You’ve Probably Heard Of Hormone Therapy But Do You Know What Is Bioidentical Hormone Replacement Therapy?
First, it is important to understand what bioidentical hormones are. Hormones are chemical messages sent throughout the body. Hormones facilitate vital processes like metabolism and growth. They come from special glands and have a specific shape.
They fit into the receptor. There are synthetic chemicals, like birth control pills, which can bind to receptors. Once they fulfill their purpose, they are eliminated from the body.
A bioidentical hormone is one which is the exact chemical structure that your body produces. Bioidentical hormone replacement therapy can be used for managing a drop in hormone levels or for balancing hormones.
Hormone levels can shift above or below optimal levels due to aging and stress. When this happens, it can lead to fatigue and anxiety. It can also cause depression, decreased libido and frequent colds.
Among young women, low estrogen levels can be caused by eating disorders, genetic conditions or chronic kidney disease. Among women aged 40 and above, it can be a sign of perimenopause. This is the transition stage before menopause.
Hormone Replacement Therapy And Menopause
Estrogen and progesterone are vital reproductive system hormones for women. As aging occurs, women experience physical changes due to a natural shift in hormone levels.
The perimenopause stage is when women still menstruate, but the physical symptoms are starting. This can include hot flashes, vaginal dryness, and thinning hair. It can also cause osteoporosis and sleep problems.
Menopause occurs at around 50 years old. This is when the last menstrual period occurs. Postmenopause happens a year after the last period, but it can vary for each woman. At this point, the symptoms start to decline.
Women’s bioidentical hormone replacement therapy can help relieve the discomfort of menopause. Studies have shown that it can also help prevent fractures caused by thinning bones. In some cases, it has been noted as helpful in reducing the risk of dementia and heart disease.
Is Bioidentical Hormone Replacement Therapy Safe?
For as long as you consult with certified experts, yes! Bioidentical hormone therapy can be administered in different ways, depending on each person’s unique case. The best form of delivery will be decided based on the hormone type and your health status.
It can be in the form of creams (like topical testosterone for men) and injections. It can also be given as pellet implants, oral capsules and oral lozenges or troches.
For women, injectable hormones are less favorable compared to topical creams or capsules. But the best way to find out is to schedule a consultation with us.
Aside From Managing Menopause, How Else Can Bioidentical Hormone Replacement Therapy Benefit Me?
We offer therapy to balance hormones. We also use key vitamins, nutrients, and herbs to get your body back in the right balance.
For instance, we can use thyroid hormones to manage weight issues but only after we’ve assessed your health condition. The thyroid is crucial to metabolism. With therapy, we can help you restore it to the right balance.
Bioidentical hormone replacement therapy is part of our functional medicine approach to healthcare. This means that we integrate modern science with holistic health.
We take a naturopathic approach to healthcare. Instead of just treating symptoms, we look at the root cause of the issue. This way, we can empower you towards long-term health.
Contact us now to schedule a free consultation.
About the author:
Dr. Steven Sorr is the founder and chief medical officer at Source of Health in Scottsdale, AZ and has been in clinical practice using regenerative medicine since 2013. He received his doctorate in naturopathic medicine from SCNM and is a licensed healthcare provider in Arizona.
Dr. Sorr brings a huge passion for life and diverse educational background of food, yoga, and medicine to the Source of Health. His goal is to revolutionize the standard of care mindset by making significant strides in evidence-based therapies that are drug and surgery-free to restore high-level health for all.
