It’s possible that you’ve heard that Bioidentical hormone replacement therapy is dangerous, despite your doctor assures you that it’s perfectly safe. You decide to get a consult from a naturopath, and she informs you that the only hormones that are safe to use are bioidentical hormones produced from yams.
Additionally, they tell you that they’ll write you a medication for a unique cream that would be sent to a pharmacy, even though your insurance will not cover it. You are at a loss for who to believe; perhaps your doctor provided incorrect information?
Your mother has told you terrifying tales about “hormones” being the root cause of cancer and strokes, but your closest mate claims that hormones are what kept her relationship together and kept her sane.
You decide to search it up on Google, but the results give you contradicting information.
Hormones are often referred to as “The Fountain of Youth.” Breast cancer and seizures are both caused by hormones! You are confused about what information to trust.
This article will assist you in sorting through the positives, negatives, and ugly aspects of the transition so that you may make an intelligent choice.
Why Should You Think About Bioidentical Hormone Replacement?
When most women first begin to experience the signs of perimenopause or if they have surgery that sends them into rapid menopause (also known as induced menopause or clinical menopause), they begin to consider their choices and investigate the possibility of taking Bioidentical Hormone Replacement. Others will begin their search for treatment by investigating other methods and taking supplements.
Since the average lifespan of menopausal is 51 years old, and early menopause can begin as early as 10 years preceding menopause, this means that whether you are about to enter your 40s or already there, you may be experiencing some or all of the symptoms listed above.
Bioidentical Hormone Replacement is an effective method for alleviating a wide variety of unwelcome symptoms; nevertheless, similar to other forms of medical treatment, it is not without its share of potential drawbacks. The risk of side effects from HT is mostly determined by the patient’s age as well as any preexisting medical disorders they could have. Experts on menopause feel that non-oral methods of estrogen are safer than oral routes because they avoid the liver and are, as a result, connected with fewer instances of blood clots.
The Components of Bioidentical Hormones
Pharmaceutical corporations produce some bioidentical hormones in their labs. Others, which are referred to as compound bioidentical hormones, are manufactured on demand by a pharmacy in accordance with the prescriptions of a physician. Compounding is the term that describes this procedure. In the process of compounding, components are often blended or adjusted to better suit the requirements of the specific patient.
The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) of the United States of America has given its approval to certain forms of bioidentical hormones that have been synthesized, such as bioidentical estriol and progesterone. However, the FDA has not yet given its approval to any bioidentical hormones that have been custom-compound.
The vast majority of bioidentical hormones are produced and distributed without any safeguards to ensure their quality, safety, or purity. A significant number of medical organizations have articulated their opposition to the marketing and usage of bioidentical hormones that have not been licensed.
It is common practice to assert that compounded bioidentical hormones are not only safer but also more efficient than synthetic hormones. However, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and the vast majority of medical professionals will advise that the aforementioned claims have not been demonstrated in credible studies, and these hormones might be potentially harmful in some circumstances.
Traditional vs. bioidentical
The hormones used in bioidentical hormone replacement therapy (BHRT) are bioequivalent to the hormones that human bodies create naturally, and they are derived from plant estrogens. Traditional hormone replacement therapy (HRT) uses hormones that are not bioidentical. The urine of pregnant mares and other synthetic hormones are employed in the production of the hormones that are then used in traditional HRT.
The proponents of bioidentical hormones argue that their products are safer than traditional hormones since they are “natural” and are chemically identical to the hormones that the body naturally makes. However, the majority of medical professionals agree that the dangers posed by BHRT and HRT are comparable. It’s possible that compounded bioidentical hormones pose an even greater danger. There is no evidence that may be considered trustworthy to suggest that BHRT is more beneficial than HRT.
The Advantages of Using BHRT
The use of bioidentical hormone replacement therapy (BHRT) is common as people age and their hormone levels drop, in particular for women who are going through menopause or perimenopause. It is used to boost the levels of the hormones that have fallen and relieve mild to severe symptoms associated with menopause, including the following:
- flashes of heat
- night sweats
- alterations in mood
- a lapse in recollection
- weight gain
- pain during sexual activity or a loss of desire in sexual activity
Hormone replacement therapy not only helps alleviate symptoms, but it also has the potential to lower a person’s chance of developing diabetes, cataracts, and tooth loss. There is some evidence to suggest that it can assist in enhancing the thickness, moisture, and suppleness of the skin, as well as reducing the appearance of wrinkles.
BHRT has been demonstrated to be useful in enhancing the overall well-being and quality of life of cancer patients who have undergone treatments that impact their estrogen levels. These treatments include chemotherapy and radiation therapy.
People diagnosed with cancer who received BHRT were reported to experience alleviation from treatment-related issues such as headaches, incontinence, reduced libido, and sleeplessness, according to a study. According to the findings of the study, the participants’ relapse rate of breast cancer was not significantly greater than the overall population.
Give yourself over to the direction of the experts. To receive guidance with your hormone balance, health and wellness facilities like Integrated Med Spa are excellent places to visit.
If you decide to go with BHRT, the FDA advises that you avoid monitoring your levels with blood and saliva tests. Additionally, if you decide to go with any other kind of hormone therapy, make sure to take the smallest effective dose for the shortest amount of time.
Make an appointment with us so that you can feel the calming effects of bioidentical hormone replacement therapy as soon as possible.