Bio-identical Hormone Therapy, also known as BHRT or natural hormone therapy, has gained popularity over the last few years. This natural approach is much gentler on both our bodies and the environment.
The Difference Between Natural and Synthetic Hormones
Unlike synthetic hormones, bio-identical hormones work with the body because they have the same molecular structure as the hormones the body would make naturally. These natural hormones are metabolized and excreted from the body. On the other hand, synthetic hormones are foreign to the body and are much more difficult to metabolize, which makes your body work harder than it should. Natural progesterone is made from either soy or wild yams, whereas synthetic hormones are a mix of chemicals meant to mimic hormones.
Unfortunately, live animals are used in synthetic hormone testing and they aren’t treated humanely, so the cost of synthetic hormones goes far beyond just the harmful side effects humans suffer.
How To Tell If You Should Consider Hormone Replacement Therapy
BHRT [bio-identical hormone therapy] can be an appropriate choice for women as they enter pre-menopausal, menopausal, or post-menopausal stages of their life.
Women’s Symptoms
Estrogen is a hormone that is used for female physical characteristics and for the reproductive system. Estrogen is produced in the ovaries, fat cells, and adrenal glands. There are three types of estrogen: Estrone (E1), Estradiol (E2) and Estriol (E3). Estrogen plays a role in:
- Fertility
- Bone formation
- Blood clotting
- Thickness of the vaginal wall
- Vaginal lubrication
- Mood
- Skin
- Hair
- Mucus membranes
As women age, estrogen levels decline naturally. With this decline, symptoms can be:
- Hot flashes
- Cold chills
- Dry Skin
- Fatigue
- Mental fatigue
- Bone Loss
- Weight gain
- Poor memory
- Dry hair
- Easily irritated
- Mood swing
- Anxiety
- Depression
- Food Cravings
- Low Libido
- Vaginal Dryness
- Pain with intercourse
- Night sweats
- Stiff or painful joints
- Urinary incontinence
- Frequent bladder infections
- Wrinkles
How BHRT Can Help Outside Of Menopause
If you have PMS, heavy cramps, painful periods, and other symptoms, you may still benefit from bio-identical hormone therapy. A hormone test will tell us what kind of hormone imbalance exists.
How To Test For Hormone Imbalance
Blood and saliva tests are the two most popular options for investigating a potential hormone imbalance. For women, it is usually best to test around day 21 of a 28-day cycle. The test can be done in our Phoenix office and results will be back in just a few days. Once we have the results, we’ll work together to get your hormones back in balance, decreasing symptoms allowing you to experience life in a way that maybe you haven’t been able to for years.
After being treated with Estrogen Replacement Therapy, patients reported having better sleep, better attitudes on life and the ability to cope or handle stress better. There were also clinical improvements including fewer UTI’s, a decrease in hot flashes and stronger bones.
Schedule an Estrogen Replacement Therapy Consultation
If you are experiencing the symptoms of low estrogen, schedule a consultation. Dr. Burns will be able to answer all your questions regarding the therapy and determine if you are a candidate for treatment, restoring your hormone levels to their natural and youthful state with BHRT.