Bioidentical hormone replacement therapy (BHRT) is a specialized form of hormone therapy that uses hormones identical to naturally occurring hormones in your body.
As you age, your hormone levels naturally begin to decline, leading to a range of uncomfortable symptoms, such as fatigue, mood swings, and weight gain. These changes can impact your overall well-being, making it harder to feel like yourself.
BHRT works by restoring the optimal levels of these hormones, helping to alleviate these symptoms. At Forever Young, our experienced team specializes in creating personalized BHRT treatments for your specific needs.
The Endocrine Society defines bioidentical hormones as compounds that have exactly “the same chemical and molecular structure” as hormones that are produced in the human body.
Unlike synthetic hormones, bioidentical hormones are formulated to precisely mimic the molecular structure of your body’s own hormones. These hormones are typically derived from plant sources, such as soy or yams, and are compounded in a lab to match your body's exact needs.
Since bioidentical hormones are so similar to your body’s own hormones, many people find BHRT to be a more well-tolerated option compared to traditional hormone therapy.
This is because they can seamlessly integrate into your system, helping to restore balance without the harsh side effects often associated with synthetic hormones.
BHRT is used to restore hormonal balance in people experiencing hormonal imbalances. Hormones are chemical substances crucial in regulating many functions in your body, including:
When your body produces too much or too little of a specific hormone, it can throw your entire system out of sync. This fluctuation or decline can lead to a variety of symptoms that affect your overall well-being.
A hormonal imbalance can occur due to a variety of reasons.
BHRT is commonly used in women to address any hormonal imbalance related to major life transitions, such as perimenopause and menopause. It can help manage a wide range of symptoms, including:
BHRT can restore estrogen and progesterone levels in women and help relieve symptoms of hormonal imbalance.
Hormonal imbalances are not just a concern for women, men may also experience their own set of hormone-related challenges, especially as they age.
The natural decline of testosterone in men can lead to symptoms associated with andropause (often referred to as “men’s menopause”). BHRT is highly effective for managing low testosterone and can help improve:
In addition to helping with these specific conditions, BHRT is also used to improve bone density and reduce the risk of osteoporosis in both men and women. Some people can also use BHRT as a preventive measure to maintain vitality, support mental clarity, and promote long-term health.
Please note that there are different approaches to managing low testosterone in men. Testosterone Replacement Therapy (TRT) is one of the most well-known. TRT is specifically designed to restore testosterone levels in men experiencing deficiencies.
While highly effective, TRT focuses solely on testosterone, whereas BHRT takes a broader approach by balancing multiple hormones that influence overall well-being.
Traditional hormone replacement therapy (HRT) typically uses synthetic hormones or hormones derived from animal sources. In the past, HRT was based on hormones derived from the human placenta or the urine of pregnant mares.
While still in use today, synthetic hormones are generally made in a lab to imitate the natural hormones your bodies produce. However, because synthetic hormones are not structurally identical to those naturally produced by human beings, the body may process them differently.
This can sometimes lead to side effects or inconsistent results. Traditional HRT also tends to rely on standardized dosages, which may not take into account your specific health profile and needs.
BHRT, on the other hand, uses hormones that are chemically and structurally identical to the hormones your body naturally produces. This means they are better absorbed and utilized. Additionally, BHRT dosage can be tailored to your specific hormone levels for a more personalized treatment.
You can enhance the effectiveness of BHRT results by incorporating natural hormone boosters into your routine. These lifestyle changes and natural supplements can support your body’s ability to maintain healthy hormone levels and improve overall wellness.
Some common natural hormone boosters to optimize your hormone levels include:
By combining these steps with your BHRT treatment, you can help your body stay in balance and maximize the benefits of treatment.
At Forever Young, we understand the impact that a hormonal imbalance can have on your health and daily life. Our team is dedicated to providing personalized BHRT solutions designed to restore balance and support your health and well-being.
To schedule your consultation, call 228-363-6623 or request an appointment online. Let us help you get back to feeling your best.
