What are bioidentical hormones, and why are they important?
Bioidentical hormones are a hormone replacement therapy method that derives its ingredients from natural sources: plants. Unlike synthetic hormones, bioidentical hormones fit perfectly into the hormonal receptors found naturally in your body, mirroring an identical molecular structure. This creates the same physiologic responses as your body’s natural hormones. BHRT is important because the natural form of progesterone found in bioidentical hormones is associated with a diminished risk of breast cancer. Unlike progestin found in synthetic hormones, bioidentical hormones come with less health risk.
Understanding Bioidentical Hormone Replacement Therapy - BHRT
When you get to a certain age, hormone imbalance can become more common. Whether you’re a woman going through perimenopause or menopause or a man going through andropause with low testosterone levels, you know that the symptoms associated with hormonal imbalances can significantly affect your quality of life. When searching for hormone therapy solutions, there is a sea of options available. At Forum Health, we offer a more natural option – bioidentical hormone replacement therapy – BHRT.
What is Bioidentical Hormone Replacement Therapy?
Bioidentical hormone replacement therapy, or BHRT, is a form of hormone replacement therapy, with a more natural approach. These naturally occurring ingredients found in plants (such as yams and soy) are crafted into suppositories, creams, troches, and hormone pellets and are compounded and customized to your specific hormonal needs. Today, an increasing number of healthcare providers offer bioidentical hormone replacement therapy as a natural alternative to synthetic hormones.
Is BHRT Different from Traditional HRT?
Although similar in their effect in treating hormone imbalances, BHRT differs from traditional HRT or synthetic hormones in several ways. HRT uses an artificial source, entirely formulated in a lab, whereas BHRT derives its ingredients from plants, which match the identical molecular structure found in human hormones. Unlike HRT, BHRT may be customizable with dosages based on individual needs.
Are you ready to assess your hormonal balance? Want to learn more about BHRT treatment?
Benefits of BHRT at Forum Health
Feeling physically and emotionally better is one of the main benefits of starting BHRT treatment at Forum Health. You’ll feel like yourself again before your hormonal imbalance takes hold of your life. BHRT can improve bone density, reducing the risk of osteoporosis. It also helps to maintain muscle mass, supports cardiovascular health, and may enhance cognitive function, contributing to overall mental clarity. These benefits make BHRT a valuable option for managing hormonal imbalances effectively and naturally.
Who Can Benefit from BHRT?
Both men and women can benefit from bioidentical hormone replacement therapy, for a variety of reasons:
Individuals who are transitioning or who are experiencing hormonal imbalance for any reason
What Conditions Can BHRT Help Improve?
Here are some of the most common conditions of having a hormonal imbalance (not an exhaustive list):
- Menopause and Perimenopause
- Andropause
- Thyroid disorders
- Adrenal fatigue
- PMS
- PCOS
- Osteoporosis
- Mood disorders
- Sexual Dysfunction
- Weight Gain
- Sleep Disorders
- Chronic Fatigue
- Cognitive Issues
Our Personalized Approach to BHRT
It’s important to work with a provider who will personalize your BHRT program, taking into account your hormone blood test and saliva hormone testing results, lifestyle, goals, and preferences. At Forum Health, we have a team of experienced healthcare professionals who will work with you 1-1 to help you determine your best approach. We discuss your unique needs, health history, and desired outcomes to customize the perfect BHRT plan for you.
Get Started with BHRT at Forum Health
If you’re ready to embark on your BHRT journey to feeling better from hormonal imbalance, it’s time to discuss it with healthcare professionals.
Patient Reviews, Results, & Testimonials
Before & After Considerations
Each individual’s outcome after starting BHRT will vary. Common positive effects include relief from symptoms of hormonal imbalance, increased energy, improved mood, better sleep, and mental sharpness.
FAQs
There are several scenarios that may indicate the need for hormone replacement therapy. Typically, these groups include: perimenopausal or menopausal women, men experiencing andropause with low testosterone levels, individuals in transition, or those experiencing hormone imbalance for any reason. Common signs of hormone imbalance include:
- Hood flashes/night sweats
- Irregular periods
- Erectile dysfunction
- Decreased libido
- Hair loss
- Mood swings
- Sleep disturbance
- Low sperm count
- Vaginal dryness or pain during sex
- Muscle loss
Hormones act as chemical messengers for the body. Many bodily functions are affected when hormones are out of balance and not functioning correctly. Here is a comprehensive list of hormonal imbalance signs:
- Hot flashes/night sweats
- Irregular periods
- Erectile dysfunction
- Decreased libido
- Hair loss
- Mood swings
- Weight changes
- Fatigue
- Brain fog and difficulty concentrating
- Sleep disturbance
- Low sperm count
- Vaginal dryness or pain during sex
- Muscle loss
These groups of people should consult with their doctor before considering BHRT:
- Those who have had breast cancer, endometrial cancer, or prostate cancer
- Those with blood clotting disorders
- Those with high blood pressure or liver disease
- Pregnant or breastfeeding women
- Those with unexplained vaginal bleeding
- Those who have had a stroke
Those with a family history of hormone-related cancers (breast, endometrial, or prostate)
BHRT affects everyone differently. Here are the most common potential side effects:
- Breast tenderness
- Spotting
- Vaginal cramps
- Increased facial hair growth (for men)
- Headaches
- Mood swings
- Weight fluctuations
- Blurred vision
- Fatigue
- Bloating
It’s important to work with a licensed healthcare professional . We help you manage your symptoms and get to the root cause of your condition.
Although not as thoroughly tested by the FDA as synthetic hormones, bioidentical hormones are generally safe due to their hormone structure exactly replicating those found in the human body. In fact, some studies show they’re safer than traditional HRT, showing a diminished risk of breast cancer, and unlike progestin found in synthetic hormones, bioidentical hormones come with less health risk.
BHRT and HRT both treat hormonal imbalances. Their difference lies in the ingredients: HRT (or synthetic hormones) uses only ingredients formulated in a lab, whereas bioidentical hormones (BHRT) use natural ingredients derived from plants. These ingredients have the same molecular structure as those found in the human body. BHRT is also more customizable based on the individual’s needs.
Hormone replacement therapy is not for everyone. The following groups of people should talk to their doctor and maybe avoid BHRT all together:
- Certain cancer survivors of breast cancer, endometrial cancer, or prostate cancer
- Those with blood clotting disorders
- Those with high blood pressure or liver disease
- Pregnant or breastfeeding women
- People who have unexplained vaginal bleeding
- Individuals who have had a stroke
- Individuals with a family history of hormone-related cancers (breast, endometrial, or prostate)
Hormone replacement therapy is not for everyone. The following groups of people should talk to their doctor and maybe avoid BHRT all together:
- Certain cancer survivors of breast cancer, endometrial cancer, or prostate cancer
- Those with blood clotting disorders
- Those with high blood pressure or liver disease
- Pregnant or breastfeeding women
- People who have unexplained vaginal bleeding
- Individuals who have had a stroke
- Individuals with a family history of hormone-related cancers (breast, endometrial, or prostate)
Bioidentical hormones are a therapy that helps do the job of the hormonal function you’ve lost. Because of this, they are intended for long-term use. However, each individual and every case is different, so it’s important to talk to your healthcare professional about the best route for you.
