Hormones are like special messengers in your body, responsible for sending messages to several parts to control growth, mood, and even body hair. Men and women who are experiencing symptoms from low hormone production can use bioidentical hormone replacement therapy.
Our naturopathic doctors often suggest using bioidentical hormone therapy for women who have hormonal symptoms during or after menopause. This helps reduce symptoms and provides protection for bone density and uterine tissue. Many doctors recommend this treatment to address women’s health issues. Bioidentical hormones are exact copies of three critical hormones (estradiol, progesterone, and testosterone) that our ovaries make.
You can get them from pharmaceutical companies like pills, patches, gels, and suppositories Experience the Best in Online Bioidentical Hormone Replacement Therapy with Make Care Health! Our expert naturopathic doctors will personally guide you through the Confident Hormone Club to learn more about what symptoms correlate with the need for hormone replacement, what to monitor when to use hormone replacement therapy, and when not to. Join us today to start your journey to hormonal balance and well-being!
What is bioidentical hormone replacement therapy?
Bioidentical hormones are defined as chemical substances that are identical in molecular structure to human hormones are called bioidentical hormones. They come in two types: specially made products for your needs and ready-to-buy ones with a brand name.
Hormones are like special chemicals made by your body’s glands. These chemicals travel through your blood to different parts of your body. When your hormones are not in the right balance, it can make it hard for your body to work correctly. It might make you gain weight or feel moody, which can make your daily life challenging.
Not being in the right balance means that the processes in our body, like recipes, for making, using, breaking down, and getting rid of hormones every day are not working as well as they should. So, hormones might get stuck, move too slowly or too fast through these processes, and how long they stay in each stage can affect how our body works.
Some people need to take hormones to help when their bodies don’t make enough of a particular hormone. Bioidentical hormones help to control important things like
- Reproduction or Fertility
- Metabolism
- Protection from Cancer
- Bone density
- Sexual function
For a long time, naturopathic doctors have used hormone therapy (HT) to help women going through menopause or perimenopause. They either prescribe progesterone alone or a combination of estrogen and progestin depending on the patient’s symptoms treatment has been helpful in easing menopausal symptoms and preventing bone density problems called osteoporosis.
Natural hormones are different kinds of hormones you can find. They come from things like yams and soybeans, which are plants. However, even though they’re called ‘natural,’ they need the FDA (Food and Drug Administration) approval before selling.
Bioidentical estrogen from plants (17β-estradiol) comes in various forms like pills, patches, sprays, creams, gels, and vaginal tablets. Bioidentical hormone therapy (BHRT) uses hormones made from plants. The most common ones are estrogen, progesterone, and testosterone.
What is the difference between HRT and BHRT?
The hormones used in hormone replacement therapy (HRT) can cause problems because they don’t have the same structure as natural hormones. Regular hormone replacement therapy (HRT) products are created from pregnant horse urine and other artificial or synthetic hormones.
On the other hand, bioidentical hormones don’t have these issues. They’re better for long term us because they have the same structure as the hormones your body naturally produces.
Bio-identical hormones are exactly like the hormones our body naturally produces. Our body recognizes and processes them in the same way. Synthetic hormones, while similar, are not identical to our natural hormones, like those in birth control pills. Our bodies can process them, but there may be side effects due to some differences in their structure. Usually, these hormones come from yams, but what’s more important is that the structure of the hormones in BHRT is the same as our natural hormones.
What is the impact of Bioidentical hormonal replacement therapy?
Bioidentical hormone replacement therapy (BHRT) is therapy in which extra hormones are given to women that they lose with age, injury to organ tissue, and during the menopause transition These hormones can lessen or remove symptoms caused by low hormone levels. They’re also used to support the functions hormones provide for our tissues, like keeping bones strong and protecting the uterus from cancer. When hormone production is low or irregular, people might face symptoms that can impact their daily lives and goals.
Bioidentical hormones pros and cons
Pros
Using bioidentical hormone replacement therapy (BHRT) can help with problems like
- Gaining too much weight or Obesity
- Mood swings
- Getting Hot flashes
- Vaginal dryness
- Night sweats
- Low energy levels
- Memory loss or confusion
- Insomnia
- Low libido
- Painful intercourse
Cons
Using hormones for treatment can have sound effects, but it can also have harmful effects. People who use hormones like BHRT or other types can be more likely to get blood clots and problems with their gallbladder when taken improperly or without monitoring. It can also make you more likely to have a stroke or get breast cancer, again when taken improperly or without monitoring. Some of these side effects can appear when you begin BHRT if they are used without a doctor’s prescription:
- Weight gain
- Fatigue
- Bloating
- Increased facial hair
- Spotting
- Cramps
- Acne or changes in the facial skin
- Headaches
- Tenderness in the breast
- Blood clotting disorders
- Cardiovascular Disease or heart
- Breast cancer
- Stroke
What are compound bioidentical hormones?
Some bioidentical hormones you can get with a doctor’s prescription are made by drug companies and approved by the FDA. A pharmacist makes others based on what your doctor says you need. These, called ‘compounded’ bioidentical hormones, have yet to be tested and approved by the FDA.
Every person’s body is different and has its unique requirements. That’s why some healthcare providers make custom-made bioidentical hormones by mixing them. These formulations are customized based on an individual’s specific hormonal requirements and their sensitivity to the carrier cream, oil, or base.
Usually, when they mix hormones, they take a sample of the patient’s blood and peer-reviewed literature and research studies, that show change and management for the use, of hormones relating to symptom management, plus the patient’s health history to decide which combination is best for you.
How long does it take for bioidentical hormones to start working?
The amount of time bioidentical hormones take to start working varies from person to person. For some people, there might be a positive change in 3 days to 3 weeks. If you’re using prescription hormone therapy, your doctor will regularly check your blood to adjust the treatment and manage any effects on your health. It’s recommended to begin bioidentical hormone therapy within 10 years of a woman’s last menstrual period. While there’s no exact timeframe for its safety, current research suggests it can be taken safely for up to 10 years.
