Bioidentical Hormone Therapy

hormone therapyBHRT (hormone therapy) can be used to treat men and women when their hormone levels fluctuate and become unbalanced.

For women, it is most used to treat symptoms of perimenopause and menopause. It can improve symptoms of hot flashes, mood swings, low libido, weight gain, depression, vaginal dryness, brain fog, thyroid disorders, osteoporosis, insulin resistance and adrenal disorders.

For men, is it most commonly used to treat symptoms of andropause which include fatigue, decreased libido, decreased muscle mass, erectile dysfunction, depression, insomnia, irritability, and other symptoms.

What is BHRT?
Bioidentical hormones are man-made hormones derived from plant estrogens that are chemically identical to those the human body produces. Estrogen, progesterone, and testosterone are among those most replicated and used in treatment. Bioidentical hormones come in various forms, including creams, pellets, troches, patches, or capsules.

BHRT Components
Some bioidentical hormones are made by drug companies. Others, known as compounded bioidentical hormones, are custom made by a compounding pharmacy based on the individualized prescription for the patient.

Traditional vs. Bioidentical
Bioidentical hormones are different from those used in traditional hormone replacement therapy (HRT) in that they are identical chemically to those our bodies produce naturally and are made from plant estrogen. The hormones used in traditional HRT are made from the urine of pregnant horses and other synthetic hormones. Current evidence is inconclusive if bioidenticals are “safer” than traditional hormones.

Benefits for women:

  • Reduces loss of interest in sex or pain during sex.

  • Reduction of menopause and perimenopause symptoms

  • Reduce hot flashes.

  • Reduce night sweats.

  • Lessens mood changes.

  • Lessens memory loss.

  • Helps with weight gain.

  • Reduces sleep issues.

Benefits for men:

  • Improvement of mood and energy

  • Improved focus and memory

  • Increase lean muscle mass and strength.

  • Improved sexual performance.

In addition to helping with symptoms, hormone replacement therapy may also reduce your risk for diabetes, tooth loss, and cataracts. There is some evidence that it can help improve skin thickness, hydration, and elasticity, and even reduce wrinkles.

Getting Started

1. You will need to schedule an appointment with Sandra for an initial consult. We will review health history, current symptoms, and run extensive blood work. You will need to have an updated Pap smear and mammogram prior to starting hormone therapy.

2. The Bioidentical Hormone Panel will be completed and reviewed with Sandra.

3. We will discuss plan of care in relation to treatment and symptom management.

We work with you to monitor your progress and adjust your therapy as needed to optimize your results. If you’re interested in bioidentical hormone therapy, Madison Healthcare & Wellness Center is here to help. Hormone therapy can help you achieve optimal health and wellness.