Bioidentical Hormone Replacement Therapy: Uses, Benefits and Side Effects

As people grow older, their hormone levels go down. Hormonal imbalance is common among menopausal women, and it causes intolerable symptoms such as night sweats, fatigue, mood swings as well as sexual intimacy problems. The good news is that you don’t have to suffer in silence. Doctors can administer bioidentical hormone replacement therapy (BHRT) to counteract this imbalance and relieve menopausal symptoms. Only a board-certified doctor should provide BHRT treatment. Dr. Kyle Scarborough and his team from Family Life Medical guarantee their patients a healthier life using only FDA-approved BHRT. What is BHRT? BHRT involves using bioidentical hormones to restore hormone levels to their normal function. Bioidentical hormones are hormones whose composition matches chemicals that our bodies produce naturally. Even though they are human-made, they come from natural sources such as animals and plants, and they match the estrogen and testosterone found in our bodies. Some of the most popular FDA-approved BHRT products include Estrace, Estrogel, Prometrium, and Crinone. What about cBHRT? Compounded bioidentical hormone replacement therapy (cBHRT) is a process used in customizing BHRT products for each client. cBHRT is not FDA-approved, and pharmacists do it at their discretion. Since these products are not regulated, there’s a high risk of overdose. Additionally, since they are untested, they may contain impurities that could cause potential harm. Unfortunately, cBHRT, though unregulated, has grown in popularity. Primarily due to endorsements from high profile figures such as Oprah Winfrey. According to the Guardian, a 2019 survey revealed an approximate of 26m to 33m prescriptions of cBHRT each year. Additionally, projections showed an increase of 5 to 25 percent in 2021. How is BHRT administered? There are several ways of prescribing bioidentical hormones: · Pills- Estrace and Innofemrn· Patches- Alora, Menostar, Vivellern· Creams- Estrasorbrn· Gels- Crinone 4%, Estrogel and Divigelrn· Implanted Pellets- Vagifem Dosage Each patient is different. Therefore, a doctor will administer an appropriate dose based on the results of your blood tests. Also, the FDA condemns BHRT prescription based on hormone levels. This is because hormones fluctuate daily; therefore, as a client, the first red flag would be your doctor using your salivary levels to determine the dosage. Benefits of BHRT · They match your body’s hormones hence are readily accepted by your body, and you can notice changes in symptoms within ten daysrn· They stabilize your hormone levels thereby relieving menopausal symptoms such as hot flashes, vaginal dryness, and trouble sleepingrn· They increase collagen production making your skin supple and also strengthen your hair follicles Is BHRT Safe? Since BHRT products are tested and FDA-approved, they are considered safe. Though it’s important to note that little research exists on them, so in the future, with more evidence, we shall know whether or not they are genuinely safe. Possible risks Some studies show that BHRT increases the risks of stroke, skin changes, gallbladder disease, and blood clots. This is because the use of bioidentical hormones prevents the doctor from detecting an autoimmune disorder at an early stage. Also, prolonged use of BHRT among older women increases the risk of breast cancer – one among 1000 women each year. BHRT is part of integrative medicine. Therefore, only an expert in this area can prescribe the best products for you. Dr. Kyle ScarBorough has decades of experience in tailoring the right hormone replacement therapy that is guaranteed to improve your quality of life.