At The Menopause Clinic, we often discuss the benefits of Bioidentical Hormone Replacement Therapy (BHRT) for our patients who are dealing with unpleasant symptoms of menopause.
Our clinic was one of the first in the North West of England to offer bioidentical hormones and our founder, Deborah Vines, has specialised in BHRT for more than 15 years.
So, what is BHRT and how can it help you? In this blog post, we’ll answer all the commonly asked questions about bioidentical hormone therapy so that you can make an informed decision about whether this type of treatment is right for you.
What Is BHRT?
Bioidentical Hormone Replacement Therapy is a treatment to address hormone imbalances. Unlike traditional hormone replacement therapy which often uses synthetic hormones, BHRT utilises hormones that are chemically identical to those produced naturally in the body.
Bioidentical hormones are thought to improve the effectiveness of treatment and minimise side effects. This is why it has emerged as a popular alternative to traditional hormone replacement therapy.
What are Bioidentical Hormones?
Bioidentical hormones are designed to be chemically identical to your own hormones, produced naturally in the body.
Since the compounds are chemically identical to your own hormones, this means the body adjusts more easily and with fewer side effects compared with traditional hormone replacement therapy (HRT).
What are Compounded Bioidentical Hormones?
Compounded bioidentical hormone therapy utilises hormones that are custom-made by a pharmacy. They are unique for the patient and are ordered by a doctor or clinician to address specific symptoms and needs.
Just like bioidentical hormones, compounded bioidentical hormones are identical to your body’s molecular structure.
How Does BHRT Work?
At its core, BHRT aims to restore hormonal balance by supplementing hormones such as estrogen, progesterone, and testosterone. These hormones play a crucial role in regulating several bodily functions including mood, energy levels, metabolism and reproductive health.
The function of BHRT is to mimic endogenous hormones’ actions, which allows them to bind effectively to hormone receptors and elicit physiological responses similar to those of natural hormones.
How Can BHRT Help With Menopause Symptoms?
Bioidentical hormones can be very effective for patients who don’t produce enough hormones naturally. They’re frequently used in treating the symptoms of perimenopause or menopause such as;
- Hot flushes
- Mood swings
- Brain fog
- Night sweats
- Weight gain
- Insomnia
- Low libido
BHRT is also sometimes prescribed to reduce the risk of osteoporosis, diabetes, and tooth loss. Research has shown that maintaining optimal levels of these hormones can significantly impact overall wellbeing.
Bioidentical hormones aim to boost low hormone levels but should only be prescribed by a doctor or registered clinician.
What are the Risks and Considerations of Using Bioidentical Hormone Therapy?
Most individuals experience positive outcomes as a result of bioidentical hormone therapy, however, it is not without risk or potential side effects.
Some of these risks are similar to those associated with traditional hormone therapy, which includes headaches, mood swings, weight gain, and changes in libido.
Who is suitable for Bioidentical Hormone Replacement Therapy?
Most individuals who are experiencing hormone imbalances or age-related changes will be suitable for hormone therapy.
It’s a suitable treatment for women who are going through perimenopause, menopause, or who have had surgical procedures like a hysterectomy. Patients who have been treated for breast cancer should consult with a medical professional before seeking hormone therapy.
Men are not exempt from hormonal issues; they too experience age-related declines in testosterone production that can lead to fatigue, reduced muscle mass, depression, and diminished sexual function.
Identifying suitable candidates for BHRT involves thorough assessments including blood tests to evaluate current hormone levels alongside an individual’s medical history and symptoms.
Getting Started with BHRT
If it sounds like you might benefit from BHRT, the first step is to consult with a BHRT specialist. They will be able to offer you a consultation to discuss your symptoms and medical history in detail.
They may conduct blood tests or other evaluations to determine your hormone levels and assess whether BHRT is appropriate.
