Hormones in the body regulate everything, right from energy and sleep to metabolism, mood, and sexual drive. Hormone levels start to deplete naturally as we age, which causes numerous symptoms that can affect overall life. Some signs of hormonal imbalance include mood changes, weight gain, hot flashes, and fatigue. If you have any of these symptoms and are located in Twin Falls, consider paying a visit to The Regenerative & Joint Clinic. The clinic offers Bioidentical Hormone Replacement Therapy for men and women alike and has a team of experts to guide them through the treatment. In this quick post, we will discuss in detail about BHRT.
Understanding Hormonal Imbalance
There are several hormones that decline with age. In women, estrogen and progesterone are two hormones that drop sharply with age, while in men, testosterone levels start to decline. There can also be changes in thyroid hormones. The causes can vary, but common ones include aging, menopause, stress, lifestyle factors, taking certain medications and surgeries. If you have a hormonal imbalance, you may experience symptoms like:
- Hot flashes
- Low libido or change in sexual drive
- Muscle loss
- Weight gain
- Joint stiffness
Note that these signs may vary between people. Some patients have all of them, while others only see intermittent or subtle changes.
What is Bioidentical Hormone Replacement Therapy?
Bioidentical Hormone Replacement Therapy, or BHRT, relies on hormones that are identical to natural hormones in the body at a chemical level. These hormones are usually derived from plant-based compounds but are structurally identical to natural hormones. Some research shows that there are potentially fewer side effects of BHRT in some patients. BHRT can be administered in numerous ways, including creams, gels, pellets, capsules, and patches. The treatment goal is to minimize the symptoms and restore hormonal balance to enhance overall quality of life.
Benefits of BHRT
BHRT benefits depend on the symptoms a patient has been experiencing. The treatment may offer relief from menopausal and perimenopausal symptoms, such as night sweats, vaginal dryness, and hot flashes. It also reduces brain fog, allowing the person to focus better on daily activities. Many patients also agree that their mood and sleep improved with the treatment. Other benefits include relief from many mental health conditions, such as depression and anxiety.
“Am I the ideal candidate?”
The answer isn’t that simple. Your doctor will do a series of tests to check your hormonal balance, and if they believe you can benefit from BHRT, they will recommend the same. Typically, BHRT is recommended for many women in their late 30s and beyond, especially if they have menopause and postmenopause symptoms. Men dealing with andropause, which refers to testosterone decline, can also benefit from BHRT. Note that the treatment isn’t for everyone.
BHRT Treatment Process
Your doctor will start with hormone evaluation, for which you will need lifestyle assessments with blood tests. If you are a good candidate, your doctor or healthcare provider will create a treatment plan. Creams and gels are usually applied to the skin, while they may also recommend patches or injections. Subcutaneous pellets are usually considered for extended release. You will need to go for regular checkups to ensure the treatment is going right. Your doctor will track results and adjust dosages, as needed. BHRT isn’t usually recommended for individuals with clotting disorders and cancers.
Takeaways
If you are experiencing hormonal decline or have symptoms that we discussed, you should at least visit a clinic for hormone replacement therapy in Twin Falls to get evaluated. Overall, BHRT has been emerging as a promising option, and many patients have talked about benefits like better mood, improved energy, and quality of life.
