Whys Use The Bioidentical Hormone Replacement
Bioidentical Hormone Replacement are synthetic versions of the human body's natural production. They're used as treatment for people who have trouble with their own hormone levels or balance, but there can be risks involved in taking this kind if medication - so make sure you know what consequences may come before prescribing them!
What are bioidentical hormones?
Bioidentical hormones are processed copies of the natural hormone your body produces. Many people find that they have low or unbalanced levels during perimenopause and menopausal periods, which can be helped with this treatment option.
Hormones are chemicals made by your endocrine glands. They are messengers who tell other parts of your body and when to work. Hormones affect many systems and functions in your body. Even the slightest imbalance can cause symptoms that interfere with your day. Health service providers can recommend hormone replacement therapy as a treatment for these symptoms.
Bioidentic hormone therapy (BHRT) uses processed hormones derived from plants. Estrogen, progesterone and testosterone are the most commonly used bioidentic hormones.
Some forms of bioidentical hormone recipes are premade by medicinal companies. The administration of US food and medicine (FDA) has agreed to certain types of bioidentic hormones. Another form of bioidentic hormone is made specifically by a pharmacist based on a health service provider recipe. This is a combined bioidentic hormone (or mixture).
The combined form has not been tested and approved by the FDA. Although it is often advertised that products made from plants are "natural" choices, they are changed in the laboratory so that they are no longer natural if done with processing.
Both the hormone approved by the FDA and the combination came in various doses and shapes (pills, creams, gels, spray and vaginal inserts). Be sure to talk to your health care provider to find out the right type of BHRT for you.
Conventional hormone therapy vs bioidentical hormone therapy
The joint bioidentical hormone is advertised as a safer, more effective, natural and individual alternative for conventional hormone therapy. However, this claim is still not supported. Also, the lack of FDA supervision for joint hormones produces additional risks regarding the purity and safety of the joint bioidentic hormone. Although a combination of special hormones often includes a mixture of the same ingredients found in the bioidentic hormone approved by the FDA, some include additional hormones. This additional hormone does not yet have adequate testing and is not included in the product approved by the FDA.
Who can't use bioidentical hormones?
Using all types of hormone therapy is a decision made between you and your health care provider after carefully weighing risks and benefits. Bioidentical hormones have been controversial, and many are not approved by the FDA, but that does not mean that your health care provider will rule out it as a treatment option.
If you have or are at high risk for the following conditions, hormone therapy may not be safe:
- Blood clotting disorders.
- Heart or cardiovascular disease.
- Breast cancer.
- Blow.
- Why are bioidentical hormones used?
The level of certain hormones in your body drops as you get older. These hormones include estrogen, progesterone and testosterone. Some general effects of low hormones include:
- Hot Flashs.
- Night sweat.
- Vaginal dryness.
- Loss of interest in sex or painful sexual intercourse.
- Sleep problem.
- Loss of energy or fatigue.
- Weight gain.
- Mood change.
- Memory loss or confusion.
Changing this lost or low hormone is the purpose of bioidentical hormone therapy or conventional hormone therapy. After the hormone levels increase, most people see the symptoms improve. However, there is not much evidence to support that bioidentical hormones are the same as conventional hormone therapy. Your health service provider can discuss your choice for hormone replacement with you based on your symptoms and medical history.
How is the bioidentical hormone given?
Bioidentical hormones come in various forms. These include:
- Pill.
- Patches.
- Cream.
- Gel.
- Shot.
- Embedded pellets.
Your health service provider will decide which method is the best for you. You can try more than one way before finding one that works well for you.
How do my health service providers choose my dose?
People who undergo hormone treatment are supervised very closely by their health care providers. The aim is to relieve symptoms with the lowest dose that is possible for the shortest amount of time. Depending on your health care provider, you may have a blood test, urine or saliva regularly to check your hormone levels. Your health service provider can adjust your dose based on the needs of your hormone that changes.
FDA recommends not to use hormone levels to guide the dose of hormone therapy in women, because the normal level fluctuates everyday. In particular, the level of salivary hormone is known to fluctuate and has not been proven related to the symptoms of menopause.
How long does it take bioidentical hormone to start working?
The amount of time required for bioidentical hormones to work varies. Some people may feel relieved in a few weeks. Most of the time, it takes about three months to feel the full effect of all types of hormonal therapy.
