It’s not unusual for new versions of existing therapy to be brought to the market. The world of medicine and pharmaceuticals is one of constant development. For example, hormone replacement therapy (HRT) is not a new process. However, the latest buzz in the HRT world concerns bioidentical HRT (BHRT). What’s it all about?
The following article will explain what bioidentical hormones are, what makes BHRT Miami different from standard HRT, and the benefits plus any risks. Let’s start with a quick look at hormones in general and their purpose.
Why Hormones are Important
Two main hormones are involved in HRT: testosterone, which is prevalent in men, and estrogen, the dominant female hormone. These chemicals are produced naturally by our bodies and act as message carriers to the organs and the neural system. They have a great deal of influence over the development of the body as we grow.
Both the mentioned hormones fade in production terms as we age. They can also be affected by lifestyle and habits, including diet, smoking, lack of exercise, and excess alcohol intake. The result can be quite prominent, and in men especially can lead to loss of sex drive, erectile dysfunction, a general feeling of poor health, and depression. In women, the reduction in estrogen production brings about menopause.
HRT is a proven method of restoring some level of hormone in the body and usually takes a patch, pills, or an injection. It is a successful routine that many millions of people have undergone. So, what are bioidentical hormones, and why is this a subject that is gathering a great deal of press? Let’s find out why BHRT is big news in Doral.
Bioidentical Hormones Explained
The fuss surrounding bioidentical hormones in Aventura is mainly regarded to claims of them being safer than standard HRT. It should be mentioned that this method of hormone therapy is still in its early days, but there have been many patients who have undergone the treatment. Bioidentical hormones are derived from plant estrogen, hence claims that this is a natural form of HRT. While some dispute these claims, there is no reason to believe those who have proven BHRT to be successful and popular.
The hormones used in regular HRT are also synthetic. Most HRT hormones are extracted from the urine of pregnant horses. This rather unfortunate fact puts many people off HRT, hence the preference for BHRT, which is plant-based. As the name suggests, although made from plants, bioidentical hormones are chemically identical to those produced by the body.
Before we move on to look at the benefits of BHRT, we must make a distinction between the two types. Certain types of BHRT have been passed as safe for use by the Food and Drugs Administration in the USA. Those that have been given are all manufactured by pharmaceutical companies. The second type of BHRT is known as ‘compounded bioidentical hormones. A pharmacy creates these at a doctor’s request, who determines the best ingredients for an individual patient. As of now, this sort of BHRT has not been passed by the FDA. We recommend you stick to a BHRT regime that uses FDA-approved ingredients.
Benefits Compared to Regular HRT
It is always best to learn all you can about bioidentical hormones – and indeed HRT – before you chose to go ahead with the program. As these are products that are very new to the market, they are carefully monitored for safety and effectiveness. The main difference – as we have already mentioned – is the plant-based ingredient. Let’s look at the symptoms of hormone deficiency, so we can understand why an individual may decide to undergo BHRT:
- hot flushes
- night sweats
- mood changes
- memory loss
- Gaining weight
- sleep issues
- loss of sexual appetite or pain during sex
The above list represents symptoms for both men and women, with some more prevalent in women. There is also some evidence that both HRT and BHRT restore the essential well-being of an individual, which when we consider the symptom above should come as no surprise. So, is BHRT completely safe? Let’s look at the possible side effects and risks.
Risks Involved in Bioidentical HRT
Any procedure that involves introducing a synthetic or natural substance into the body carries some level of risk. This applies to both regular hormone replacement therapy as well as BHRT. It is always recommended to talk to a medical professional in Coral Gables before deciding to go down either route for hormone therapy. Following are some of the often-reported side-effects of BHRT:
- Outbreaks of acne
- Frequent bloating
- Increase in weight gain
- Unusual fatigue
- Frequent mood swings
- Increase in facial hair in women
Each of the above should be reported if you have undergone the procedure and experience these side effects. While they may not appear to be serious, each can be highly upsetting to the patient. The following are some severe conditions that have been with hormone replacement in general, rather than BHRT specifically:
- Blood clots
- Stroke
- Gallbladder disease
- Heart disease
- Breast cancer
There are obvious risks with both HRT and BHRT, and an assessment by a doctor is essential. For some patients – women in particular – it may be inadvisable to undergo any form of hormone therapy due to past or present medical issues, so please talk to your doctor and see what options are available.
Is BHRT for You?
We’ve covered the differences between HRT and BHRT, the latter of which is a natural method of hormone replacement theory. Furthermore, we’ve also explained that while there are risks associated with BHRT, those same risks are present with traditional HRT. Which method is correct for you – or if you should be undergoing HRT at all – is for discussion between the individual and a qualified medical professional. They will be able to assess your suitability for either procedure. We hope we have helped you understand BHRT and what this new form of therapy brings to the table.
The Editorial Team at Healthcare Business Today is made up of skilled healthcare writers and experts, led by our managing editor, Daniel Casciato, who has over 25 years of experience in healthcare writing. Since 1998, we have produced compelling and informative content for numerous publications, establishing ourselves as a trusted resource for health and wellness information. We offer readers access to fresh health, medicine, science, and technology developments and the latest in patient news, emphasizing how these developments affect our lives.