Bioidentical Hormone Replacement
Do You Have a Hormone Imbalance?
Hormonal changes like perimenopause, menopause, and andropause bring with them any number of uncomfortable symptoms. Lifestyle changes and botanical medicines can influence hormones, but in many cases Bioidentical Hormone Replacement Therapy (bHRT) is the most effective option in relieving symptoms, and preventing future disease. Hands down, bHRT is one of the most important and effective treatments we have at our disposal to help our patients achieve true health and healing.
Bioidentical vs Synthetic Hormones
One common question our patients have is “are bHRT hormones safe?” Synthetic hormones (like Premarin and Prempro) have been featured in the news as increasing risk of some cancers and heart attacks, but there is an overwhelming body of research indicating that Bioidentical hormones do not carry this same risk. Synthetic hormones are problematic in that they only come in a few doses (big and bigger), and their chemical structure is “unique” so that it can be patented. This “uniqueness” means that it isn’t exactly estrogen or progesterone – it is something different, and that changes the way it’s metabolized by your body.
Bioidentical hormones on the other hand, are so-named because they are EXACTLY the same as what your body makes. They are estrogen and progesterone without any special add-ons. This means that your body knows exactly how to metabolize and process these medications. Also, because they are prescribed through compounding pharmacies, you can get the exact dose that your body needs (even if that dose is quite small).
Compounding pharmacies also allow us to prescribe the safest combination of estrogens for you – some are more potent than others, some carry different risk profiles, and we can ensure that your prescription is the safest and most effective for your individual chemistry.
Symptoms of Hormone Imbalance
Hormone imbalances are a part of many conditions that can impact us at any time: adrenal fatigue, thyroid disease, metabolic syndrome and sexual dysfunction. As a result of these hormone imbalances, you may be experiencing one or a combination of what have become known as the classic symptoms of aging: Weight gain, low energy, hair loss, low sex drive, depression, mood swings, sleeplessness, poor concentration, memory loss, and many others.
How bHRT Can Help
Some of the benefits of bHRT (Bioidentical Hormone Replacement Therapy) are: better energy, focus, sleep, mood, concentration, better libido and metabolism, fewer hot flashes, headaches, and joint/muscle aches.
bHRT isn’t for everyone, so make sure you ask your physician what the best option is for you and your healthcare goals. Desert Wellness Center has partnered with compounding pharmacies throughout the Valley for our patient’s convenience. We can custom-order medications at the exact dose you need, and in the most convenient and effective form for you (bioTE bioidentical pellets, creams, gels, lozenges, injections, or capsules). Some of the hormones we often prescribe are estrogens (estradiol and estriol), progesterone, testosterone, DHEA, thyroid, cortisol, and many others.