Hormone Replacement Therapy with Bioidentical Hormones
Bioidentical Hormone Replacement Therapy or BHRT uses supplemental doses of hormones to replace deficiencies of natural body hormones with synthetic hormones that have identical chemical structure to the natural ones. Due to this structure, bioidentical hormones have much better absorption rate and they are also micronized to ensure the body absorbs as much of the dose as possible.
The amount of bioidentical hormones one can take is individually established by a certified physician who takes into account patient’s medical history and current health problems associated to hormonal imbalance. Tests have to be performed to correctly evaluate current hormone levels.
There are a few ways to use BHRT treatment depending on symptoms . Hormones can be applied in a form of a cream, a pill or suppository, they can also be injected.
The amounts of taken hormones should be calculated in place of the deficiency but also due to rhythmic nature of our bodies, the dose should change accordingly. This is especially vital among women where natural reproductive cycle adjusts the kind and amount of hormones in circulation.
In this case on most of the days in a month a patient takes a static dose, and during reproductive peaks the dose changes. Most important hormones during that time are progesterone and estrogen. Two types of estrogen in female bodies are estradiol which comes from ovaries, and estrone produced by fat cells.
The estradiol is produced in majority before menopause, later most of estrogen comes from estrone. Female bodies can convert estrone into estradiol but only to a certain level. Any insufficient amounts have to be delivered externally.
Bioidentical hormone replacement therapist will determine the exact amount and type of hormone, also the best supplementation method. Hormones only work when delivered through the bloodstream.
Injection is the most direct and efficient way to deliver bioidentical hormones. Orally taken hormones are processed by the liver before they reach bloodstream. Transdermal patches also deliver directly into the bloodstream. Method of administration can have different effect on results. There is also a difference in how much of the medicine is absorbed depending on the method.
Prescribed hormones are available at the pharmacy and usually need to be compounded ahead of time for individual patient. This means a mixture has to be tailored for specific patient in specific dose which is otherwise not commercially available.
The main risk in hormonal therapies is based on the way the hormone is made. BHRT uses bioidentical hormones which have the same structure as the natural ones. Studies have shown positive results in patients using Bioidentical hormone replacement therapy. They also show difference comparing to standard hormone replacement therapy.
BHRT can alleviate major symptoms related to menopause like hot flashes, mood changes, depression, fatigue, lack of sleep. Another goal of hormonal therapy is to prevent osteoporosis.
Any hormonal therapy can carry a risk, so it is important to consult with certified professional who will take into account many factors like medical history and current health issues and diet. Based on that and on hormone tests the physician will establish a customized dose of bioidentical hormones and a plan of administration that works with woman’s rhythmic cycle.
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