What is hormone replacement therapy?
Hormones act as chemical messengers in your body. They regulate almost all of your body’s functions, including your appetite, mood, and sex drive (libido). Even the slightest hormone imbalance can have a major effect on your health and well-being.
The goal of hormone replacement therapy (HRT) is to restore your body’s optimal hormone balance. HRT can reduce or relieve unpleasant symptoms, such as insomnia, and improve your overall vitality.
What are bioidentical hormones?
Bioidentical hormones are exactly the same chemically as the hormones produced naturally by your body. They’re still made in a lab, but bioidentical hormones are derived from plant sources, such as soybeans and yams. Traditional (non-bioidentical) HRT uses synthetic hormones derived from other sources, such as the urine of pregnant horses.
Some medical providers believe that bioidentical hormones are safer and more effective than traditional HRT, but more research is necessary to support these claims.
What are the signs of hormone imbalance?
It’s common for hormone levels to decline with increasing age, especially around the time women go through menopause. Other conditions, such as cancer treatment, can also cause your hormone levels to drop.
Common signs and symptoms of hormone imbalance include:
- Hot flashes
- Night sweats
- Trouble sleeping
- Weight gain
- Loss of muscle mass
- Vaginal dryness
- Erectile dysfunction
- Pain during sex
- Decreased interest in sex
- Mood changes
- Memory loss
- Difficulty concentrating
- Loss of energy
- Fatigue
If you suffer from one or more of these symptoms, the team at White Integrated Health Clinics can help you get back on track with BHRT.
What should I expect from bioidentical hormone replacement therapy?
First, your provider at White Integrated Health Clinics performs a physical exam and reviews your medical history. They check your hormone levels with a comprehensive blood test to determine if you’re a good candidate for BHRT.
Then they develop a personalized treatment plan to optimize your hormone levels. Depending on your needs, you can take BHRT in one of the following forms:
- Implanted pellets
- Topical creams or gels
- Injections
- Patches
Your provider at White Integrated Health Clinics discusses the best BHRT delivery methods for your particular lifestyle. After you begin treatment, you return to White Integrated Health Clinics so your provider can monitor your progress and make any necessary changes to the treatment.
To find out if BHRT is right for you, call White Integrated Health Clinics or book an appointment online today.
