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Bioidentical Hormones
What are Bioidentical Hormones?
Bioidentical hormones are modified plant hormones (referred to as phyto-hormones). They are manufactured to look identical to the hormones produced by the human body. Bioidentical hormones are touted as a safer and more effective approach for the symptoms of premature aging, menopause, andropause, and the various conditions associated with hormone deficiencies.
How do Bioidentical Hormones differ from Conventional Hormones?
Bioidentical hormones are made to look exactly like the hormones produced by our own bodies. Conventional hormones, on the other hand, are either completely synthetic or derived from the estrogens produced by horses (e.g. Premarin). For these reasons, bioidentical hormones have demonstrated fewer to none of the side effects associated with conventional hormones. Because of the increased risk of developing breast and uterine cancer associated with conventional hormones, bioidentical hormones are presented as a preferred alternative in hormone replacement.
Unlike conventional hormones, which can be patented by the pharmaceutical companies, bioidentical hormones cannot be patented and are typically only available through compounding pharmacies. Compounding pharmacies allow physicians to tailor the dose and type of bioidentical hormones to your specific needs.
Which hormones are available as Bioidentical Hormones?
Most all of the sex hormones (including estrogen, progesterone, and testosterone), the stress hormone (cortisol), and thyroid (T3 and T4) are available as bioidentical.
How do I know if Bioidentical Hormone Replacement Therapy (BHRT) is for me?
To determine if BHRT is right for you, certain tests (including blood tests and saliva tests) are run to establish the level of hormones in your body. Looking at the level of hormones in your body as well as considering the symptoms you are experiencing will help you and your physician decide which hormone and what dose is best for your specific needs.
At what age would I become a candidate for Bioidentical Hormone Replacement Therapy (BHRT)?
After the age of 30, most of us begin to experience a decline in the sex hormones (estrogen, testosterone, and progesterone). This decline is typically the result of years of poor eating habits, environmental toxins, and stress. When the sex hormones become deficient, the aging process is accelerated, which sets the stage for the chronic diseases associated with aging (i.e. high blood pressure, high cholesterol, diabetes, heart disease, osteoporosis, and breast and prostate cancer).
What are the symptoms associated with a hormonal deficiencies?
The symptoms of a hormonal imbalance vary greatly between individuals.
Estrogen deficiency in women is typically accompanied by hot flashes, abdominal weight gain, depression, memory loss, loss of breast tissue tone and insomnia.
Testosterone deficiency in both men and women usually causes a drop in energy, low strength and stamina, mental fogginess, loss of muscle mass and tone, and a decreased sex drive.
Adrenal (cortisol) deficiency has symptoms of low energy in the morning, frequent allergies, dizziness on standing, low libido, and an intolerance for stress and exercise.
Thyroid deficiency symptoms include difficulty losing weight (even when dieting), low energy throughout the day, constipation, dry skin and hair, cold intolerance, and menstrual irregularities.
The following table may help to give you a better idea of a potential hormonal imbalance and whether or not bioidentical hormone replacement is indicated.
Bioidentical hormones are modified plant hormones (referred to as phyto-hormones). They are manufactured to look identical to the hormones produced by the human body. Bioidentical hormones are touted as a safer and more effective approach for the symptoms of premature aging, menopause, andropause, and the various conditions associated with hormone deficiencies.
How do Bioidentical Hormones differ from Conventional Hormones?
Bioidentical hormones are made to look exactly like the hormones produced by our own bodies. Conventional hormones, on the other hand, are either completely synthetic or derived from the estrogens produced by horses (e.g. Premarin). For these reasons, bioidentical hormones have demonstrated fewer to none of the side effects associated with conventional hormones. Because of the increased risk of developing breast and uterine cancer associated with conventional hormones, bioidentical hormones are presented as a preferred alternative in hormone replacement.
Unlike conventional hormones, which can be patented by the pharmaceutical companies, bioidentical hormones cannot be patented and are typically only available through compounding pharmacies. Compounding pharmacies allow physicians to tailor the dose and type of bioidentical hormones to your specific needs.
Which hormones are available as Bioidentical Hormones?
Most all of the sex hormones (including estrogen, progesterone, and testosterone), the stress hormone (cortisol), and thyroid (T3 and T4) are available as bioidentical.
How do I know if Bioidentical Hormone Replacement Therapy (BHRT) is for me?
To determine if BHRT is right for you, certain tests (including blood tests and saliva tests) are run to establish the level of hormones in your body. Looking at the level of hormones in your body as well as considering the symptoms you are experiencing will help you and your physician decide which hormone and what dose is best for your specific needs.
At what age would I become a candidate for Bioidentical Hormone Replacement Therapy (BHRT)?
After the age of 30, most of us begin to experience a decline in the sex hormones (estrogen, testosterone, and progesterone). This decline is typically the result of years of poor eating habits, environmental toxins, and stress. When the sex hormones become deficient, the aging process is accelerated, which sets the stage for the chronic diseases associated with aging (i.e. high blood pressure, high cholesterol, diabetes, heart disease, osteoporosis, and breast and prostate cancer).
What are the symptoms associated with a hormonal deficiencies?
The symptoms of a hormonal imbalance vary greatly between individuals.
Estrogen deficiency in women is typically accompanied by hot flashes, abdominal weight gain, depression, memory loss, loss of breast tissue tone and insomnia.
Testosterone deficiency in both men and women usually causes a drop in energy, low strength and stamina, mental fogginess, loss of muscle mass and tone, and a decreased sex drive.
Adrenal (cortisol) deficiency has symptoms of low energy in the morning, frequent allergies, dizziness on standing, low libido, and an intolerance for stress and exercise.
Thyroid deficiency symptoms include difficulty losing weight (even when dieting), low energy throughout the day, constipation, dry skin and hair, cold intolerance, and menstrual irregularities.
The following table may help to give you a better idea of a potential hormonal imbalance and whether or not bioidentical hormone replacement is indicated.
