Bio-identical Hormone Replacement Therapy – BHRT

Our life expectancy has increased dramatically over the past 40 years. We can now expect to live 75-80 years on average. With the aging process beginning as early as 30 for some, our bodies are around much longer to experience the effects of hormone loss.

Men and women all have the same hormones, but in varying amounts. All of these hormones are connected and work together, but as we age these hormones naturally decline. As our hormones decrease and become out of balance, we may begin to experience a variety of symptoms and ailments.

To combat these illnesses and the many symptoms that we experience as we age, there is a growing number of doctors in the medical community who are turning towards more proactive and preventative medicine philosophies. They are using lifestyle changes and bio-identical hormone replacement therapy-BHRT to not only treat the effects of menopause and andropause, but to improve our overall health and well-being. They are helping their patients to feel good again.

What is Bio-identical Hormone Replacement Therapy?

Bio-identical hormone replacement therapy (BHRT) is simply replacing the hormones in our bodies that have declined with hormones that are molecularly identical in structure to those in our own body to bring us back into hormonal balance. Bio-identical hormones are made from natural products such as yams and compounded by a compounding pharmacy to create a dosage that is tailored to the individual patient.

The beauty of using BHRT is the ability to tailor each person’s hormones to their needs using clinical acumen and laboratory analysis. After testing a patient to determine their current hormone levels, BHRT is used to create a balance of hormones and recreate what your body once had before aging began. Many patients find improved sex life, leveling of moods, ability to sleep better and lose weight and a general feeling of overall good health.

How do Bio-identical Hormones differ from Synthetic Hormones?

The only real difference between bio-identical and synthetic is that bio-identical hormones are made by compounding pharmacies and synthetic hormones are manufactured by pharmaceutical companies and sold in medical pharmacies. Premarin, Prempro and Provera are synthetic patented drugs.

Synthetic hormones can be also be “natural” such as premarin derived from pregnant mares urine. What’s more natural than urine? The problem is premarin is horse estrogen and human estrogen is structurally different. This structural difference does not allow the hormone to bind as effectively to the hormone receptors and therefore more of the hormone is required to be effective.

Since these synthetic hormones are not identical in chemical structure to our own naturally produced hormones, they may adversely stimulate receptor sites that lead to side effects and possibly cancers.

Bio-identical hormones are molecule-by-molecule, exactly the same as the hormones present in the human body.

Are Bio-identicals Safe?

In 2002, the National Institute of Women’s Health Initiative issued the news that hormone replacement therapy (HRT) could increase the risk of breast cancer, stroke and blood clots. Doctors immediately discontinued this therapy in their patients.

This study, however only took into account the use of synthetic hormone replacement. It did not include bio-identical hormones.

Unfortunately many women who were on synthetic hormones were now struggling to find other treatments to combat their menopausal symptoms. Since that time, many women have sought out alternative treatment options such as bio-identical hormone therapy (BHRT).

While not approved by the FDA these bio-identical drugs cannot claim to be safer or more natural to synthetic HRT drugs, but there are many well executed smaller studies that show that this type of medicine can be a proactive and preventative treatment of and for the replenishment of the body’s natural hormones.

It is important to select a doctor who is well-trained in anti-aging medicine and specializes in bio-identical hormone replacement therapy- BHRT. A medical professional will ensure that a thorough medical evaluation is completed prior to prescribing any medical treatment.

Should I seek treatment?

Aging isn’t easy, but aging gracefully should be. If you want to gain control over your symptoms and start living life fully again, there are several treatment options available. You should make the decision with the help of your medical doctor and choose a personalized plan that is right for you.