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BHRT Bioidentical Hormone Replacement Therapy for Women

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The key in any hormone replacement therapy is restoring hormone balance within the endocrine system. Hormones used during regular hormone therapies are synthetic chemicals which may perform the same function as natural hormones.

Bioidentical hormone replacement therapy uses synthesised hormones but the difference is in their chemical structure. BHRT hormones have the same molecular structure as natural hormones hence they work in the same way. Wild yam and soy are used for production of bioidentical hormones.

This chemical structure ensures the hormones are recognized by the cells in the body as their own, this allows the same chemical response and hormone assimilation as with natural hormones.

Many women going through menopause praise the effects of BHRT, some say they have their lives back. What causes this this positive response is restored balance of hormones and in effect diminished symptoms of menopause.

Menopause has been considered an ageing process, but it is clear that the severity can be stopped and even reversed in regards to certain symptoms. This is due to the way the endocrine system works, meaning a problem in one area can cause a reaction in another part of the body as everything is interlinked.

This domino effect is especially visible when major hormone producing glands are affected. Thyroid hormones, for example, regulate many functions of the body, so decreased hormone release causes problems with weight, heart, brain, fatigue, hair loss and others.

Main hormones in women’s bodies related to menopausal complications are estrogens. One of them, estradiol, suddenly changes it’s levels which creates a domino effect. Ovaries suddenly decrease estrogen production causing the imbalance and side effects.

Some estrogen can be generated by woman’s fat cells but the rest has to be externally supplemented. It takes a while before the most of the production stops but the symptoms can be experienced throughout entire phase.

It’s not only estrogens that are important during menopause, there is a number of hormones that come into play during that period. In normal reproductive cycle the ovaries also synthesize testosterone and progesterone. All hormones are affected in one way or another.

This also applies to women who had their ovaries removed. In that case they have to go through hormone replacement therapy to counteract the effects of extreme hormone withdrawal symptoms.

Bioidentical hormone replacement therapy is one of the treatments restoring hormonal balance. If multiple hormones need to be replaced they will be compounded by specialist pharmacy based on a prescription for a specific patient. Different hormones may have a different method of administration, some take a form of oral drugs, creams, injections, dermal patches.

Risk involved in any hormone therapy comes from the dose and length of treatment. Doses can be adjusted by the doctor based on frequent monitoring of the patient for side effects. Basically, too small a dose will show no improvement, too big a dose may cause side effects.

In case of menopause hormone replacement therapy is designed as a temporary treatment. In post menopause period the levels of hormones stabilise and symptoms caused by hormone fluctuations will lessen.

 

Testosterone Hormone Deficiency Relates to Aging Symptoms

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Testosterone hormone is commonly considered a male hormone, not many people realize that women heavily rely on testosterone supply from their teens until menopause. Although it is the same hormone present in both men and women, it works in a different way in cooperation with other hormones. There are many myths in common knowledge regarding testosterone and a number of false assumptions.

The role of testosterone starts in pre-natal life, it’s at this time when the gender is decided mostly based on the supply of testosterone. It is produced by ovaries and adrenal gland during pregnancy.

Testosterone in men

It is regarded as a manly hormone, in fact it is what makes a man a man. It is responsible for bone and muscle development and male reproductive organs. In adult males it is mainly produced by testicles throughout male’s life. In babies it is responsible for creating ‘male brain’.

Production of testosterone in adult males is 7-8 times more than in women, hence the dominating factor. One of the reasons for lower production in females is that females are more sensitive to this hormone.

Deficiency related to aging will affect males on many levels, more severe loses lead to male menopause also known as andropause.

Testosterone in women

This hormone is as natural in women as any other female hormone, it is important for development of sex organs. It is vital during pregnancy for correct fetus development and it determines the sex of the baby.

There are many symptoms related to testosterone deficiency in women. Low levels of this hormone will affect sex life, women lose interest in sex and they lack in sensation during intercourse. Other symptoms include fatigue, mood changes, low energy, headaches. On physical side the muscle mass and strength can get reduced, bone mass can get lowered, which affects the height. Other symptoms include dry eyes, hair loss, lack of stamina.

In case of aging symptoms related to lowered levels of testosterone one effective treatment is the hormone replacement therapy. It will establish how much of the hormone it is necessary to replace. In case of women there may be other hormones which need to be replenished as well, teh doctor will calculate the dose and may prescribe a dose compounded of various hormones.

The correct dose is the key to relieving the symptoms, any overdose may create unwanted side effects. In men this can be mood related and aggressive behaviour. In women the testosterone overdose may trigger signs male appearance including voice tone change.

Correct administration of testosterone will restore energy, muscles, bone density, and sex drive in both men and women. Although hormone therapy has been used since early 20th century, latest developments in medicine will provide the best solution. Bioidentical hormone replacement therapy (BHRT) uses hormones chemically identical to those produced in human bodies, which theoretically increases absorption rate.

BHRT is one of the latest developments in hormone medicine, many women find it life changing, so it is definitely worth considering.

Bioidentical Hormone Replacement Therapy for Men

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Women are not the only ones affected by hormonal changes. Aging men go through Andropause also reffered to as Male Menopause.  Gradual loss of hormones affect every aging person.

There is a different way males are affected by hormonal changes. A dominating hormone in males is testosterone. It is associated with anything that make a man a man. Starting with gender through body form, muscle skeletal system, to brain and mental functions , testosterone is a ‘manly’ hormone.

