Understanding Bioidentical Hormone Replacement Therapy (bHRT): A Path to Optimal Health

Have you ever noticed that you don't have as much energy as you once did?  Or maybe you’re experiencing mood swings and cognitive changes that seem to come out of nowhere.  These may indicate a decrease in hormones, which is a natural part of aging that affects both men and women.  As a Nurse Practitioner specializing in bioidentical hormones, I want to clarify this important part of health and wellness and show you how bioidentical hormone replacement therapy (bHRT) can help you regain your vitality!

bHRT involves using hormones that are chemically identical to those produced by the human body.  These hormones provide a more natural and individualized approach than synthetic hormones, which carry certain risks.  This makes bHRT a highly appealing option for those looking to manage and improve symptoms of hormonal decline.

When we talk about bHRT, it’s not just about estrogen and progesterone, although they are crucial.  bHRT also includes a range of other hormones that are essential for maintaining various bodily functions and overall health:

• Estrogen

• Progesterone

• Testosterone

• Thyroid hormones

• DHEA (Dehydroepiandrosterone)

• Melatonin

• Plus more!

As we age, the levels of these hormones decline, leading to Menopausein women and Andropause in men.  Each of these hormones play a crucial role in our well-being, and their decline can lead to a range of issues.

So, why is bHRT so important? Hormonal decline can lead to a host of issues such as:

• Decreased energy

• Cognitive changes

• Mood swings

• Changes in muscle mass

• Bone density loss

By replacing these hormones with bioidentical versions, we aim to manage and improve these symptoms, helping you maintain optimal health and function.  Bioidentical hormones are structurally identical to the hormones our bodies naturally produce, offering a safer and more effective alternative to synthetic hormones.

bHRT is not just about replacing hormones; it’s about optimizing their levels.  As we age, our hormone levels naturally fall.  While this decline is considered “normal,” it’s not optimal for maintaining health and wellness.  Optimized hormone levels can lead to:

• Improved energy

• Better cognitive function

• Enhanced mood

The goal is to bring your hormone levels back to where they were when you felt your best, significantly improving your quality of life!

To summarize, BHRT offers several key benefits:

1. Optimized Hormone Levels: Keeping your hormone levels at their peak helps maintain optimal health.

2. Use of Identical Hormones: Bioidentical hormones are identical to what your body naturally produces, unlike synthetic hormones.

3. Natural Approach: Bioidentical hormones are derived from natural sources and mimic the body’s own hormones.

4. Safety: Bioidentical hormones are considered a safer approach compared to synthetic alternatives.

Understanding bHRT is the first step toward better health and wellness.  If you're experiencing symptoms of hormonal decline or simply want to optimize your health, I encourage you to book an appointment.  Together, we can create a personalized plan to ensure your hormone levels are where they need to be for you to feel your best!

Abigail Chow, NP-PHC
Specializing in Bioidentical Hormones

Let's work together to enhance your health and well-being through the power of bHRT. Contact me today to schedule your consultation!
 

Disclaimer

This post is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.  Always consult your healthcare provider with any questions about your health or treatment.  Do not ignore professional medical advice or delay seeking it based on information from this post.

These studies and reviews collectively support the notion that optimizing hormone levels through bHRT can have significant health benefits, particularly when initiated at the appropriate time and tailored to individual health needs.

Lobo, R. A. (2017). "Hormone-replacement therapy: current thinking." Nature Reviews Endocrinology, 13(4), 220-231.

• A review article that discusses the current understanding of the benefits and risks of HRT, including improvements in quality of life and reduction in osteoporosis and cardiovascular risks.

Manson, J. E., Chlebowski, R. T., Stefanick, M. L., Aragaki, A. K., Rossouw, J. E., Prentice, R. L., ... & LaCroix, A. Z. (2013). "Menopausal hormone therapy and health outcomes during the intervention and extended poststopping phases of the Women's Health Initiative randomized trials." JAMA, 310(13), 1353-1368.

• This follow-up analysis of the Women's Health Initiative highlighted long-term health outcomes, showing benefits in terms of reduced hip fractures and diabetes incidence.

Schierbeck, Louise Lind, et al. “Effect of hormone replacement therapy on cardiovascular events in recently postmenopausal women: randomized trial.” Bmj 345 (2012).

• The study shows that HRT significantly reduces cardiovascular events in recently postmenopausal women, highlighting the positive impact of HRT on heart health. Specifically, the study found a 52% reduction in cardiovascular disease after 10 years of HRT and a 39% reduction after a total follow-up of 16 years, indicating the substantial benefits of HRT when initiated at the right time.