Hormones in your body control and regulate a majority of your bodily functions such as digestion, growth, mood, libido, and immune function. If your hormone levels become out of balance, you may notice negative changes to your overall health and bodily functions.
Hormone replacement therapies are a common treatment method for hormone imbalances. Bioidentical hormone therapy (BHT) is one type of hormone replacement therapy that is frequently used to treat and ease symptoms of menopause and perimenopause. Additionally, BHT can be used to improve symptoms related to the following:
- Symptoms from cancer treatments
- Fibromyalgia
- Osteoporosis
- Insulin resistance
- Thyroid and adrenal disorders
Where do Bioidentical Hormones come from?
Bioidentical hormones are developed from plant estrogens that are identical to the hormones produced by the human body–estradiol (estrogen), progesterone, and testosterone. This helps reduce the risk of side effects sometimes caused by other synthetically produced hormones.
How is Bioidentical Hormone Therapy Administered?
Bioidentical hormones can be administered in the following forms:
- Injections
- Pills
- Gels or creams
- Patches
- Pellets
What is Bioidentical Hormone Therapy Used to Treat?
BHT is most commonly used to treat hormone imbalances in both men and women, as well as the symptoms of menopause and perimenopause which include:
- Hot flashes or night sweats
- Loss of memory
- Mood swings
- Difficulty sleeping
- Weight gain
- Loss of libido or pain experienced during sex
In addition to menopause and perimenopause symptoms, BHT can also reduce your risk level for cataracts, osteoporosis, diabetes, and tooth decay.
How do I know if I should be using Bioidentical Hormone Therapy?
To determine if bioidentical hormone therapy is the best option for you, you should consult a physician that specializes in hormone therapy. There is no substitute for sitting down and discussing your medical history, symptoms, and concerns with your gynecologic health care provider, however, hormone testing can be helpful when the pattern of symptoms is confusing.
If you and your doctor agree that BHT treatment would improve your symptoms, proper hormone levels are determined using the comprehensive BioTE blood work analysis before creating a custom treatment that’s right for you.
Contact Chapel Hill Gynecology
For more information about whether bioidentical may be right for you, contact Chapel Hill Gynecology. Dr. Karen Clark has extensive experience in working with her patients to find the hormone regimen that is just right for each individual. Call 919-960-2720 to schedule an appointment or request an appointment online.
