Bioidentical Hormone Replacement Therapy (BHRT)

When our hormones become out of whack, everyday life can become a little more complicated. A drop in hormone levels can lead to issues with weight, hot flashes, brain fog and more.  A lot of people experiencing these symptoms have found relief with Bioidentical Hormone Replacement Therapy (BHRT).

In this article, you will know:

• What is Bioidentical Hormone Replacement Therapy (BHRT)?
• How is BHRT administered?
• Side Effects of Bioidentical Hormone Replacement Therapy
• Bioidentical Hormone Replacement Therapy and Direct Primary Care
• Is Bioidentical Hormone Replacement Therapy Safe?​
• BHRT and Menopause​
• BHRT and Weight Loss​
• Other Benefits of Bioidentical Hormone Replacement Therapy​

What is Bioidentical Hormone Replacement Therapy (BHRT)?

• BHRT is used to help balance hormones in both men and women
• BHRT can be used to ease symptoms of menopauseDone right, BHRT helps with brain fog, insulin resistance, fibromyalgia, osteoporosis, and cardiovascular risk.

BHRT is considered a more natural approach to hormone therapy. Unlike synthetic or equine hormones, bioidentical hormones are identical in molecular structure to the hormones that are made in the body.

This is why bioidentical hormone therapy is often called “natural hormone therapy.” Essentially, the bioidentical hormones act in our bodies just like the hormones that we naturally produce.

As men and women age, the level of key hormones produced in the body decreases. Those hormones include estrogen, progesterone, and testosterone. Having low levels of these hormones can cause the following symptoms:

• Hot Flashes
• Vaginal Dryness
• Night Sweats
• Erectile Dysfunction
• Wrinkles
• Pain During Sex
• Problems Sleeping
• Loss of Energy
• Loss of Muscle Mass
• Weight Gain
• Foggy Thinking
• Mood Changes

BHRT works to combat these symptoms by replacing the hormones that have been lost. With hormone therapy, the hormone levels will increase and the symptoms will get better.

Hormones also help control your body’s immune system and communication. Because of that, BHRT can also decrease your chances of developing serious health problems like diabetes and dementia. It can also help improve the look of your skin. In cancer patients, BHRT can help reduce pain levels.

How is BHRT administered?

Bioidentical hormones are chemically identical to the hormones that are produced by the human body. The most commonly replicated hormones during BHRT are estrogen, progesterone and testosterone. Bioidentical hormones come in a few different forms, including:

• Patches
• Pills
• Injections
• Gels
• Topical Creams

At Well Life ABQ, we provide our members with a FREE consultation on which method of administering bioidentical hormone replacement therapy will work best for your lifestyle. Once you start hormone therapy, levels and symptoms will be monitored.

Side Effects of Bioidentical Hormone Replacement Therapy

Studies show that hormone replacement therapy could have the following side effects.  These complications were noted in studies with oral hormone replacement and with equine hormones. These have not been noted with non-oral BHRT.  Close monitoring for risk factors and maintaining hormones levels in a safe range are very important to maximize benefits and minimize risk.

There are also side effects specifically associated with BHRT, especially when you start the therapy and your body works to adjust the hormones. They are more common when hormones are over-replaced or hormone metabolism isn’t properly supported. Hormone metabolism is a key feature that sets Well Life ABQ apart.  The side effects of BHRT can include:

• Acne
• Bloating
• Weight Gain
• Fatigue
• Mood Swings
• More Facial Hair in Women

Bioidentical Hormone Replacement Therapy and Direct Primary Care

In order to find out if Bioidentical Hormone Replacement Therapy is a good option for you, talk to your doctor about your symptoms and the risks and side effects associated with BHRT.

If you are an employer or employee that is covered by direct primary care in Albuquerque, New Mexico and are interested in receiving BHRT, come speak to our healthcare providers at Well Life ABQ.

Direct Primary Care is an approach to healthcare that a lot of employers are switching to due to its cost-saving benefits for both the employee and employer. Get in touch with us today to find out more!

Is Bioidentical Hormone Replacement Therapy Safe?

Some bioidentical hormones are made by drug companies with narrow dose and route options. It is expensive to obtain FDA approval for a drug, so most drug companies are not interested in naturally available products because those products can not obtain a patent.

Compounded bioidentical hormones are made by a pharmacy and are custom made according to specific patient needs. Dose, route, base, fillers can all be customized. The FDA has approved some preparations of bioidentical estradiol and progesterone. Those have been tested for safety and have passed the FDA’s strict standards.

But, the compounded hormones have not gone through FDA testing, this is something you can bring up with your doctor and talk about the safety, potential risks and any other concerns you may have.In 2002, the FDA placed a black box warning on women’s hormone replacement therapy products. This created some controversy and division in the medical community.

Bioidentical hormone replacement therapy is seen by many as an alternative to traditional hormone replacement therapy. Proponents of BHRT tout it as a safer alternative to hormone replacement therapy.

BHRT and Menopause

BHRT is commonly used to treat menopause with estrogen therapy. This can help alleviate hot flashes, night sweats and other symptoms of menopause like vaginal burning, discomfort with intercourse, dryness and itching. The key for maximum safety is physiologic doses and supporting hormone metabolism.

BHRT and Weight Loss

Can bioidentical hormone replacement therapy help you lose weight? When you develop an imbalance in hormones, one of the most common symptoms is weight gain.

Fatigue is another common symptom which can make working out extremely hard for people with a hormonal imbalance. Replacing those hormones through BHRT can help you lose weight and restore your energy levels and vitality.

With BHRT, men and women have seen an increase in lean body mass and a reduction in body fat. This allows for a much easier time losing weight, when a proper diet and exercise routine is followed.BHRT should not be looked at as a quick fix for weight loss and it is not intended for use solely for weight loss. But, BHRT is associated with weight loss because hormone imbalances lead to many problems with weight. Once the hormone imbalance is resolved, you will have a much easier time losing weight and keeping it off.

Other Benefits of Bioidentical Hormone Replacement Therapy

• Lowered risk of osteoporosis
• Lowered risk of heart disease
• Increase energy
• Boost in libido
• Promotes weight loss and weight management
• Increases your overall quality of life