbalanced. 

BHRT has gained in popularity over the recent years because of the natural process in which hormone imbalance is treated. We’ll explain further so you can decide whether it is right for you. 

What Does BHRT Treat & How is it Made? 

In men and women, BHRT not only treats hormonal imbalances but it can also treat the following: 

• Premenopause and menopause
• Insulin resistance
• Adrenal and thyroid disorders
• Fibromyalgia
• Osteoporosis

Bioidentical hormones are manmade hormones that are derived from plant estrogens that are chemically identical to those that the human body produces! The most common hormones replicated are estrogen, testosterone and progesterone. 

BHRT comes in different forms – creams, gels, patches, pills, etc. – but tiny pellets provide a distinct advantage over the others. Pellet therapy is a safe and natural alternative that delivers a steady, customized dose of hormones. It’s reflective of how the human body secretes hormones which will eliminate the highs and lows of other delivery methods. 

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved some (not all) forms of manufactured bioidentical hormones. The FDA, on the other hand, has not approved custom-compounded bioidentical hormones.

Benefits of BHRT?

In most cases, BHRT is used as people get older and their hormone levels naturally drop. BHRT is used to increase those levels of hormones to sustain more balance in the body. When out of balance, the following can occur: 

• Unexplained weight gain or loss
• Poor REM sleep
• Weak bones
• More consistent irritability and anxiety
• Changes in temperature sensitivity
• Dry skin or skin rash
• Headaches
• Long-term fatigue
• Excessive sweating
• Memory loss
• Inability to concentrate (brain fog)

As patients begin BHRT treatment, they may experience an overall improved quality of life and some of the following benefits: 

• Better mental clarity
• Decreased symptoms of anxiety and depression
• Improved ability to lose fat and build muscle
• Thicker hair growth
• Healthier looking skin
• Reduced bloating
• More natural energy throughout the day
• Ability to sleep better
• Fewer hot flashes

Is Bio-Identical Hormone Replacement Therapy Right For You?

An imbalance of hormones is often the culprit behind many chronic diseases and conditions that affect the aging population. Issues like heart disease, cancers, inflammation, Type II diabetes, osteoporosis, anxiety and depression can be the result of years of deficiencies of essential naturally produced nutrients. 

With modern medicine and our expert health professionals, we are able to help our patients find the balance again. We are able to breathe new life into their daily lives. It all starts with an assessment to figure out the root cause of your symptoms. From here, we’ll diagnose the situation and recommend BHRT if necessary. We take a holistic approach to health and wellness to help our patients feel better for longer. 
If you are interested in learning more about BHRT or to see if you are a good candidate for this treatment, simply schedule a time with one of our Physician Assistants.