by The recent few years have witnessed a significant rise in cases of people suffering from hormone-related problems. With the increase in the number of patients, a steady rise has also been seen in the number of treatment options that have surfaced.
One on the list is bioidentical hormone therapy. This treatment administers artificially designed hormones into the individual’s body to normalize their hormone levels.
These artificially-created hormones are very similar, in fact, totally identical to the naturally produced hormone in the body. This similarity makes bioidentical hormone therapy a safer and trusted option for curing the symptoms of hormonal imbalance in the body.
Despite advocating for its safety, patients often demand to learn about the procedure first-hand to vouch for its dependability. This article, therefore, aims at answering the frequently asked questions about bioidentical hormone therapy.
What is Bioidentical Hormone Therapy?
The first question in one’s mind is about bioidentical hormones and hormone therapy.
Natural hormones are chemicals produced by the endocrine glands. These perform the function of transmitting messages from one body part to another. Hormones are also essential for the growth and development of the human body.
However, due to lifestyle changes or certain medical conditions, the count of hormones decreases from its normal levels. In such cases, doctors often advocate the use of bioidentical hormone therapy.
Bioidentical hormones are artificially produced to mimic the naturally produced hormones in the human body. These hormones are derived from plants. The most commonly used ones are progesterone, estrogen, and testosterone.
Bioidentical hormones are primarily administered to those who experience symptoms due to low or unbalanced hormones. In most cases, this happens as a result of perimenopause or menopause.
What is the difference between Traditional Hormone Therapy and Bioidentical Hormone Therapy?
Thus, the difference between the two arises from the ingredients used to make them. As mentioned earlier, Bioidentical Hormones are produced by plants. The structure and constituents of these hormones are very similar to those in the human body.
Traditional HRT products are made from the urine of pregnant horses and other synthetic hormones and are not identical to the ones produced by the human body.
Although both these treatments are designed to eliminate the risks and symptoms associated with low hormone levels, people often prefer BHRT over HRT because of its natural quality. Its dosage can also be adjusted. HRT, on the other hand, comes only in standard doses.
What Symptoms Does Bioidentical Hormone Therapy Help Cure?
Unbalanced hormone levels can cause many problems. BHRT is an effective solution for getting rid of the following symptoms associated with hormone imbalance:
- Hot Flashes and Night Sweats
Hot flashes are very commonly experienced by women undergoing menopause. It is a sudden feeling of warmth in the upper part of the body.
It usually becomes intense in the face, neck, and chest area. In severe cases, the skin also becomes red.
Hot flashes and night sweats can disrupt your sleep cycle if occurring at night. BHRT helps in regulating body temperature, thus, decreasing the signs of hot flashes and night sweats.
- Weight Gain
Many hormone-related issues can result in unexpected weight gain. These medical conditions include thyroid deficiency, menopause, and polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS).
Bioidentical Hormone Therapy plays a very vital and supportive role in one’s weight loss journey. This treatment brings the hormones back to normal levels so that the individual can lose weight from the renewed energy increase and higher metabolism.
- Sexual Dysfunction
One of the significant problems associated with hormone imbalance in both men and women is sexual dysfunction.
It often results in the lack of desire or interest in sex or the inability to remain physically aroused or excited while performing the sexual activity.
Bioidentical Hormone Therapy replenishes the number of hormones in the human body and thus contributes to regaining sexual function.
- Lowered Concentration
With imbalanced hormone levels, one also loses the ability to concentrate and remember things. This condition is also referred to as brain fog.
Lowered concentration abilities also give rise to irritation and fatigue. Restoring hormone levels by BHRT also helps boost one’s memory and concentration abilities.
How is Bioidentical Hormone Therapy Administered?
Listed below are the different ways in which bioidentical hormone therapy is administered:
- Pills
The first way this treatment is given is in the form of pills. These pills are the most common cure for menopausal symptoms. These pills are tablets that are taken by mouth.
Generally, it is taken only once daily, but the physician finalizes the dosage after a thorough medical examination and understanding of the patient’s condition.
It is essential to take this medication as strictly as advised by the physician to avoid the risk of any side effects.
- Patches
Patches are another popularly prescribed form of bioidentical hormone therapy. It helps in getting rid of symptoms associated with low hormone counts. These patches are applied directly to the skin.
However, applying these patches in different locations is always advised for the best results. It is necessary to leave these patches on the applied body part for at least 24 hours before changing and applying a new one.
- Pellets
Pellets are the most popular bioidentical hormone therapy mode. It naturally helps in replenishing hormone levels in both men and women.
These pellets are implanted under the skin. With time, they release small doses of bioidentical hormones into the body, bringing them to their natural count.
- Creams and Gels
Bioidentical hormone therapy in cream form is applied directly on the skin. It gets absorbed directly through the skin and into the bloodstream. The same is true for gels.
Creams and gels are the most effective cures for menopausal symptoms such as bloating, cramps, night sweats, hot flashes, and more.
Conclusion
This FDA-approved hormone therapy is definitely the right and safe choice for those suffering from the adverse effects of hormone imbalance.
Despite its benefits, getting expert advice and guidance is always important. One should only consider taking up BHRT if an experienced doctor suggests it.
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