Contrary to women the decline in male hormone levels is not as rapid. Male reproductivity is not based on cycles as in women. Men can be reproductive until very advanced age but the sexual activity is related to levels of testosterone.

Hormones in human bodies are produced by many glands. Peaks of activity of those glands depend mainly on the age of the person and genetics. The body has a small capacity to synthesize certain missing hormones but often it is not enough to keep the balance in entire endocrine system.

Once the hormones stop being produced the decline is steady. Men can suffer from symptoms like: fatigue, weight issues, loss of muscle, gaining fat, gynecomastia, diminished sex drive, irritability, erectile dysfunction, sleep issues,  hot flashes, urinary issues, hair loss, brain function decline and memory loss.

Male hormones are generated in testicles, two most important ones are testosterone and dehydroepiandrosterone. Both are created in Leydig cells which decrease in aging men. Rapid decline in quantity of Leidig cells will result in dramatic andropausal symptoms.

BHRT (Bioidentical Hormone Replacement Therapy) offers help in replenishing missing hormones and relieving annoying symptoms. Qualified BHRT practitioner will establish current levels of male hormones by using urine, saliva tests and blood tests. Important thing in evaluating the patient is personal medical history and family medical history.

Current lifestyle always affects health and unhealthy choices will promote aging. Often lifestyle change is required to work together with hormone replacement therapy in order to maximize results. The physician prescribe s a dose of hormones and monitors changes in symptoms.

Most of the time a proper diet is necessary. Nutrition program designed to support therapy and fitness program will help cope with hormonal imbalance. Naturally there are many benefits to have a healthy lifestyle regardless of person’s medical condition, but doctor’s examination often shows that symptoms are also associated to bad nutrition and lack of exercise.

Any solutions offered by doctors will match current andropause symptoms. As the therapy progresses supervising physician may adjust the dose of hormones, every patient is treated individually and will need carefully adjusted dose of hormones to relieve the symptoms.

Hormone absorption during Bioidentical Hormone Replacement Therapy will depend on the form of administration of hormones.

Attaining optimum hormonal balance is the key to successful therapy, as  hormones work in harmony and lack in one area affects other areas. This is why there is risk in any hormone therapy, any overdose or wrong type of hormones prescribed can have serious consequences in later time.

Hormone therapy takes some time to balance hormones within the body but it should be a temporary treatment. Prolonged exposure to unnatural levels of hormones may pose increased risk of complications to many organs and tissues.

 

 

DHEA Supplement, Benefits and Side Effects as an Anti Aging Supplement

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A hormone named DHEA is a known anti aging remedy use in hormone therapies.   It occurs naturally in human bodies and as most of the hormones it’s quantity decreases with age.

DHEA is produced mostly by adrenal glands and is then transformed into other important hormones. Studies are still conducted but there are certain conditions which aging patients are being treated for using DHEA:

  • osteoporosis and lupus
  • depression, chronic fatigue
  • diseases: Parkinson’s, Alzheiomer’s, schizophrenia
  • various menopause symptoms

As a preventive drug DHEA is used for

  • breast cancer
  • diabetes
  • metabolic syndromes
  • heart diseases.

It is also used for weight loss and immune system support, it can also improve skin condition and sexual functions.

 The use of DHEA as a supplement is beneficial for patients with sexual relates issues.  Dehydroepiandrosterone is a hormone which the body uses to create andogens and estrogens which are male and female sex hormones.

DHEA supplement is produced from soy and wild yams. Prolonged use of this supplement can carry serious risks, so please consult with your doctor!

The public became naturally interested in this supplement as an anti aging remedy for sexual issues. Natural levels of DHEA peak in 20′s and fast decline starts in 30′s.  There are certain illnesses that seem to further lower the amount of DHEA present in the body. Those include diabetes type 2, breast cancer, heart diseases, osteoporosis, kidney diseases.

There are also medications that affect the presence of this hormone: danazol, opiates, insulin, corticosteroids. There is a theoretic claim that DHEA interfere with antipsychotic drugs.

On the other hand it can increase effects of certain medications like barbiturates used for sleep disorders, cisplatic the cancer medication, estrogen and oral contraceptives, testosterone and  a number of sleeping disorder drugs. Also Zidovudine (AZT) the HIV medication is considered  more effective when used alongside the DHEA.

There is a list of drugs which DHEA works with in unpredictable manner. Please consult your doctor regarding specific medications.

Qualified doctor will know possible effects of drug interaction, make sure you notify your doctor on your current medications before you start using this supplement.

Not many major studies have been performed to establish benefits and risks of taking DHEA.  There is no scientific evidence to support certain claims. In 1985 this drug has been taken off the over-the-counter market and made available by prescription only. Later in 1994 it has been made available again as a dietary supplement.

DHEA is not to be used by minors and nursing women. There is a a number of side effects associates with the use of this hormone, those include acne, insomnia, hair loss, pain in abdomen, irregular heartbeat, fatigue, nasal congestions.

Internal body organs can get affected by prolonged use. Patients with liver problems should avoid this supplement.

On the mental side, certain psychotic disorders get worse with high levels of  DHEA, qualified practitioner should supervise the drug. Varying other hormone levels can be affected by the presence of DHEA which can affect their production in both men and women.

Consult your healthcare  practitioner before taking any supplement.

Hormone Replacement Therapy with Bioidentical Hormones

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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.