Every day, many women worldwide are looking for a functional solution to ease the symptoms of menopause. Likewise, younger women are looking for a solution to treat peri menopausal symptoms and combat the start of menopause.
Most of these women are looking for an alternative to synthetic hormone replacement. Port Orchard Natural Medicine & Aesthetics offers the best hormone replacement therapy for all these women – Bioidentical Hormone Replacement Therapy. We want to assist you in enjoying optimal health as you age.
What is Bioidentical Hormone Replacement Therapy?
Bioidentical hormone replacement therapy (BHRT) is a term used to describe the treatment of female hormones using hormones from plants to produce estrogen, progesterone, and testosterone, to name a few. BHRT pellets are an effective method of delivering bioidentical hormones that closely resemble the molecular structure of human hormones.
Best Hormone Replacement Treatment for Menopausal Symptoms
Since BHRT can produce the bioidentical hormones naturally found in the human body, it can successfully construct the exact hormones needed to ease the symptoms of early menopause itself, increase overall health and mental well-being, and help younger women curb the onset of menopause.
Bioidentical Hormone Replacement Therapy vs. Hormone Replacement Therapy
The hormones used in bioidentical hormone replacement therapy are chemically identical to the hormones naturally produced by our bodies and are derived from plants.
This is different from synthetic hormone replacement therapy, which uses non-bioidentical hormones made from the urine of pregnant horses and other sources.
Is BHRT Safer Than HRT?
Yes! Bioidentical hormone therapy is a safer and more effective alternative to synthetic hormones.
Research shows fewer side effects and adverse outcomes with bioidentical hormones derived from natural sources like soy and yams, which have the same molecular structure as the hormones produced in the body.
This allows them to fit perfectly into the body’s hormone receptors, optimizing bodily function.
Harmful Side Effects Of Synthetic Hormone Replacement Therapy
Women prefer Bioidentical Hormone Replacement Therapy since it is a safer, more patient-oriented approach to treating menopause and menopausal symptoms effectively. Instead of increasing cardiovascular risk, it decreases it, prevents dementia, and improves overall quality of life.
Here are a few of the health risks and side effects of synthetic hormone replacement treatment:
Serious Health Complications – Research studies have shown that there are certain risks associated with taking synthetic hormones. These risks include an increased risk of blood clots, stroke, and gallbladder and liver disease. If you are older or use synthetic hormonal therapy for an extended period, your risk of heart disease and breast cancer may also increase.
Dangers of Synthetic Estrogen – Side effects such as breast tenderness, nausea, vomiting, bloating, stomach cramps, headaches, weight gain, hyperpigmentation of the skin, hair loss, vaginal dryness and itching, abnormal uterine and vaginal bleeding, and anaphylaxis.
Bioidentical Hormone Replacement Therapy (BHRT) - The Functional Medicine Approach
Bioidentical hormone replacement therapy, at times confused with hormone replacement therapy (HRT), begins with hormone therapy that involves introducing hormones back into the body to mimic what your ovaries naturally produce before menopause – using functional medicine as a holistic and natural approach.
The Objective of Hormone Optimization Therapy for Women
When hormone levels are balanced in women, it can significantly improve their quality of life and relieve symptoms associated with hormone imbalances.
The Holistic Approach: Various Hormone Replacement Therapies
Estrogen Replacement Treatment
Progesterone Replacement Treatment
BHRT provides a solution with bio-identical progesterone that is chemically identical to the hormone produced by the body. It aims to restore normal levels and alleviate symptoms of progesterone deficiency. Common symptoms indicating a need for progesterone replacement include irregular periods, mood swings, anxiety, insomnia, and low libido. BHRT’s bio-identical progesterone has fewer side effects, if any, compared to synthetic hormones.Progesterone Replacement Treatment
BHRT provides a solution with bio-identical progesterone that is chemically identical to the hormone produced by the body. It aims to restore normal levels and alleviate symptoms of progesterone deficiency.
Common symptoms indicating a need for progesterone replacement include irregular periods, mood swings, anxiety, insomnia, and low libido. BHRT’s bio-identical progesterone has fewer side effects, if any, compared to synthetic hormones.
