biodentical hormones

Small Changes, Big Benefits

One of the most common culprits for the symptoms of aging is hormone imbalance.   Hormones control thousands of functions in the human body, and are the chemical messengers that keep our bodies in rhythm.  They are responsible for our sense of well-being, our mental clarity and focus, our sexual desire, and many other functions needed for energy, vitality and a healthy life.

Bioidentical hormones are identical in chemical structure to the body’s natural hormones. They are produced in a lab from plant matter that has an abundance of “phyto-hormones” which can be easily converted into bioidentical hormones.  Synthetic hormones are different in molecular structure to human hormones and  can result in numerous side effects.These hormones include estrogens (estrone, estradiol, estriol), progesterone, testosterone, melatonin, pregnenolone, thyroid and adrenal hormones such as DHEA and cortisol.

Signs of hormone deficiency include:Fatigue, insomnia, anxiety, hot flashes, night sweats, brain fog, depression, low sex drive, erectile dysfunction mood swings and weight gain.

Restoring Deficient Hormones. Weight gain is one of the most common symptoms of hormonal imbalance. Many women gain weight during menopause. How much weight gain and where it is distributed depends on which hormones are declining and out of balance. Weight gain is in the middle of the body when estrogen decreases out of proportion. Cortisol facilitates increased fat storage and weight gain around the waist. If progesterone is too low and estrogen is too high, weight gain is around the hips. Low levels of thyroid can cause obesity. The balance of all hormones in the body is important to maintain the correct weight and body composition.

For men, low testosterone will cause weight gain in the abdomen.   Belly fat also contributes to estrogen production in men, which in turn causes more fat to accumulate.  Bioidentical hormones reestablish hormonal balance in the body in a natural way and can be beneficial whenever a hormone imbalance is diagnosed.  Bioidentical Hormone Replacement Therapy (BHRT) can ease the symptoms of menopause, peri-menopause, and andropause. BHRT has been shown to reduce the risk of dementia,  and heart disease, reduce osteoporosis risks, slow down the aging process, and improve muscle tone, skin and sleep quality, as well as enhance energy.

The goals of BHRT are not only to ease unpleasant symptoms but to also restore hormonal balance naturally and provide the body with the same protective health benefits that the body’s own hormones would provide.

BHRT has many positive health benefits and no dangerous side effects when administered and monitored by a doctor who specializes in bioidentical hormones and BHRT. While bio-identical hormones can be taken for a prolonged time, the length of BHRT depends on the individual hormonal imbalance and health conditions.   There are different routes of administration for BHRT, including pellets, cream, injections and tabs.

Getting Started with Bioidentical Hormone Replacement Therapy. Consulting with a medical doctor who specializes in BHRT is the first step. Baseline hormonal testing will ensure the safe and precise application of BHRT. Hormone levels should be tested every three months until a proper hormonal balance is established, then tested on an annual basis.Very few physicians are trained in bioidentical hormones and BHRT. Patients must follow the guidelines of a bioidentical hormone doctor to experience the full range of benefits BHRT provides. An experienced, knowledgeable bioidentical doctor can interpret a hormone test and prescribe a BHRT program customized to an individual patient.