Do you feel something’s just “off” with your body, and that you don’t feel yourself any more? Maybe a friend has mentioned BHRT to you. Maybe they called it bioidentical hormone therapy? But what is BHRT? Could it be the solution you’re looking for?
Quite possibly! At LifeMed, we often find that not feeling yourself comes down to a hormonal imbalance.
This imbalance can disrupt everything – from your mood and energy levels to sleep and overall well-being. And that’s why we’re going to discuss BHRT treatment for hormone imbalance today!
Understanding Hormonal Imbalances
Understanding your hormones is at the root of answering “What is BHRT?”
Hormones are your body’s chemical messengers, regulating vital functions like mood, energy, metabolism, sleep, and reproductive health.
When their levels decline or fluctuate – due to aging, menopause, andropause, stress, or underlying health conditions – your body may struggle to function at its best.
Each hormone plays a unique role in your body – but they have to play in harmony like an orchestra. So, imbalances in specific hormones can lead to distinct challenges:
Progesterone is essential for female reproduction. Low levels of this hormone can lead to irregular menstrual cycles, mood swings, and to trouble sleeping and maintaining pregnancies.
Melatonin is in charge of regulating your sleep-wake cycles. Imbalances in melatonin may cause insomnia, disrupted circadian rhythms, and poor-quality sleep.
Thyroid hormones from a sluggish thyroid can slow your metabolism, causing fatigue, weight gain, dry skin, and hair loss – while an overactive thyroid may lead to weight loss and anxiety.
Testosterone is found in both men and women. Low levels can result in fatigue, reduced libido, muscle loss, and even depression.
Estrogen: In women, decreasing estrogen levels can trigger hot flashes, vaginal dryness, and bone loss, while in men, imbalances can contribute to mood changes and weight gain.
DHEA is a precursor hormone that produces testosterone and estrogen and affects energy levels, immunity, and stress resilience. Low DHEA may leave you feeling drained and vulnerable to illness.
Imbalances in any of the above are why you may not feel yourself! So, what is BHRT, and how can it help address these challenges?
What Is BHRT?
Unlike other therapies that use synthetic hormones, bioidentical hormone replacement therapy takes a different approach. It uses bioidentical hormones derived from plant sources – such as yams – that are structurally identical to the hormones your body naturally produces.
This means that BHRT improves bioavailability and effective absorption of the hormones it supplies and is therefore a crucial aid in rebalancing your hormones.
The Benefits of BHRT
We’ve answered the basic question: “What is bioidentical hormone replacement therapy?” and how you can absorb it more effectively. But what are the resulting benefits of BHRT?
At LifeMed, patients report:
- Relief from menopausal symptoms, such as hot flashes, night sweats, vaginal dryness, and mood swings.
- Improved energy levels to help you feel more vibrant and active.
- Enhanced mental clarity and focus, reducing brain fog.
- Better sleep for more restful and restorative nights.
- Strengthened bone health, reducing the risk of osteoporosis.
Who Can Benefit from BHRT?
While BHRT is commonly associated with menopause, its benefits extend far beyond this stage of life.
We customize BHRT to your needs to address a wide range of hormonal imbalances, offering symptomatic relief to diverse groups of individuals:
For women in menopause or perimenopause, BHRT can alleviate a range of symptoms associated with these transitions.
Men with low testosterone find that declining testosterone levels can lead to symptoms like fatigue, reduced libido, and muscle loss. With BHRT, their testosterone level is replenished.
For people with conditions such as polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), adrenal fatigue, or thyroid disorders, BHRT offers an improvement in symptoms.
BHRT for Women: A Personalized Approach
Women are among the primary beneficiaries of BHRT, particularly during perimenopause and post menopause. During these life stages, the decline of hormones like estrogen and progesterone can cause multiple symptoms that affect both their physical and emotional health.
For example, if you experience vaginal dryness and reduced libido, you may benefit from targeted estrogen therapy. Or if you struggle with mood swings, you might require a combination of estrogen and progesterone.
Other women experience post-pregnancy hormonal shifts – BHRT can help with that too.
So – what is BHRT? It’s definitely NOT a one-size-fits-all approach but a customized treatment to ensure it’s tailored to your unique hormonal needs and lifestyle.
The BHRT Process: What to Expect
Starting bioidentical hormone replacement therapy can feel like a big step, but understanding the process makes it much less daunting.
Here’s what you can expect when beginning BHRT:
Initial consultation: Discuss your symptoms, health history, and goals with a healthcare provider to understand whether BHRT is right for you.
Hormone testing: Comprehensive testing will measure your hormone levels and identify any imbalances.
Personalized treatment plan: Based on your test results, your provider will design a treatment plan tailored to your specific needs. This plan will include the type, dosage, and delivery method of the hormones (creams, gels, pills, patches, or injections).
Ongoing monitoring: Your provider will regularly monitor your hormone levels and adjust your treatment as needed to ensure optimal results.
Symptom relief: Many people notice improvements within a few weeks, though full results may take several months.
Is BHRT Safe?
Safety is a common concern when considering any medical treatment.
BHRT has been extensively studied and is generally considered safe when administered under the guidance of a qualified healthcare provider.
Because bioidentical hormones are chemically identical to those your body produces, as mentioned up top, they’re often better tolerated than synthetic alternatives.
However, as with any treatment, there are potential side effects such as headaches, bloating, or changes in mood. It’s important to work closely with your provider to address any concerns and ensure the benefits outweigh any potential drawbacks.
Wondering “What is BHRT?” – LifeMed Can Help
We’ve given you a quick 101 in answer to “What is BHRT,” and shown how it can make a difference for you if it’s appropriate.
At LifeMed, we offer BHRT as a customized approach to restoring hormonal balance and helping you feel like yourself again.
Whether you’ve been searching for “bioidentical hormone replacement therapy near me” or simply wanting to understand more about BHRT, why not ask us to assess your hormone levels and your options?
Give yourself the gift of health this year! Schedule your appointment now.