Testosterone Replacement Therapy
The Importance of Testosterone Replacement Therapy For Menopause Symptoms
Poor Libido
Symptoms such as poor libido can be improved by replacing testosterone levels with estrogen therapy. However, despite the prevalence of sexual dysfunction in women, testosterone therapy has not received enough attention or research. As female sexuality becomes less taboo, more doctors and patients are considering testosterone therapy as a viable option. It has been shown to improve sexual desire, responsiveness, and frequency of sexual activity in menopausal women.Mood
Women experience more mood swings and depression than men due to hormonal imbalances, specifically low levels of testosterone. Studies have shown that testosterone therapy can improve energy, motivation, and overall well-being in women.Weight and Muscle Mass
Testosterone replacement therapy in hyperandrogenic postmenopausal women has been shown to protect against obesity, which can, in turn, reduce the risk of developing type 2 diabetes and coronary heart disease.Bone Health
Lower testosterone levels indicate osteoporosis in women, specifically postmenopausal women. Estrone and estradiol levels do not significantly contribute to height loss, but lower bioavailable testosterone levels independently predict future height loss. Additional structures such as ligaments and tendons are weaker with low levels of testosterone which can lead to injury.Testosterone replacement, when combined with estradiol therapy, is more effective in increasing bone density than estradiol alone. SKIN HEALTH Collagen and elastin start to decrease in our 20’s. BHRT including testosterone and estrogen stimulates the production of collagen and elastin making our skin stronger and more hydrated. This not only helps the appearance of our skin but also the health of our vagina’s and urinary tract.How Does Bioidentical Hormone Replacement Therapy For Women Work?
Hormone Pellet Therapy For Women
Pellet therapy is a solution for women experiencing hormone imbalances from postmenopause or younger women with a decline in their testosterone levels. Bioidentical hormones are identical in structure to natural hormones. This hormone replacement therapy involves inserting a subcutaneous pellet to deliver the necessary hormones. The procedure is quick and straightforward. Consistent levels of hormones are delivered, and since the treatment is customizable, it can help women get the exact levels they need of estrogen and testosterone.Types of Menopausal Hormone Therapy
The type of BHRT you receive depends on your individual needs and medical history. Here’s a quick overview:
- Combination hormone therapy: This includes both estrogen, progesterone, and testosterone. It is called combination therapy, as it focuses on the replacement of more than one hormone. This is the optimal way to do BHRT for most women.
- Systemic hormone therapy, such as Estrogen-only therapy: Typically prescribed for women who have had a hysterectomy, but typically, women have less anxiety and sleep better if progesterone is included.
- Low-dose therapy: Starts with the lowest effective dose and gradually increases if needed, minimizing potential side effects such as post-menopausal bleeding, which can be a risk for endometrial cancer if ignored long-term.
- Testosterone only therapy: Typically for women who still have their menses. Declining levels can lead to fatigue, low moods, declining muscle tone, premature aging skin and low libido as early as in their 20’s.
Benefits of Bioidentical Hormone Replacement for Women
Thyroid Health
Hormone therapy may help relieve the symptoms of thyroid problems and may restore a patient’s physical and emotional well-being. In functional medicine, low-dose thyroid replacement is often administered even with normal but suboptimal labs labs. Thyroid panels are ordered, not just screening TSH. When suboptimal thyroid function is treated with low-dose thyroid replacement, symptoms of fatigue and sluggish digestion and metabolism are often relieved. Thyroid replacement is often customized to address imbalances in T4/ T3.Weight Loss
BHRT can reduce weight gain by balancing hormone levels within the body. Bioidentical hormone replacement therapy may be helpful for the relief of metabolic syndrome symptoms. Improvement in cholesterol and blood sugar levels decreases cardiovascular risk.Improved Comfort Levels
Bioidentical hormone therapy can significantly improve the overall comfort levels of those who suffer from menopause.Healthy Gut
The ‘gut-hormone connection’ is a significant link to hormonal imbalance and has been receiving greater attention than ever before. Various factors, such as imbalances in gut bacteria and nutrient deficiencies, can cause hormone imbalances. They can significantly affect women’s overall health and well-being during their monthly cycle and menopause. OTHER HORMONESFurthermore, several hormones need to be evaluated in most patients. This includes cortisol, crucial in regulating energy levels, weight and managing stress. Free T3 and Free T4 levels are indicative of thyroid function along with thyroid antibodies. DHEA and Vitamin D are also important to be optimized as we age. .Our Bioidentical Hormone Replacement Therapy Process
At Port Orchard Natural Medicine & Aesthetics, we believe in a personalized path to hormonal well-being, and here is our roadmap to achieving precisely that.
- Initial Consultation: Our first consultation is a deep-dive discovery. We begin with a comprehensive 1-hour consultation that covers your health history, current health status, and concerns.
- Hormonal Testing: Through targeted laboratory testing, the patient’s hormone levels are tested and measured against optimal lab results.
- Tailored Roadmap: We determine the optimal bioidentical hormone replacement therapy to achieve the desired health and overall well-being results based on the hormone tests.
- Guiding Hand: Our commitment extends beyond the initial plan. We monitor your progress, celebrate milestones, and adjust the course as needed, ensuring harmony every step of the way.
Hormone Replacement Therapy That Works!
Schedule a consultation with Dr. Robertson from Port Orchard Natural Medicine & Aesthetics today to begin hormone therapy for perimenopause and menopause that works.
We use functional medicine to help your body curb the side effects of menopause while ensuring you reach optimal overall health.
Achieving hormonal harmony is a journey, and we’re here to support you every step of the way.
