Bioidentical hormone replacement therapy (BHRT) involves using hormones that are molecularly identical to those naturally produced in the human body to treat hormonal imbalance and decline. As we age or due to medical conditions, our hormone levels can become deficient leading to unpleasant symptoms. Providing the body with bioidentical estrogens, progesterone, testosterone and other hormones can effectively relieve symptoms and promote better health.
Bioidentical hormones are chemically synthesized hormones derived from plant sources that are exact molecular matches to hormones produced in the human body. This allows them to bind to receptors and mimic natural hormone activity more effectively than synthetic non-bioidentical versions. Common bioidentical hormones used include:
Bioidentical hormones offer advantages over non-bioidentical versions:
There are several reasons hormone levels can become imbalanced or suboptimal including:
When our bodies are unable to produce adequate hormones, unpleasant symptoms can emerge highlighting the importance of these chemical messengers.
Estrogen insufficiency is most common among perimenopausal and postmenopausal women. Symptoms may include:
Deficient progesterone also affects perimenopausal and menopausal women. Symptoms can include:
Known as hypogonadism or andropause, testosterone decline in aging men causes:
DHEA supports many processes so deficiency can cause:
If multiple hormone levels become imbalanced simultaneously, symptoms may be amplified further interfering with quality of life. Getting levels tested and pursuing treatment is essential.
Restoring balance to hormones via bioidentical hormone replacement therapy can provide immense benefits and relief such as:
Patients commonly experience significant improvements in symptoms caused by hormone imbalance:
Optimizing hormones also has protective effects throughout the body:
By relieving symptoms and enhancing health, many patients report:
While aging naturally involves some decline, maintaining hormone balance can keep us vibrant and active well into our golden years.
Balanced hormones also help prevent onset of chronic diseases:
Hormonal harmony is essential for sustained health as we age.
There are a few key steps involved in undergoing bioidentical hormone replacement therapy:
Comprehensive blood analysis measuring levels of estrogens, progesterone, testosterone, DHEA, thyroid hormones, etc. helps identify specific deficiencies to address.
Follow up testing monitors progress adjusting dosages to optimal levels.
Based on blood test results, custom prescriptions of bioidentical hormones are prepared in compounding pharmacies in formats like pills, creams, gels or pellets designed for steady release.
Delivery mechanism and dosages can be tailored to individual needs and preferences.
Patients check in regularly with the prescribing practitioner for re-testing and dosage adjustments ensuring optimal balance is achieved and maintained long-term.
Lifestyle adjustments to nutrition, fitness, stress levels and supplements may also be recommended.
While the specifics vary based on the patient's needs and parameters, the goal is harmonizing hormones for better function and feelings.
Bioidentical hormones are chemically similar to hormones produced by the body, but derived from plant sources. Despite claims they are safer, research hasn't confirmed this. More study is needed to fully understand their risks and benefits compared to conventional hormone therapy.
There are a variety of bioidentical hormone medication options including:
Most commonly prescribed are oral capsules containing micronized progesterone and/or estriol from yams or soy that are easily absorbed.
Transdermal creams can deliver estrogen, testosterone, progesterone and/or DHEA through skin contact providing steady absorbed doses.
Spread thinly over wrists, arms, thighs or abdomen once or twice daily.
Levels can be easily adjusted via dosage changes.
Sublingual versions dissolve under the tongue supplying hormones straight into the bloodstream avoiding first pass liver metabolism.
Often prepared by compounding pharmacies in custom strengths.
Surgically implanted pellets made of bioidentical estrogens and/or testosterone continuously release steady hormone levels over 3-6 months.
Once implanted, requires no daily dosing remembering.
Injections or skin patches may also be options for some patients needing special formulations or delivery methods.
The variety allows customization for each patient's needs and preferences.
Hormone issues can emerge slowly and subtly so are often unnoticed for lengthy periods allowing more systemic disruption.
Putting off treatment carries health risks including:
Catching hormone imbalance early provides more options for effectively restoring optimal balance quickly with lifestyle adjustments possibly avoiding medication needs.
However, once definitive hormone deficiencies manifest medically, replacing declining levels becomes essential for halting and reversing downward trajectories to sustain wellness and longevity.
As the global population ages, bioidentical hormone therapy is growing rapidly as patients and practitioners recognize the protective benefits hormones provide throughout life.
With expanding interest, access to testing, prescriptions, compounds has also increased but selecting properly qualified practitioners is key.
At Butterfly Hormone Center, our carefully chosen team combines proven expertise across these specialties providing integrated, cutting edge restorative therapies personalized for optimal outcomes.
We help patients navigate bewildering options to create tailored plans promoting sustained vibrancy, health and function into later years.
Please reach out to schedule an informative consultation discovering if bioidentical hormone replacement is right for you.
With a mild four season climate and stunning natural scenery, Vernon provides an enjoyable setting to maintain an engaged, vibrant lifestyle through one’s maturing years.
The accessible health resources, recreational opportunities and community connections make hormone balancing therapy in Vernon both convenient and highly effective.
Bioidentical hormone therapy can provide benefits year round but early fall is often an opportune period to begin treatment in Vernon as:
However, the decision of when to initiate therapy is made jointly by patient and practitioner based on individual circumstances.
Vernon hosts state-of-the art medical labs making blood testing for hormone panels accessible:
Verify insurance coverage for hormone testing if needed.
Complementing hormone therapy, developing healthy lifestyle habits also contributes to better regulation and lasting results.
Some local establishments that can provide helpful resources include:
Along with traditional fitness pursuits, connect socially dancing, learning new skills, engaging with art and culture - nourishing mind, body and spirit.
Vernon offers abundant natural attractions from Kalamalka Lake to Silver Star Mountain Resort that make maintaining fitness fulfilling.
Local healthy eateries like The Garden Cafe provide nutritious dinning options important for optimizing hormonal balance through nutrition.
Staying active cultivating diverse interests both physically and mentally contributes vitally to therapy outcomes.
Butterfly Hormone Center collaborates with trusted local practitioners to offer holistic support services facilitating lasting success.
Please reach out to Butterfly Hormone Center anytime to begin your journey towards revitalized hormonal health.
