What is Bioidentical Hormone Replacement Therapy?
Bioidentical hormone replacement therapy is on the rise for being a popular, effective way to improve your hormones. Hormones control almost every part of our body’s internal communication; having unbalanced hormones can lead to adverse changes in your body. They can affect your mood, appetite, metabolism, libido, and even immune function. Since our hormones naturally decline with age, men and women look to BHRT.
BHRT is usually used to treat women who are perimenopausal or menopausal. However, younger people are also starting to experience hormone imbalance issues. All age groups benefit from BHRT, as it treats a variety of problems, including fibromyalgia, thyroid disorders, acne, and osteoporosis. The common symptoms associated with a hormone imbalance in women include chronic fatigue, low sex drive, mood swings, hot flashes, and weight gain. The most common symptoms for men include: fatigue, weight gain, decreased sexual function, and increased anxiety.
Bioidentical hormones taken from plants are identical to the ones we naturally produce in our bodies. Estrogen, testosterone, and progesterone are common hormones used in BHRT treatments. We prescribe these hormones in individualized, patient-specific amounts to boost hormone health.
There are multiple ways to administer bioidentical hormone replacement therapy; the most common is pellet therapy.
BHRT Pellet Therapy
Hormone pellet therapy is a significant step forward in HRT for both men and women. It uses only proven safe and effective bioidentical hormones. During an in-office visit, we make a small incision somewhere around the upper buttock and insert the hormone pellet. Afterward, we cover the insertion site with a small bandage. The pellet slowly dissolves over time, and the body absorbs the contents, leaving nothing behind. This slow absorption is crucial since it means the body’s hormone receptors process bioidentical hormones efficiently. That, in turn, accelerates the positive effects of treatment and reduces the likelihood of side effects.
Other methods of BHRT include creams, pills, and injections. All forms of BHRT administration do the same thing, but it is best to talk with your doctor about the pros and cons of each and figure out your personal preference.
In conclusion, knowing your body and its specific needs and responses is essential to keeping your overall health optimized. Therefore, if you discover that you have any of these symptoms, BHRT therapy can help. At AgeWellMD, we treat the person, not the symptoms. Let AgeWell take you on the journey to the Art of Aging Well™
