Bioidentical hormone replacement therapy (BHRT) is the natural hormone solution to hormone imbalance. Natural hormone replacement therapy has emerged as the preferred hormone therapy option for patients seeking relief from signs of aging and symptoms of hormonal imbalance, including perimenopause, menopause, adrenal fatigue, andropause, and thyroid disorder. To help restore these levels to their normal hormonal levels again, seeking out treatment from a hormone doctor that specializes in bioidentical hormone replacement therapy is key. A hormone specialist, such as Dr. Jeffrey Thackrey, M.D. and Susan Compton, P.A at Lauderdale Health and Wellness, will determine if you suffer from low testosterone, progesterone deficiencies, or fluctuating estrogen levels and correct any symptoms of hormonal imbalance using a state-of-the-art hormone regimen that incorporates bioidentical hormones.
Bioidentical hormones are derived from natural plant sources, such as soy or yam, and then designed in a lab to be structurally identical to the hormones naturally produced by the human body. When a physician prescribes bioidentical hormone replacement therapy, many of these prescriptions are custom compounded at a compounding pharmacy, allowing patients to get the correct dose specifically recommended for optimizing health.
On the other hand, there is conventional hormone replacement therapy (HRT). HRT uses synthetic hormones which are typically prescribed by a traditional physician. The significant difference between synthetic hormones and bioidentical hormones is the construction. Because bioidentical hormones are structurally identical to natural hormones (endogenous hormones) that are produced by the body. Bioidentical hormones function on the same cellular level, connecting with the proper receptors and instructing the same arrangement of physiological reactions as natural hormones.
Bioidentical hormone replacement therapy is the solution to symptoms and conditions associated with aging. Men experience natural hormone declines in testosterone throughout their lifespan. Low testosterone levels in men can be standard, and testosterone levels in men begin to drop as early as age 20, and progressively decline, causing noticeable effects around mid-life, such muscle loss, fatigue, erectile dysfunction, and irritability. When approaching age 70, testosterone levels in men reach an all-time low—measuring a mere fraction of what they were in his adolescence.
This progressive decline in testosterone levels in men and the subsequent onslaught of symptoms of low testosterone in men occur around age 40 or 50, and has become known in the industry as andropause, or “male menopause.” During this time, men may experience a number of symptoms that are easily dismissed as aging, such as mood swings, impaired sexual performance, hair loss or little energy. Even some diseases that classically affect middle-age may be related to low testosterone in men, including cardiovascular disease and osteoporosis. While low testosterone is not the cause of these diseases, it can be a factor that increases the risk of the disease.
Men may also be affected by other forms of hormone imbalance, including fluctuations in cortisol and thyroid hormones. A variety of hormone treatment options are available for men to address the hormonal imbalance, including pellet therapy, creams, gels, and injections.
Bioidentical hormone replacement therapy is the natural solution for women seeking relief from a number of conditions and symptoms brought on by a hormone imbalance. Women of all ages can be affected by hormone imbalance symptoms, as hormone levels fluctuate significantly among women at various stages and events in life, including PMS, pregnancy, childbirth, perimenopause and menopause. Though these hormonal fluctuations may be a natural part of the aging process, other factors can cause an imbalance during these hormonally volatile times and induce symptoms, such as mood swings, weight gain, hair loss and fatigue. While commonly referred to as a male hormone, high testosterone in women, and even low testosterone in women can cause troublesome issues that bioidentical hormones can help to repair.
Bioidentical hormone replacement therapy has emerged as a preferred treatment for hormone imbalance in women—particularly in the treatment of menopause. Menopause is an inevitable part of aging for women, when sharp declines in estrogen, progesterone and testosterone mark the end of a woman’s reproductive years. The condition is often accompanied by unwelcome symptoms, such as hot flashes, night sweats, insomnia and low libido. Experts agree that there is no better solution to addressing menopausal symptoms than bioidentical hormone replacement therapy, including associated mental health distress, such as depression, anxiety, and irritability.
Women may also experience hormone imbalance related to adrenal distress or thyroid disorder. Thyroid symptoms in women can appear during menopause– causing further complications. This includes hypothyroidism symptoms in women, as well as general thyroid problems in women. These types of hormone imbalances are treated with bioidentical hormone replacement therapy and lifestyle changes, such as yoga, meditation, and dedication to quality sleep and physical activity, as chronic stress is often at the center of the conditions.
Bioidentical hormone replacement therapy has grown in popularity in the last decade, not only because of patient demand but because experts and researchers have uncovered numerous health benefits, understand the safety and effectiveness of the treatment.
In 2013, 15 major medical organizations, including The North American Menopause Society, The International Menopause Society and The American Society for Reproductive Medicine endorsed bioidentical hormone replacement therapy as the best treatment option for menopausal symptoms. In June of 2015, the American Association of Clinical Endocrinologists endorsed testosterone therapy, touting the powerful evidence—shown across multiple studies—of the health and quality of life benefits for both men and women.
Bioidentical hormone replacement therapy continues to emerge as the leading treatment option for men and women seeking to optimize health and boost the overall quality of life. Continued research and personal testimonies show that bioidentical hormones offer multiple benefits including:
The hormone specialists at Lauderdale Health and Wellness begin every treatment plan with advanced diagnostic lab testing and one-on-one consultations to ensure that the root cause of your health concerns is uncovered and addressed through a customized treatment plan that may include bioidentical hormone replacement therapy. Each hormone treatment plan is designed to fit your lifestyle and health goals.
Contact the expert physicians at Lauderdale Health and Wellness today and begin your journey to feeling your very best.
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