Bioidentical Hormone Replacement Therapy

Your body hormones play a crucial role in controlling most of the basic bodily functions. They serve as a vital internal communication system between different types of cells in the body. They facilitate and coordinate everything from growth and digestion to your mood, appetite, libido, and immune function. So, even a slight hormonal imbalance can have a significant impact on your health and well-being. When hormones drop or become unbalanced, people often turn to various hormone replacement therapies to help ease symptoms. Bioidentical hormone replacement therapy (BHRT) Woodstock is one such therapy that in recent years has gotten a lot of attention.

It promises to treat hormone issues with a “natural” solution. But what exactly is BHRT, and how is it different from other hormone replacement therapies?

Read on to learn more about BHRT, its benefits and potential risks, and whether it may be the right treatment for you.

What is BHRT?

BHRT can be used to treat hormonal imbalance or drop in both men and women. It is often used to ease symptoms of perimenopause and menopause. It may also help to ease symptoms of cancer treatment or treat other conditions, including:

fibromyalgia
insulin resistance
osteoporosis
adrenal and thyroid disorders

Bioidentical hormones are artificially made from plant estrogens that have a similar chemical identity to those of the human body. The most common hormones that are replicated and used for treatment, include testosterone, estrogen, and progesterone. There are various forms of bioidentical hormones, including:

patches
pills
creams
injections
gels

Components of BHRT

Drug companies manufacture some bioidentical hormones. Others, known as compounded bioidentical hormones, are custom-made by pharmacies as per doctors’ requests. This process is referred to as compounding. Compounding typically involves a combination or alteration of ingredients to suit a patient’s needs.

Some forms of manufactured bioidentical hormones that have been approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) include progesterone and bioidentical estriol (a weak form of estrogen). However, all custom-compounded bioidentical hormones have not received FDA approval.

There are no safety, quality, or purity controls for the manufacturing and selling of most bioidentical hormones. Many medical organizations are firmly against the marketing and use of bioidentical hormones that have not been approved by the FDA.

Nowadays, compounded bioidentical hormones are commonly used instead of synthetic hormones because they’re often touted as being safer and more effective. However, the FDA and most doctors still caution that there are no reputable studies that prove the safety and effectiveness of bioidentical hormones. They further warn of the potential risks of these hormones in some cases.

Traditional vs. Bioidentical

Bioidentical hormones are made from plant estrogens and are chemically identical to those produced naturally in our bodies while the hormones used in traditional hormone replacement therapy (HRT) are made from the pregnant horses’ urine and other syntenic hormones.

Advocates of BHRT claim that bioidentical hormones are safer because they’re “natural” and identical in makeup to the human body’s natural hormones. But most experts believe that both BHRT and HRT might carry similar risks. The risks associated with compounded bioidentical hormones maybe even more.

There is no credible evidence that bioidentical hormone replacement therapy Woodstock is more effective than traditional hormone replacement therapy (HRT).

Benefits of BHRT

BHRT is usually used as people age, and their hormone levels drop or become unbalanced, especially women who’re in perimenopause or menopause. It helps to increase the hormone levels that dropped and help to ease moderate to severe symptoms of menopause, including:

hot flashes
sleep issues
memory loss
mood changes
night sweats
weight gain
pain during sex or loss of interest in sex

In addition to improving symptoms, BHRT may also help to reduce your risk for cataracts, diabetes, and tooth loss. There is some evidence that it can improve skin hydration, elasticity, and thickness, and even reduce wrinkles.

For those who have undergone cancer treatments that altered their estrogen levels, BHRT has been shown to effectively improve their well-being and overall quality of life. One study found that BHRT helps to relieve cancer treatment-related symptoms such as insomnia, incontinence, migraines, and low libido. The study also found that BHRT kept the recurrence rate of breast cancer below average.

Risks and Side Effects of BHRT

While some preparations of progesterone and bioidentical estradiol have received FDA approval, all compounded bioidentical hormones have not been approved.

There are claims that bioidentical hormones are identical in structure to those the body produces naturally, and therefore, are safer and more effective than traditional HRT. However, no large-scale, reputable studies have been conducted to confirm these claims. The FDA urges the cautious use of these compounded products.

According to some research, hormone replacement therapy may generally increase the risk for certain diseases and conditions, including:

gallbladder disease
blood clots
heart disease
stroke
breast cancer

Some of the common side effects associated with bioidentical hormone replacement therapy Woodstock, especially as the body adjusts to the hormones at the beginning of treatment, include:

fatigue
bloating
acne
mood swings
weight gain
increased growth of facial hair, particularly in women

Not everyone can take BHRT or any form of hormone replacement. The risks and potential side effects may vary depending on the patient’s health history. Therefore, ensure you consult your doctor about the benefits, risks, and side effects of any hormone replacement therapy.

How To Take BHRT

BHRT can be offered in various forms, including:

injections
gels
creams
patches
implanted pellets

Your doctor will be able to recommend the best form of BHRT for you and your lifestyle. You will likely need to visit your doctor regularly once you begin your treatment to monitor and evaluate your body’s response.

However, the FDA warns against performing blood and saliva tests to monitor hormone levels. These tests can only help to determine the levels of your hormones at that moment in time, which can vary significantly during the day.

The FDA recommends that doctors should administer the lowest dose that produces results for patients who go for any form of hormone replacement therapy. The FDA further urges that the dose should be administered within the shortest time possible.

The Bottom Line

BHRT may be suitable for people with symptoms associated with low or unbalanced hormone levels. However, you should discuss with your doctor the side effects and risks associated with BHRT because they can have serious implications.