As people age, their hormone levels may naturally decline, and this process sometimes leads to a variety of changes. Hormone replacement therapy (HRT) is a treatment used to supplement these declining hormone levels. Bioidentical hormone replacement therapy (BHRT) is a specific type of HRT that uses hormones chemically identical to those the body produces. Here is more information about this approach:
Replaces Hormones
The human body undergoes many changes with age, and hormone production is one of them. For women, estrogen and progesterone levels decline significantly around menopause. Men experience a more gradual decline in testosterone, a process sometimes called andropause.
BHRT aims to supplement these diminished hormones by introducing hormones into the body. It restores hormone levels to a more youthful state. These hormones, including estrogen, progesterone, and testosterone, are derived from plant sources and closely match the structure of human hormones. The therapy replenishes what the natural aging process takes away, helping your body maintain its hormonal balance.
Decreases Menopause Symptoms
Menopause is a natural process that marks the end of a woman’s menstrual cycles. This transition is typically accompanied by a range of symptoms resulting from fluctuating hormone levels. Many women experience discomfort during this time, which can be influenced by various physical and emotional factors, making each individual’s experience unique.
Healthcare professionals typically use bioidentical hormone replacement therapy to address these symptoms. Some of the typical signs associated with menopause include:
- Hot flashes
- Vaginal dryness
- Mood swings
- Sleep disturbances
By reintroducing hormones like estrogen and progesterone, BHRT may help stabilize the body’s internal environment, leading to a reduction in the frequency and intensity of menopausal symptoms. It offers a way to manage the physical and emotional shifts that come with this life stage.
Reduces Night Sweats
Night sweats and anxiety are two specific symptoms that can be particularly disruptive. Night sweats are severe hot flashes that occur during sleep, typically resulting in drenched bedding and disrupted rest. These episodes are directly linked to the hormonal fluctuations that occur during menopause.
Anxiety may also increase during this time, and while its causes are complex, hormonal shifts are known contributors. The decrease in estrogen affects neurotransmitters in the brain. This may include serotonin and dopamine, which regulate mood.
By supplementing the body’s hormone levels, BHRT can help regulate body temperature, potentially reducing the occurrence of night sweats. Restoring hormonal balance may have a stabilizing effect on mood. This could help lessen feelings of anxiety and promote a greater sense of calm by encouraging relaxation and reducing stress.
Increases Testosterone
While associated with men, testosterone is also a hormone that women’s bodies produce in small amounts. It plays a part in muscle mass, bone density, and libido for both sexes. Testosterone levels may naturally decrease with age in both men and women.
For men, this decline may lead to symptoms like fatigue, reduced muscle mass, and a lower sex drive. In women, decreased libido and lower energy levels might be attributed to low testosterone. The administration of bioidentical testosterone aims to bring levels back into a normal range, which may help address symptoms associated with its deficiency.
Schedule Hormone Replacement Therapy
Understanding bioidentical hormone replacement therapy is the first step in exploring your options for managing age-related hormonal changes. This treatment offers a method for supplementing the hormones your body no longer produces in sufficient quantities. If you are experiencing symptoms associated with hormonal decline, the next step is to get personalized information. Schedule a consultation today to discuss your symptoms and explore your treatment possibilities.
