BHRT

Bioidentical Hormone Replacement Therapy

Bioidentical hormone replacement therapy (BHRT) is an effective treatment using hormones that are identical to the hormones naturally made by your body. BHRT is a safe and effective alternative to hormones that are synthetic, such as injectable testosterone, or hormones concentrated from horse urine (Premarin). BHRT pellets are made by compounding pharmacists in customized dosages based on the individual needs of the patient as opposed to the restricted and limited choices available with mass-produced, or “one size fits all” hormone therapies.

A more natural approach to hormone therapy frequently referred to as “natural hormone therapy” has placed attention on bioidentical hormones that are identical in molecular structure to the hormones that the male and female body produce naturally. Although not found in this form in nature, they are derived and made from plant compounds extracted from yams and soy, as opposed to the synthetic forms most patients are offered.

The results our patients receive from Bio-Identical Hormone Replacement Therapy is very often relief from symptoms of hormone deficiency, such as insomnia, chronic fatigue, mood swings, memory loss, loss of libido, erectile dysfunction, vaginal dryness, and an overall sense of well-being just to name a few, leading to benefits which include calmer mood, reduced body fat, increased energy levels, increased sex drive, stronger mental clarity, and improved muscle tone and mass, among others.

Blood tests that measure total estradiol or testosterone are utilized to detect both deficiency or excess estrogen or testosterone that the body produces as well as to monitor the effects of bioidentical hormone replacement therapy.

On the other hand, Premarin (made from horse urine), the old standby estrogen used for decades, is metabolized into various forms of estrogen that can be dangerous and cannot be measured by standard laboratory tests. Proponents of bioidentical hormones say that an advantage to BHRT is more precise monitoring of hormone levels and more precise individualized treatment.

Bio-Identical Hormones vs. Synthetic Hormones

According to some studies, patients respond more quickly and favorably to bioidentical hormones and have reported finding relief from many of the common symptoms associated with menopause and the male equivalent, referred to as “andropause”.

Whereas, synthetic hormones are available with a prescription at most pharmacies; bioidentical hormones are available by prescription at compounding pharmacies only. At a compounding pharmacy, the pharmacist prepares and combines a customized blend, strength, and dose for an individual’s prescribed therapy.