Hormonal imbalance is real and can affect men and women alike. Hormones are necessary for most bodily functions, but as we age, hormone production drops considerably. This can impact the body in adverse ways. There are a few tell-a-tale signs of hormonal imbalance, and if you experience them, it’s important to consult a doctor. In Lady Lake, doctors like Kalpana Desai MD, offer various options in treatments, including bioidentical hormone replacement therapy (BHRT). In this post, we are discussing all your must-know-about BHRT.
The Basics
For the unversed, bioidentical hormone replacement therapy (BHRT) is typically used for easing common symptoms related to hormonal imbalance. BHRT relies on hormones that are identical to the hormones naturally produced in the body, hence the name. The hormones used are made from plant estrogens and can be used to treat symptoms of thyroid and adrenal disorders, menopause, osteoporosis, and insulin resistance. Bioidentical hormone replacement therapy can be used for men and women alike. Three common hormones that are typically replaced by bioidentical hormones include estrogen, progesterone, and testosterone.
How Does It Work?
If your hormone levels have declined due to age and your doctor finds it necessary to recommend bioidentical hormone replacement therapy, the treatment plan will be considered accordingly. Bioidentical hormones come in the form of patches, pills, creams, gels, and injections. In some cases, bioidentical hormones are made to meet specific prescription requests, which is also known as compounding. It is important to understand that the treatment is different than that of standard hormone replacement therapy that relies on synthetic hormones. Unlike bioidentical hormones, synthetic hormones are made from various sources, including the urine of some animals. Both BHRT and HRT can help people dealing with hormonal imbalance, and it is absolutely necessary to ensure that the advantages outweigh the risks for your case.
Meeting a Doctor
Just because you believe that you have reduced hormone levels doesn’t mean you can choose hormone replacement therapy. Your doctor will suggest a series of tests and screenings to determine if you are an ideal candidate for the HRT. Also, it is wise to ask all questions related to BHRT, including how the bioidentical hormones have been derived or made. With timely treatment, you don’t have to deal with the unwanted side effects of reduced hormone production, which may vary from person to person. Meet an experienced doctor now to find more on both BHRT and HRT.
