What is bioidentical hormone replacement therapy?
There are 50 known hormones in our bodies that impact how we function daily. Hormones are chemical messages that are produced and travel around our bodies that give signals to organs and cells on how to function.
These hormones include your sex hormones like testosterone, estrogen and progesterone. They also include thyroid, growth hormone, serotonin, vitamin D, melatonin and leptin.
If a hormonal imbalance exists and this communication system is faulty or suboptimal then physical symptoms can manifest. This breakdown can occur in a variety of ways. Nutritional deficiencies can result in a loss of the cofactors or building blocks of hormones. When an organ is not able to adequately make hormones then we have low levels. If our body is not able to metabolize and detoxify hormones, then we can have excessive hormones.
Bioidentical hormone replacement therapy is when a customized dosage that has the same molecular structure as the hormones in your body is synthesized to help restore an imbalance. This is often the case with sex hormones like estrogen and progesterone, which are utilized to ease the transition through perimenopause and menopause. There is not a one size fits all approach to treatment, rather it is customized to the individual patient’s needs.
When is it time to get help with bioidentical hormone therapy (BHRT)?
- Weight gain
- Night sweats
- Hair loss
- Mood changes
- Issues with concentration and focus
- Loss of libido
- Sleep issues
- Irregular or heavy periods
- Low energy
These are all issues that can be helped using functional medicine and bioidentical hormone therapies. There are options that are safe and evidence based. Options that are individualized with a comprehensive treatment plan.
When your practitioner feels your symptoms are all “in your head,” or perimenopause or menopause is just something you need to “deal with,” or you are told you are just depressed and you need an antidepressant to treat these symptoms, it might be time to consider a different approach including BHRT.
If you are willing to make some changes to your lifestyle and you want more energy and vitality, we are here to help!
