Hormones play an important role in your overall health at every stage of life. These chemical messengers support many complex functions in our bodies – they control hair growth, your mood, and overall growth. You feel your best when they’re in balance and working together. However, sometimes your hormones become unbalanced, resulting in uncomfortable symptoms.
So what is Bioidentical hormone replacement therapy (BHRT)?
Bioidentical hormone replacement therapy (BHRT) helps restore hormone imbalances. BHRT is a great option for those who have any hormonal imbalances or do not produce the right amount of hormones on their own.
HRT vs. BHRT
There are many mass-produced hormone replacement therapies (HRT) on the market today, however, a one-size-fits all approach doesn’t work for everyone. Additionally, the main difference between the two are the ingredients used to make HRT vs BHRT. Hormones used in commercial HRT are derived from horse urine and other synthetic sources. But, hormones used at Preston’s for compounded BHRT are derived from plant sources such as yam or soy. These are chemically similar to your natural hormones in your body.
Who does Bioidentical hormone replacement therapy help?
Anyone experiencing symptoms due to low hormone levels may benefit from BHRT.
Patients who are pregnant, breastfeeding, have a current or past history of breast cancer, coronary heart disease, a previous blood clot, heart attack, or stroke should talk to their doctor and likely avoid BHRT.
The hormones used in BHRT is dependent person-to-person. But, the most common hormones used in bioidentical products are estradiol, estrone, estriol, progesterone, testosterone, and dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA). BHRT is available in pills, creams, and suppositories.
BHRT for women
Did you know? Estrogen and progesterone are most commonly used hormones in female BHRT.
If you have a uterus, a combination of estrogen and progestogen is recommended. Progesterone prevents abnormal thickening of the lining of your uterus. If you have had a hysterectomy, you will be offered estrogen only. BHRT preparations can combine 2-3 forms of estrogen:
-Estradiol (E2) is the most active form of estrogen, but is typically the least plentiful in postmenopausal women.
-Estrone (E1) is the second most potent form. In postmenopausal women E1 is necessary for the production of E2, therefore estrone levels are typically higher.
-Estriol (E3) is the least potent form.
For low sex drives post-menopause, testosterone may be added (which improves sex drive for both men and women). DHEA, a natural steroid precursor, or cortisol, a natural human steroid, may be added to improve inflammation, weight loss, stress and improve sense of well-being.
Benefits and risks of BHRT for women
Women commonly use BHRT to help reduce symptoms of menopause (hot flashes, night sweats, and vaginal dryness). It can also help improve bone strength, cholesterol, sex drive, memory, mood, and sleep. BHRT hormones are effective and safe for women with symptoms of menopause. You should not take hormones if you have had breast cancer, heart attack/stroke, or a blood clot.
Read more about BHRT for women here.
BHRT for men
Testosterone is responsible for normal growth, development of male sex organs, hair distribution, vocal changes, and alterations in body musculature and fat distribution. Low testosterone affects your energy, mood, sex drive and ambition. BHRT can help with low testosterone levels in men.
Benefits and risks of BHRT for men
Benefits of BHRT include improved sex drive, sexual performance, energy, lean muscle, collagen production to boost skin firmness, mood, memory, and reduced body fat. Side effects may include experiencing more erections than usual/long lasting erections, or swollen breasts. Call your doctor immediately if you experience an allergic reaction (hives, swelling in the face/hands, tingling/tightness in the throat, chest tightness or trouble breathing), changes in urination, chest pain, coughing up blood, unusual sweating, faintness, yellowing of the skin/eyes, pain/swelling in the arms or legs.
Application method of BHRT
-Testosterone cream should be applied every morning (or as directed) to a clean, dry, intact area of skin on the shoulder, upper arm, or thigh. Do not apply to broken skin or directly to the penis/scrotum area.
-Wash your hands after application.
-Allow the area to dry before covering the area with clothing, and avoid showering or swimming for at least 2 hours after application.
-Advise women and children to refrain from coming in contact with the area as it is possible for them to absorb the testosterone.
-This medication is flammable until completely dried. Do not smoke or go near an open flame until the medication has dried.
-If you miss a dose, apply the dose as soon as you can. If it’s almost time for the next dose, wait and apply only the next dose. Do not apply more medication to make up for the missed dose.
-Keep BHRT in a safe place away from children and pets.
Approach
A saliva test will tell us more about your hormone levels. Based on your levels, symptoms, and medical history, we work closely with your physician to determine the right BHRT for you. BHRT can be offered via oral or vaginal capsules, topical or intra-vaginal creams, troches, suppositories and rapid dissolving tabs. Creams can be delivered in metered pumps, Topi-Clicks, syringes, individual dose syringes and tubes.
Interested in learning more about BHRT? Preston’s specializes in preparing customized hormone replacement therapy medications. They are chemically identical to those found in the human body to suit your specific hormone needs. Ask a pharmacist today!
