Bio-identical Hormone replacement therapy, commonly referred to as BHRT is used to reduce symptoms associated with menopause, perimenopause and post menopause. This is achieved through supplementary doses of hormones that have identical chemical structure of endogenous hormones like Estrogen, Progesterone and Testosterone.
Imbalance in hormones creates unpleasant symptoms in our body, especially in women who are nearing menopause. The hormones are created customarily to suite the requirements of each individual patient, though there are different ready sets available in the market from which a suitable dose of hormone can be chosen. Before administration of the therapy, a series of tests are conducted to determine the exact form of therapy that should be carried on by specifying which hormones are out of balance in the body.
How to Detect Hormone Imbalance?
Listening to the body properly will let you know if there is hormonal imbalance in your body or not. That is not sufficient to determine it specifically, as proper diagnosis and administration of treatment is vital in successful treatment in BHRT. The excess secretion of estrogen hormone can overlap the symptoms that indicate progesterone deficiency.
It is important to distinctively determine the imbalance of hormone through proper tests before administering the therapy as every person has different life-styles, hormone levels and metabolic rates. Salivary test and blood test will provide enough details about the hormone imbalance.
Why People Need BHRT Treatment?
With ageing the production of hormones in the body continues to decrease gradually, until stopping altogether at some stage of life. The deficiency of hormones will play havoc on the body, especially for women who are going through menopausal problems. There are various potential symptoms associated with hormonal imbalance in women nearing menopause like
- Cardiovascular problems
- Hot flashes
- Palpitations
- Dryness and itching in vagina
- Urinary tract problems
- Weak bones
- Abnormal bleeding and discharge from vagina
- Pain during coitus
- Muscular aches
- Joint pains
- Dry and itchy skin
- Restless sleep
- Swelling
- Mood swings
- Depression
- Fatigue
Unlike medications which deal with the symptoms, BHRT treats and cures the source of the problem. Once the missing hormones are replenished, most of the symptoms either reduce in intensity to stop altogether.
Though it needs substantial proof, it is claimed that BHRT can be used to successfully treat dementia, osteoporosis and longevity. BHRT treatment addresses the problem of hormone imbalance effectively, thus nullifying their ill effects on the body. In addition a proper lifestyle and diet should be followed to increase the success rate of hormone replacement therapy. The hormones can be replaced by oral intake, injections, suppository, creams, gels and dermal patches.
When administered by an expert in the right dosages, Bio-identical Hormone Replacement Therapy is known to increase the quality of life to a great level, providing relief for women from anxiety, depression and undue mental stress.
How Are BHRT Hormones Prepared?
Bio-identical hormones are created with the exact molecular structure of the hormones naturally prepared by human body so that they can have the same effects of those hormones. They are considered natural products which has prevented pharmaceutical companies from patenting them. Often they are derived from natural sources like soy, yams, pigs or horses. The hormones which are produced synthetically in the labs are also called natural as their structure is same as natural hormones.