Bioidentical Hormones Replacement Therapy vs. Traditional Hormone Replacement Therapy

 

There’s no doubt that hormone replacement therapy (HRT) can be a life-changing solution for men and women experiencing an array of frustrating symptoms related to hormonal imbalance or fluctuating hormones. In addition to traditional HRT, bioidentical hormone replacement therapy is also a highly sought-after option for a number of reasons. 

 

Hormone fluctuations that people experience during menopause or andropause can cause physical and emotional changes such as mood swings, insomnia, lethargy, brain fog, lack of energy, dry skin, hair loss, and more. Whether you’re a man or a woman, these symptoms can affect your lifestyle and even your productivity.

 

Fortunately, there is a therapeutic treatment that helps to balance out your hormone levels and thereby alleviate the symptoms, and it’s called hormone replacement therapy. This therapy comes in either traditional or bioidentical forms — there are differences and similarities of these treatments of specialized therapy.

 

Traditional Hormone Replacement Therapy

 

The conventional method of hormone replacement therapy uses synthetic hormones that mimic natural human hormones. Hormone replacement therapy (HRT) is an innovative treatment designed to restore a patient’s hormones to the normal physiologic range in order to minimize or reverse the unwanted side effects of hormone imbalance, menopause, and other conditions. 

 

While there are several approaches for HRT, it typically involves administering synthetic hormones at regular intervals and closely monitoring the patient’s hormone levels and symptoms over time to ensure consistent levels and long-lasting symptom relief. Some of the most common complaints that can be dramatically improved with hormone replacement therapy include:

 

  • Weight gain
  • Loss of muscle mass
  • Loss of bone density/osteoporosis
  • Hair loss
  • Hot flashes
  • Night sweats
  • Mood swings
  • Depression and anxiety
  • Fatigue
  • Low libido
  • Low energy
  • Brain fog

 

Most doctors still employ this traditional method of hormone replacement therapy because it is easy. However, a patient who is receiving traditional hormone replacement therapy may go through a lengthy process of trial-and-error before finding the right dosage that works to reduce their symptoms.

 

 

 

Who Is A Candidate For Hormone Replacement Therapy?

 

Both men and women can benefit greatly from hormone replacement therapy. While some people think of HRT as being reserved for older patients who are experiencing symptoms of menopause and andropause, it can actually be a fantastic option for patients as young as 30, who often begin to notice the early side effects of declining hormone levels.

 

During your initial consultation for HRT your doctor will take a thorough health history, draw labs, and perform any other necessary studies to determine if hormone replacement therapy is safe and appropriate for you.

 

Bioidentical Hormone Replacement Therapy

 

Bioidentical hormone replacement therapy (BHRT) involves the use of plant-based hormones that mimic human hormones, and the treatment is compounded to customize the dosage for the individual patient. Compounding involves mixing and combining one or more medicines in order to provide the patient with a specific dosage of necessary ingredients.

 

If you are interested in receiving bioidentical hormone replacement therapy, your healthcare provider will first conduct tests to measure your various hormone levels – such as estrogen for women and testosterone for men. Then, your specialist will select the formulation according to your needs and preference and create the proper dosage that will alleviate your symptoms – with the fewest side effects possible.

 

Customized Medicine Just For You

 

Bioidentical hormone replacement therapy comes in pill, cream, patch, gel, pellet, or injection form. It is an excellent treatment that is created only for you, and it is known for its minimal side effects and reduced health risks while giving you back the spring in your step.

 

Unlike traditional hormone replacement therapy, BHRT can be modified to have lower levels of progesterone. Healthcare providers who offer bioidentical hormone replacement therapy usually take their time with their patients and educate them on the benefits, risks, and precautions while on BHRT.

 

Bioidentical hormone therapy is one of the regenerative medicine treatments offered at Integrative Telemedicine. Our physicians will perform a comprehensive evaluation of your condition in order to determine which treatment might be best for you. They will explain your options so that you can make a decision you’re most comfortable with.

If you have any questions or would like to schedule a consultation, call our friendly staff today at (520) 396-4866 or fill out our online request form. We look forward to being your healthcare partner!

 

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