The older you get, the more important it becomes to monitor your hormones. Hormone imbalance can lead to a wide range of symptoms that significantly impact your overall health. That’s why Bioidentical hormone replacement therapy has increased in popularity in recent years.
Why Is Hormone Health Important?
Our body produces hormones in glands. These hormones act as messengers to other parts of the body, telling them how and when to work. Some of the ways hormones impact the body include sex, brain function, growth, and the breakdown of food. When a hormonal imbalance occurs, it can lead to a wide range of symptoms. Those symptoms include:
- Weight Gain
- Fatigue
- Weakness
- Increase in Heart Rate
- Decrease in Heart rate
- Joint Pain
- Sudden Weight Loss
- Constipation or Diarrhea
If you are experiencing any of these symptoms, you should speak to your doctor. You may need hormone therapy.
What Are Bioidentical Hormones?
A popular trend in hormone therapy is bioidentical hormone therapy. These are man-made hormones that are similar to the ones produced by the glands in our body. Common hormones used in bioidentical hormone therapy include estrogen, progesterone, and testosterone. These man-made hormones are used on men and women who experience hormone imbalances.
Types of Hormones
A drug company pre-makes some types of bioidentical hormones, and others are created by a pharmacist based on a doctor’s order. The FDA has approved several preparations of bioidentical estradiol and progesterone. We should note that research into bioidentical hormones is still in its infancy, and therefore further research is needed before we can make definitive statements. However, these hormones are often advertised as safer and more effective.
Understanding the benefits of bioidentical hormone therapy can help you better understand whether or not this treatment method is suitable for you! Here are three reasons why bioidentical hormones can benefit you.
1.Bioidentical Hormones Match Your Own Hormones
Perhaps the best benefit of bioidentical hormones is that they match the hormones your body produces. You may be receiving other animals’ estrogen instead of hormones designed specifically for your body with other hormone treatment options. Bioidentical hormones are made from plant sources such as soy and yam.
Since the structure of these bioidentical hormones is the same as the chemical structure of your own hormones, your body accepts them more easily. This means you are less likely to have adverse side effects. Once you begin bioidentical hormone replacement therapy, it takes your body around ten days to adjust to the new hormones. You should start to notice positive changes in your body in a short amount of time.
2. Improved Sex Life
One of the biggest symptoms of hormone imbalance is a decrease in sex drive. This is especially true the older we get. A drop in estrogen – which is a symptom of menopause -can make sex painful. Common symptoms of menopause can include a dry, itchy vagina and painful intercourse.
Estrogen is one of the most common hormones used in bioidentical hormone replacement therapy. The estrogen boost you experience during bioidentical hormone replacement therapy promotes vaginal moisture and lubrication. The hormone boost also rejuvenates your entire vulvar and urogenital area so that it looks and feels younger. You will also begin to notice fewer urinary symptoms.
3. Better Sleep
A hormone imbalance can also affect your sleep. When it comes to taking care of your overall well-being, one of the most important things is a healthy sleep schedule. Sleep deprivation can lead to a wide range of symptoms that can decrease your overall quality of life. Here are some signs of sleep deprivation:
- Slowed thinking
- Reduced attention span
- Worsened memory
- Risky decision-making
- Lack of energy
- Mood changes
If you’re experiencing any of these symptoms, it could be due to a lack of sleep. Balanced hormones can help your body and brain function optimally. Never underestimate a good night’s sleep.
Other Uses of Bioidentical Hormone Replacement Therapy
BHRT becomes a popular option for those experiencing dreaded aging symptoms. It’s used to increase the levels of hormones that have dropped. BHRT can help improve your overall wellbeing as well as your quality of life. Here are some of the things it can help with:
- Hot flashes
- Night sweats
- Mood changes
- Memory loss
- Weight gain
- Sleep issues
- Decrease in sex drive
Hormone replacement therapy can also help reduce your risk for diabetes, tooth loss, and cataracts. Some research also indicates that it can help with skin health by improving skin thickness, hydration, and elasticity.
BHRT Risks
If we are going to mention the benefits, it’s only fitting that we discuss the potential side effects. While some preparations are FDA approved, it hasn’t approved any compounded bioidentical hormones. In fact, the FDA urges caution when using compounded products. Here are some risks:
- Acne
- Bloating
- Weight gain
- Fatigue
- Mood swings
- Increased facial hair in women
BHRT can also increase the risk of blood clots, stroke, gallbladder disease, heart disease, and breast cancer.
We Can Help With Your BHRT Needs
If you are interested in bioidentical hormone replacement therapy, then reach out to Dr. Leo’s office today. Dr. Leo is certified in functional medicine, chiropractic internal medicine, neuro-emotional technique, and more. Our office offers a wide range of services to people in the Rockville, Maryland, area. Please call to schedule an appointment.