Bioidentical hormone replacement therapy (BHRT) is a hormone replacement therapy option that uses plant-based, non-synthetic hormones. Compared to natural human hormones, the hormones used with BHRT are biologically identical. BioTE medical pellet therapy is a very common method for introducing the hormones into the body to alleviate issues associated with menopause and andropause, such as hot flashes, fatigue and low libido.
Using BHRT for Menopause
Menopause can cause a variety of discomforts and it is an inevitable part of the aging process. Women often experience problems like low libido, hair and skin changes, hot flashes and trouble sleeping. While traditional hormone replacement therapy is typically effective, it comes with the risk of potentially severe side effects. BHRT works to provide the same results without many of the risks.
When a woman enters menopause, she may experience symptoms that gradually get worse for a decade or longer, depending on the woman. This natural therapy can help to alleviate the following common symptoms of menopause:
- Fatigue
- Difficulty concentrating or remembering things
- Irritability and anxiety
- Bladder irritability
- Reduction in skin elasticity
- Decreased libido
- Experiencing mood swings
- Feeling depressed
- Hot flashes
- Vaginal dryness
- Weight gain or having a hard time losing weight
- Night sweats
- Trouble sleeping
Doctors will meet with the patient and perform a full workup to determine overall hormone levels. Once determined, the doctor creates a tailored dosage and administration schedule to restore the patient’s hormones to a healthy level. This ensures a greater quality of life for the patient by balancing her hormones and relieving her symptoms.
Using BHRT for Andropause
Andropause, sometimes called “male menopause,” occurs when there is a decline in the male hormone testosterone. This hormone starts to naturally decline by about one percent per year once men reach their 30th birthday. When this hormone starts to decrease, it can cause a number of symptoms and health issues because maintaining balanced testosterone levels is critical for men’s health.
This form of hormone replacement therapy uses naturally derived hormones that share the same chemical and molecular structures as the hormones already present in the body. This reduces the risk of side effects that often occur with traditional hormone replacement therapy. Using these hormones to balance testosterone levels works to alleviate many of the health issues and symptoms that can occur as a result of andropause, including:
- Increased body fat
- Fragile bones
- Tenderness and swelling in the male breast tissue
- Increased fatigue
- Reduction in the mass and strength of the muscles
- Reduction in male body hair
- Hot flashes
- Abnormal cholesterol metabolism
- Feelings of depression and sadness
- Difficulty with concentration and memory
- Lack of male fertility
- Erectile dysfunction
- Low male libido
- Alterations in the production of red blood cells
While the amount is much lower, women also need balanced testosterone levels to achieve optimal health. Low testosterone levels in women can lead to the following symptoms:
- Decreased libido
- Depressed mood
- Persistent fatigue
- Low energy levels
Balancing the female hormones, as well as testosterone levels in the female body, relieves these symptoms. This type of hormone therapy works to ensure balance by providing the exact dose of testosterone, as well as other necessary female hormones.
Bioidentical hormone replacement therapy is a viable option for patients who are seeking relief from menopause or andropause using natural means. This type of therapy provides natural hormones that are identical to the hormones already present in the body. This results in a higher level of safety and efficacy for patients undergoing therapy. Your healthcare provider will provide you with full information on this therapy so that you fully understand how it works and what to expect as you continue with your treatment.