What Is BHRT?
Bioidentical Hormone Replacement Therapy, or BHRT, treats men and women who suffer from hormone imbalance. Bioidentical hormones are artificial hormones that come from plant estrogens. They are custom-made to be chemically identical to the hormones produced by the human body.
For many women, the typical peri-menopausal or menopausal symptoms of hot flashes, mood swings and sleep disruption are debilitating. BHRT has been proven an effective treatment for these women.
It’s important to remember that hormonal imbalances aren’t exclusive to women. Men can experience them too. As men age, hormone levels decrease, particularly testosterone, resulting in andropause, sometimes called “male menopause.” Symptoms may include muscle loss, weight gain, fatigue and decreased sex drive. For these men, BHRT can also prove to be an effective treatment.
The Benefits of BHRT
BHRT is not recommended for women over age 60. However, for those women experiencing symptoms of early menopause (under 45 years old) and natural menopause (around 51 years old) BHRT can prove highly effective. The benefits for women in this group include:
- Relief from night sweats and hot flashes
- Improved quality of life
- Reduced mood swings
- Relief from vaginal dryness
- Reduced risk of osteoporosis
- Diminished risk of cardiovascular disease
- Lowered risk of colorectal cancer
- Enhanced muscle mass and strength
Men suffering from hormonal imbalance can also benefit from BHRT. Those benefits include:
- Enhanced energy levels
- Increased muscle mass
- Improved sex drive
- Better sleep
- Improved memory and concentration
- Relief from joint pain and muscle aches
- Enhanced cholesterol levels
- Improved mood
The Risks of BHRT
The FDA has tested and approved the use of BHRT for treating hormone imbalances. But, it’s important to remember that any medical procedure or treatment carries risk.
For women, these risks include:
- Thromboembolic disease
- Stroke
- Breast and endometrial cancer
- Gallbladder disease
For men, these risks include:
- Breast enlargement
- Decreased sperm count and infertility
- Reduced testicle size
- Increased cholesterol levels
- High blood pressure
- Muscle pain
Is BHRT Right for Me?
If you are suffering from the symptoms of hormone imbalance, it’s important to seek the advice of a qualified medical provider. If BHRT is recommended, your physician will carefully monitor your treatments, any side effects, and notable improvements in your symptoms. The qualified and experienced medical team at Balance Hormone Center can guide you in choosing an effective treatment for your imbalance and help you determine if BHRT is right for you.
