5 Reasons to Consider Bioidentical Hormone Replacement Therapy
Bioidentical hormone replacement therapy, or BHRT, also called compounded hormone therapy, is an increasingly popular medical solution to the health issues people face as they age. Though health practitioners have long known about the efficacy of BHRT for relieving menopause symptoms and improving women’s quality of life, advances have made the future of BHRT bright for fighting the aging process in both male and female patients. Here are five reasons bioidentical hormone therapy might be right for you.
1. Hormonal Imbalances
As a board-certified physician, Dr. Anthony Wilson can prescribe BHRT for patients who are experiencing the symptoms of hormone imbalance. These signs can arrive as women reach menopause, while men may begin to notice the effects as young as their early 30s. Aside from the natural aging process, hormone levels can fluctuate due to various other environmental factors, side effects of medications or even after some medical procedures.
We encounter a range of chemicals in our daily lives that can disrupt normal bodily functions. From eating overly processed foods to using common cleaning and personal care and hygiene products, you could be unwittingly exposing yourself to chemicals that imitate your body’s natural hormones, which leads to a hormonal imbalance.
2. How BHRT Benefits Women
Women experience a range of hormonal changes as they age. Between the ages of 40 and 50, most women’s levels of estrogen and progesterone drop rapidly, causing the following symptoms that indicate a need for BHRT.
- Weight gain, despite following a healthy diet and exercise plan
- Low sex drive and vaginal dryness
- Shrinking muscle mass
- Increased belly fat
- Mood changes, like anxiety and depression
- Difficulty concentrating and remembering important things
- Insomnia or disrupted sleep patterns
- Hot flashes and sweating
- Lack of energy, causing an inability to perform normal daily activities
- Digestion issues and flatulence
3. How BHRT Also Benefits Men
Like women, many men also experience hormone imbalances after their 30th birthday, which is a condition called andropause. The amount of testosterone in the male body declines steadily after age 20, which is why almost all men can benefit from BHRT tailored to their unique needs and symptoms, such as the ones below.
- Loss of muscle mass, even if you maintain a fitness regimen
- Lower libido
- Night sweats
- Moodiness and irritability
- Weight gain, especially as belly fat
- Weakening bones
- Inability to sleep
- Low energy and stamina
- Erectile dysfunction
- Hair loss
- Enlarged breast tissue, or gynecomastia
4. BHRT Is Superior to Traditional Hormone Replacement Therapy
While conventional hormone replacement therapy helped many women and men find relief from hormone imbalance due to aging, many health professionals are now recommending BHRT instead, primarily because BHRT hormones derive from plant-based sources and are biologically identical to human hormones. That means there is less risk of side effects when using this approach.
While both BHRT and traditional hormone therapy require a doctor’s prescription, monitoring isn’t typically part of conventional hormone therapy. However, BHRT includes regular monitoring to adjust the dosage if it is not ideal. Therefore, a carefully administered BHRT regimen can minimize risks and side effects.
The delicate chemical balance in the human body requires careful synchronization to maintain good health. We now know the traditionally prescribed hormones may increase the risk of many cancers and cause increased chances of developing blood clots, strokes, and heart attacks. Natural hormones may lower all the above health concerns while improving bone density, and may even decrease the incidence of Alzheimer’s disease.
5. Many People Are Well-Suited for BHRT
Most people living with a hormonal imbalance are good candidates for BHRT, but in recent years, researchers have discovered the best approach is to use each patient’s unique symptoms to determine who will be a good fit for BHRT.
Many patients opt for BHRT because it is a tailored approach to achieving better health. If you have allergies or sensitivities to specific additives in conventional hormone supplements, you might find bioidentical compounds are more suitable for you.
Is BHRT Right for You?
When considering BHRT for improving your quality of life as you age, it’s essential to remember Dr. Wilson will create your regimen keeping your individual needs in mind. If you are struggling with a hormonal imbalance, contact us today at our office in Portsmouth, NH to schedule your consultation.