Your hormones are responsible for controlling multiple body functions, such as digestion, growth, libido, brain function, mood, and immune function. They also serve as an internal communication system for the cells throughout the body. Therefore, hormonal imbalance can create a significant impact on your health and well-being. However, you can take Bioidentical Hormone Replacement Therapy (BHRT) to resolve your hormonal imbalance.
What Are Bioidentical Hormones?
Bioidentical hormones are artificial hormones like the hormones produced by the human body. Some hormones that can be man-made are testosterone, estrogen, and progesterone and are used to treat men and women with hormonal imbalance.
Why Are Bioidentical Hormones Used?
As men and women get older, hormone levels in the body decrease, including testosterone, estrogen, and progesterone. This hormonal imbalance can lead to:
- Memory loss
- Hot flashes
- Mood swings
- Fatigue
- Night sweats
- Energy loss
- Vaginal dryness
- Foggy thinking
- Weight gain
- Difficulty sleeping
- Loss of muscle mass
- Pain during intercourse
Therefore, bioidentical hormone replacement therapy is used to replace the lost hormones.
Are Bioidentical Hormones Safe?
Bioidentical hormones have been tested for safety and approved by the FDA.
How Common are Bioidentical Hormones?
In the US, compounded bioidentical hormones are commonly used to treat women in menopause. According to the North American Menopause Society (NAMS), 1.4 million women use this compounded-type hormone, which is 40% of hormone therapy prescriptions for women in menopause.
Benefits of Bioidentical Hormone Replacement Therapy (BHRT)
While reducing hormonal imbalance and its symptoms, BHRT provides substantial benefits:
- Reduces wrinkles
- Improves skin thickness, elasticity, and hydration
- Reduces your risk for cataracts, diabetes, and tooth loss
- Improves quality of life and health in people whose estrogen levels are affected by cancer treatment
- Reduces treatment-related symptoms in cancer patients, such as insomnia, migraines, low libido, and incontinence
- Reduces recurrence rate of breast cancer
How Long Can Women Stay on Bioidentical Hormones?
Though most women continue treatment for 2-3 years to reduce hormonal imbalance symptoms, there is no limit on how long they can take medication. Women between 40 and 55 years take hormone therapy to navigate menopause and manage symptoms. Hormone therapy can also address the side effects of aging, allowing women to maintain their health and energy levels after menopause. However, it would help if you talk to your doctor to determine the treatment period.
Dangers of Bioidentical Hormone Replacement Therapy: Side Effects and Risks
BHRT can increase your risk for:
- Breast cancer
- Blood clots
- Stroke
- Heart disease
- Gallbladder disease
It also causes side effects including:
- Increased facial hair in women
- Acne
- Mood swings
- Bloating
- Weight gain
- Fatigue
- Blurred vision
- Cramping
- Spotting
- Indigestion
Are you looking for expert Bioidentical Hormone replacement therapy treatment? Call us at 843-572-1600 or schedule an appointment with our expert doctors today.
Dr. William J. Weirs is a board-certified expert in the field of Emergency Medicine. He has been practicing for over 10 years, expanding his knowledge about various types of patients and clinical problems. Dr. Weirs is currently involved with fulltime consultation in integrative, functional, and environmental medicine. He is an expert in many types of allergy-related disorders and various kinds of autoimmune diseases.