Bio-Identical Hormone Therapy
Bio-identical Hormones are hormones that are identical to the hormones put out by our bodies. This is important in that our body recognizes the hormone structure, allowing it to attach to the hormone receptor site to be utilized effectively. The hormones are thought to be more easily processed in the body and therefore safer than synthetic hormones.
The functional hormone testing that we do, allow us to prescribe exactly what is needed in a ratio customized for your needs. Balance is the key. This allows a smaller total amount of hormones to be used and thus improving safety and decreasing risk. BHRT restores the balance of hormones. We age because our hormones decline, not the other way around. By the age of 50, we are at approximately 50 percent of our hormone function for estrogen, progesterone, thyroid, DHEA, melatonin and growth hormone.
In Women, one of the first hormones to decline is progesterone, starting at around age 35. This decline leads to symptoms such a anxiety, lighter sleep, PMS, mood swings, irregular or heavier periods and weight gain. Estrogen levels begin to decline at about age 45 in women and eventually wane at around age 51 at the official time of menopause, although the time of menopause may vary. Changing estrogen levels produce hot flashes, skin and vaginal dryness, urinary tract symptoms, bone loss and cognitive decline.
Testosterone starts its decline in the late 30s and onward, producing a loss of desire for sex, joint and bone pain, muscle weakness, moodiness, anxiety, muscle loss and fat gain. Testosterone deficiency can also be associated with long time use of birth control pills.
Symptoms in mid-life are the main reason that women request hormone balancing, but the more compelling reason is the potential to prevent some diseases and to slow the aging process. Estrogen therapy may slow the development of heart disease, cognitive decline and osteoporosis. The joint pain associated with menopause and skin texture and tone are often improved with hormone therapy. Prevention, at least partially, depends on the restoration of physiologic hormone balance.
What Are Bio-Identical Hormones?
Bio-identical Hormones are structurally the same as the estrogen and progesterone made by the ovaries. It is thought that bioidentical hormones can attach to the hormone receptors in the body like our own hormones, and thus the body can metabolize the hormones in a more efficient manner.
Compounding pharmacies will make a compound based on Dr. Hall’s prescription that is customized to your needs. Dr. Hall will prescribe the exact amount of each bioidentical hormone that she wants to go into your particular hormone mixture based on your specific test results and your symptoms.
Bio-Identical Hormones Compared to Traditional Hormone Replacement Therapy
Menopausal women experiencing hot flashes and mood swings must often weigh the benefits and risks of hormone replacement therapy. More and more patients are considering bio-identical hormone therapy as a safer alternative.
When compared to traditional hormone replacement therapy, researchers identified several benefits of bio-identical hormones. One significant advantage of bio-identical hormones is that they use natural progesterone and not synthetic progestin. Another advantage is the we do not give oral estrogens, but use transdermal methods such as a patch, cream, vaginal ring or pellet. Oral estrogens are more risky that transdermal methods as far as the risk of blood clots.
More Information on Bio-Identical Hormones
If you would like additional information about bio-identical hormones and hormone replacement therapy, please call our office today to schedule an appointment.