Women's Health
Bio-Identical Hormone Replacement Therapy
Bio-Identical Hormone Replacement Therapy
Bio-identical Hormone Replacement Therapy (BHRT) is the therapeutic use of hormones that have the exact same molecular structure and function as hormones produced naturally in our bodies. These “biologically identical” hormones can be highly effective in relieving and treating the symptoms of hormonal imbalance or deficiency. For both women and men alike, hormone levels can be optimized naturally to improve life quality.
As we age, our hormone levels begin to decline. Environmental chemicals can also affect our ability to maintain optimal hormone levels. These hormonal imbalances are especially prevalent in perimenopausal, menopausal, and post-menopausal women.
Symptoms of hormonal imbalance or deficiency can include:
- low sex drive
- loss of bone or muscle mass
- infertility
- hot flashes
- night sweats
- depression
- moodiness
- weight gain or difficulty losing weight
- acne
- fatigue / sluggishness
- insomnia
- memory loss
- difficulty concentrating/ brain fog
- joint pain/stiffness
- headaches / migraines
- anxiety / panic attacks
- heart palpitations
- urinary incontinence
- vaginal dryness
- excessive sweating
- bloating / water retention
- heavy/ painful/ irregular periods
- early or difficult menopause
- aging skin
- thyroid issues
- hair loss or thinning hair
- abnormal hair growth
In women, complications related to hormonal imbalance can include:
- low bone mineral density
- recurrent miscarriages
- fibroids
- endometriosis
- ovarian cysts
- polycystic ovarian syndrome
- fibrocystic breasts
Bio-identical Hormones are created from vegetable products like soy or wild yam plant sterols. They include estradiol, estrone, estriol, progesterone, pregnenolone, thyroid, DHEA. Synthetic hormones, by comparison, are not identical to the body’s own hormones, and as a result, may produce harmful metabolites in the body. To avoid the adverse side effects and long-term health risks (including breast cancer and cardiovascular issues) associated with synthetic hormone replacement therapy (sHRT), Bio-identical Hormones can be used as an effective alternative.
Since Bio-identical Hormones are anti-inflammatory, they also have added overall health benefits, including anti-aging (skin, hair and nails), as well as improved energy, sex drive, cognitive function, memory, and weight management. Bio-identical Hormone Replacement therapy can also reduce the risks of high cholesterol, osteoporosis, heart attack and stroke.
Rather than simply replacing hormones, our goal is to re-establish optimal hormonal levels, as well as support the body’s ability to maintain a proper balance on its own. The first step is assessing patient symptoms and health history, and then conducting laboratory tests (usually blood and/or saliva) to determine patient hormone levels. Our health practitioners will also take into account lifestyle factors like stress, nutrition and physical activity which play a significant role in hormonal health. After a thorough evaluation, we will develop a customized, bioidentical hormones treatment plan, in combination with diet, supplements, and herbs to help balance your hormones naturally.
