Bioidentical hormone replacement therapy, also known as bioidentical hormone therapy or natural hormone therapy, is the use of hormones that are identical on a molecular level with endogenous hormones in hormone replacement therapy. It may also be combined with blood and saliva testing of hormone levels, and the use of pharmacy compounding to obtain hormones in an effort to reach a targeted level of hormones in the body. A number of claims by some proponents of bioidentical hormone replacement therapy have not been definitively established through scientific testing. Specific hormones used in BHT include estrone, estradiol, progesterone, testosterone, dehydroepiandrosterone, and estriol.
Bioidentical hormones are manmade hormones derived from plant estrogens that are chemically identical to those the human body produces. Estrogen, progesterone, and testosterone are among those most commonly replicated and used in treatment. Bioidentical hormones come in various forms, including:
- pills
- patches
- creams
- gels
- injections
Benefits of BHRT
BHRT is typically used as people age and hormone levels drop, particularly for women who are in perimenopause or menopause. It’s used to increase the levels of the hormones that have dropped and improve moderate to severe menopause symptoms, including:
- hot flashes
- night sweats
- mood changes
- memory loss
- weight gain
- sleep issues
loss of interest in sex or pain during sex
BHRT comes in a variety of forms including:
- creams
- injections
- implanted pellets
- patches
- gels
There may also be side effects that accompany BHRT, particularly in the beginning as your body adjusts to the hormones. Common side effects of BHRT may include:
- acne
- bloating
- weight gain
- fatigue
- mood swings
- increased facial hair in women
Fort Myers, Florida Leading Compounding Pharmacy
Our compounding pharmacists at Myerlee Pharmacy in Fort Myers, Florida can add value by preparing the medication to “fit” the patient with the appropriate dosage strength and form.
BHRT requires unique combinations to work just for you. Myerlee Pharmacy can customize any BHRT formula in several dosage forms depending on the symptom, severity, or your preference. These include vaginal, transdermal, sublingual, & oral capsules. Discuss with your doctor which method is best for you.
My sister found out that she has PCOS, which is why she has decided to start looking for hormone replacement therapy. Well, it also never occurred to me that there are manmade hormones call the Bioidentical hormones. Thank you for sharing here as well that this procedure will help avoid the symptoms of menopause, such as hot flashes.
I want to help my friend who’s having a hard time taking care of her grandma recently. I never knew that hormone replacement therapy can help her deal with mood swings and sleep issues. Maybe we should have her try this out in the future if she’s okay with it.
Some argue that certain values are inherent to human nature. These intrinsic values are believed to be part of our biological or genetic makeup.