Some of the frustrating changes that come along with menopause and hormonal dips are inflammation, hair, and skin-related changes, hot flashes, brain fog, and a lack of energy. The hormones do their job of normalizing balance throughout the body to keep all its systems running properly. But once hormone levels drop, the most tried-and-true way to reinstate balance is with bioidentical hormone replacement therapy (BHRT). Here’s everything you need to know about the benefits of BHRT to determine if it is right for you.
Understanding BHRT: What It Is and How It Works
BHRT is a popular hormone-regulating treatment with many benefits that help to improve the effects of changing hormone levels. BHRT relies upon synthetic hormones that are most like the body’s natural hormones. By introducing hormones to the body, current imbalances and low hormone levels become normalized, leading to a better balance. The typical symptoms associated with low hormone levels are alleviated by improving hormone levels in the body.
The most common hormonal changes include lower amounts of estrogen in women experiencing menopause and perimenopause and a decrease in testosterone in men. These changes can affect everything from weight gain to dry skin, hair growth patterns, and more.
BHRT is a suitable option for both men and women experiencing side effects of hormone changes that are due to natural aging. However, BHRT is not a one-size-fits-all solution, and the hormones and dose must be customized to your needs.
Some hormone replacement therapies use a multitude of different hormones, but with BHRT, only synthetic, plant-derived hormones like those naturally found in the body are used. BHRT works using a lock-and-key formation, with the hormones resembling keys that interact with specific cells to unlock them and keep the body functioning smoothly and how it is designed to work.
The Advantages of BHRT
There are several benefits to BRHT. Most patients see improvements in their energy levels, skin, sex drive, and hair once hormone levels are increased to the proper and stable levels. Noticeable changes that come from BHRT include:
- Increased energy levels
- Better sleep
- Improved mood
- Increased muscle mass and bone density
- A decrease in fatty tissue
- Increased strength, coordination, and physical performance
- