Bioidentical hormone replacement therapy is more popular than ever and its use continues to grow with the demand for more natural solutions to treat the symptoms of menopause.
Still, many women feel a bit overwhelmed by the many options and unfamiliar terms when it comes to hormone therapy. Here's answers to some of the most common questions women have about bioidentical hormone treatment.
What Are Bioidentical Hormones?
The standard hormone therapy that has been used for more than 60 years involves the use of synthetic hormones (estrogen, progesterone, and testosterone) that are lab-made or made from horse hormones. These hormones are not identical to the hormones produced by the body. Bioidentical hormones have the exact same structure as hormones naturally produced by your body.
What Can Bioidentical Hormone Therapy Treat?
Hormone replacement can be used to treat all symptoms of menopause, perimenopause, and post-menopause. There are two types of hormone therapy: systemic and low-dose vaginal treatments. Systemic hormone replacement can treat all menopause symptoms, including memory problems, fatigue, hot flashes, and night sweats. Low-dose vaginal hormone therapy only treats vaginal symptoms like vaginal dryness and painful intercourse.
How Are Bioidentical Hormones Made?
When the bioidentical hormones are obtained from a compounding pharmacy, a unique "cocktail" of hormones is made specifically for the patient based on the patient's hormone levels. When the hormones are obtained for a regular pharmacy, they are sold in specific dose. Compounded bioidentical hormone replacement therapy is typically the most expensive option and it may not be covered by insurance.
Most bioidentical hormones are made from wild yams and soybeans, both of which have unique compounds that are processed and made into identical versions of the hormones naturally produced by the body.
Most bioidentical hormones are made from wild yams and soybeans, both of which have unique compounds that are processed and made into identical versions of the hormones naturally produced by the body.
What Types of Bioidentical Hormone Therapy Are There?
There are many ways to take bioidentical hormone therapy. While most women are familiar with hormone pills, all types of hormones can also be applied via a cream, a vaginal suppository, or via injection.
Are Bioidentical Hormones Safe?
Yes, bioidentical hormone replacement therapy has been used for many years and it is a safe and effective way to treat symptoms of menopause.
Bioidentical hormone therapy has many of the same benefits and risks of regular hormone replacement, which means it's very important to have an honest discussion with your doctor to determine if you are a good candidate. Learn more about hormone replacement therapy by clicking here.
Bioidentical hormone therapy has many of the same benefits and risks of regular hormone replacement, which means it's very important to have an honest discussion with your doctor to determine if you are a good candidate. Learn more about hormone replacement therapy by clicking here.
While hormone therapy is not for everyone, younger women who are beginning menopause can not only alleviate symptoms but also enjoy a protective benefit against some types of cancer and heart disease.