Bio-identical Hormone Therapy For Women
Menopause (or peri-menopause)
Perimenopause means "around menopause" and refers to the time during which your body makes the natural transition to menopause, marking the end of the reproductive years. Perimenopause is also called the menopausal transition.
Women start perimenopause at different ages. You may notice signs of progression toward menopause, such as menstrual irregularity, sometime in your 40s. But some women notice changes as early as their mid-30s.
Changes that a woman can experience include irregular periods, hot flashes and sleep problems, mood changes, vaginal and bladder problems, decreasing fertility, changes in sexual function, loss of bone and changing cholesterol levels.
Bio-identical hormone replacement therapy (BHRT) is a treatment used to help restore hormonal balance in individuals whose hormone levels have decreased due to aging, menopause, or other factors. BHRT uses hormones that are chemically identical to the ones naturally produced by the human body. These hormones are typically derived from plant sources like soy or yam, and they are modified in laboratories to match the molecular structure of human hormones.
The main hormones commonly used in BHRT include:
Estrogen – Often prescribed to women going through menopause or perimenopause to alleviate symptoms like hot flashes, night sweats, and vaginal dryness.
Progesterone – Used in combination with estrogen to balance hormonal levels and reduce risks associated with estrogen-only therapy, such as an increased risk of endometrial cancer.
Testosterone – Though primarily associated with men, testosterone can also be prescribed to women experiencing low libido or energy levels.
Benefits of BHRT:
Relief from menopausal symptoms such as hot flashes, mood swings, vaginal dryness, and sleep disturbances.
Improved bone density, as estrogen can help reduce the risk of osteoporosis.
Improved sexual function, including libido and satisfaction.
Enhanced mood and mental clarity, as balanced hormone levels can improve emotional well-being and cognitive function.
Risks and Considerations:
BHRT is often considered safer than conventional hormone replacement therapy (HRT), but it still carries risks, such as an increased risk of blood clots, strokes, and certain types of cancer, especially if not carefully monitored.
The therapy should be tailored to an individual’s specific needs, based on hormone testing and medical history.
Not all studies agree on the long-term safety and efficacy of BHRT, so it is important to tailor the hormone therapy based on your specific benefits and risks.