Are you curious to know about what BHRT is and what all is related to it?
Is it safe to use, and what will it result in?
If you find answers to these, you do not need to look any further because we are providing you with all the required information.
What is Bioidentical hormone replacement therapy?
The full form of BHRT is bio-identical hormone replacement therapy. It is also called natural hormone therapy or bio-identical hormone therapy. In hormone replacement therapy, if the hormones are similar on a molecular parameter, they are used with the endogenous hormones. It is also mixed with saliva and blood testing. Some specific hormones are used in this therapy, such as estrone, estradiol, progesterone, testosterone, dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA), and estriol.
Are bioidentical hormones safe?
So, a question that usually pops in our mind is whether bioidentical hormone replacement therapy is safe or not? It has been approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). The FDA has stringent standards, and this has passed all the tests. Therefore, people can use it without any worries. But the compounded hormones are yet to go through the FDA’s testing. Thus, we need to wait for the outcome.
WHAT ARE THE BENEFITS OF BHRT?
If you think that this therapy is solely for women going through or about to experience menopause, you are mistaken. Whether women or men, every individual faces hormone changes as they age; therefore, the treatment applies to both genders.
People who go through this treatment have reported that their quality of life was improved. Here we have listed down the benefits of BHRT:
- Helps in stronger sex drive
- Improves mental clarity
- Symptoms of anxiety and depression decreased
- Sense of well-being improved
- Aids in losing fat and building muscle
- Thicker hair growth
- For healthier skin
- One experiences more energy during the day
- Sound asleep at night
- A decrease in hot flashes and night sweats
What are the risks of bioidentical hormones?
Researches have shown that women undergoing hormone therapy might cause various problems. Risks of blood clots, stroke, gallbladder disease are increased due to HR. Older women who use the treatment for an extended period have a risk of heart attack and breast cancer. Thus, many doctors prefer bio-identical hormone replacement therapy over just hormone therapy. Though no such proof or study has been done.
What are the side effects of bioidentical hormones?
The drug company needs to first report about the side-effects, and only then does the FDA approve it. Since the body takes time to get used to any new thing, similarly, there might be side-effects when the first dose is given. One might need changes to be done in the doze, but with time, the body adjusts to it and gets better. Some common side effects have been listed below:
- Gain in weight
- Blurred vision
- Fatigue
- Mood swings
- Acne
- Bloating
- Indigestion
- Cramping
- Headache
- Increase in the facial hair for women
What are the ways of taking BHRT?
There are varieties of forms in which one can take in this treatment:
- Creams
- Injections
- Implanted pellets
- Patches
- Gels
One should talk to their doctor about which one is best for them. You are to be monitored every day once the dozes begin. FDA also advises that one should take the lowest dose that works for them. One should not use bio-identical hormone replacement therapy for a more extended period. One should be very careful and follow all guidelines.
Overview of BHRT
With aging, there is a decline in certain body hormones. One needs these hormones daily since, without them, they would become less efficient. As a result, women go through changes like menopause and andropause in the case of men. If you are going through symptoms of menopause like hot flushes, night sweats, and dry vagina, then hormone therapy is the best thing for you.
We have discussed it separately for men and women –
In the case of women:
It is seen that as a woman gets older, her desire for sex and libido also decreases. Libido, energy, and immune function in women greatly depend on hormones. There are some male hormones that are active to a smaller degree. This decreases with a woman’s age. Therefore, only replacing dominant female hormones would not work in correcting loss of muscle tone, absence of sex drive, or lack of mental function.
In the case of men:
With aging, there is a decrease in competitive nag or sex drive, or we can say, a loss of overall zeal for life. It goes unnoticed that many men experience a deficiency in androgen and testosterone. Researches show that when androgens are restored, it results in improved mood, increased energy, and sexual function. When the body’s average balance of hormones comes back, it aids a man feel stronger, healthier, and happier.
Here was all you needed to know about BHRT. It is a safe treatment and should be done under the guidance of doctors.
If you are suffering from any such thing, do not panic and get this therapy to feel better.