Bioidentical hormone therapy, also referred to as bioidentical hormone replacement therapy (BHRT), involves the use of hormones that are molecularly identical to those naturally produced in the human body. This article from the Restore Clinic will cover the basics of bioidentical hormones, the signs and symptoms of hormone deficiencies, the wide-ranging benefits of BHRT, and the importance of timely treatment.
Bioidentical hormones are man-made hormones that are structurally the same as the hormones found naturally in the human body. Some examples include estradiol, progesterone, testosterone, dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA), thyroid hormones, melatonin, and human growth hormone.
These hormones are synthesized from plant sources and are bioidentical on a molecular level with natural human hormones, meaning they fit perfectly into hormone receptors throughout the body and have the exact same effects. On the other hand, non-bioidentical versions, even if they have a similar name like estradiol, contain slight structural modifications that make them not truly identical to human hormones.
The key advantage of bioidentical hormones is that because of their identical molecular structure with natural hormones, they have more normalized physiological effects in the body while avoiding the drawbacks of non-human synthetic or animal-derived hormones.
Declining hormone levels and resulting deficiencies often occur naturally with age, like menopause in women and andropause in men, but they can happen at any age due to medical conditions, stress levels, medications, surgery, radiation, chemotherapy, and more.
Common signs and symptoms pointing to a potential hormone imbalance include:
Diagnosing a true hormone deficiency requires specialized lab testing to accurately measure levels of key hormones like estrogen, progesterone, testosterone, thyroid hormones, etc.
Comparisons should be made to optimal healthy ranges based on age and gender, not just reference ranges which can lag behind contemporary research. The ratio between different hormones also comes into play.
For example, a low testosterone level combined with excessive estrogens indicates an imbalance or estrogen dominance that requires proper treatment. Interpreting all these nuances takes expert physicians.
Countless research studies demonstrate wide-ranging benefits from bioidentical hormone replacement therapy (BHRT) when used to treat confirmed hormone deficiencies and imbalances under medical supervision.
For women, BHRT effectively alleviates uncomfortable menopause symptoms like hot flashes while also improving long-term health.
Benefits include:
In men, testosterone therapy or TRT offers similar advantages:
Seeking timely treatment for declining hormones through BHRT provides better health in later years and beyond.
Research confirms that prolonged exposure to hormone deficiencies like low testosterone, estrogen or thyroid creates increased risks for various chronic illnesses over time like heart disease, diabetes, osteoporosis and neurodegenerative diseases.
Therefore, identifying hormone declines early and implementing appropriate bioidentical hormone therapy helps preserve well-being and vitality long-term instead of only covering up existing symptoms from the deficiency temporarily.
With so many established benefits from BHRT, getting tested and beginning therapy without long delays allows patients to maximize those advantages over many years ahead.
Starting any new treatment understandably involves questions around procedures, options, etc.
Here is an overview of beginning bioidentical hormone therapy (BHRT) with the knowledgeable physicians at Restore Clinic:
Bioidentical hormone therapy (BHRT) delivers the best results when combined with a healthy lifestyle. Here are some key recommendations:
Diet
Exercise
Stress Management
Sleep
Here are some inspirational stories of people who transformed their health and lives through BHRT at Restore Clinic:
Emily S. (39 years old)
Michael R. (57 years old)
Despite proven results when properly implemented, myths still abound regarding bioidentical hormone therapy (BHRT). Here are some common misconceptions along with clarifying facts:
| Myth | Fact |
|---|---|
| BHRT causes cancer | Multiple studies prove hormones don't cause cancer when used at proper physiological doses to treat confirmed deficiencies. Imbalances left untreated are a greater risk. |
| BHRT harms your heart | Again, medical research demonstrates the opposite - optimizing hormone levels reduces cardiovascular disease risks! |
| Getting tested is unnecessary | Attempting treatment without accurately diagnosing hormone levels means guessing about the right medications and doses. Testing provides precision. |
| The risks outweigh any benefits | All medications have potential side effects, but decades of evidence support overall safety and wide-ranging health gains with properly supervised BHRT. |
Successfully beginning and continuing on any hormone therapy (BHRT) requires finding an experienced, trustworthy physician. Here is guidance on what to look for:
The knowledgeable physicians at Restore Clinic provide fully personalized care based on your unique needs to help you achieve peak vitality through expertly-monitored bioidentical hormone therapy (BHRT).
We utilize advanced testing to precisely diagnose hormone imbalances, create customized treatment plans involving the latest bioidentical hormones and innovative delivery methods, continually monitor progress, and work as partners with patients to optimize results long-term.
If you are dealing with symptoms that might stem from treatable hormone deficiencies or imbalances, please contact us. We are here to help you transform your health!
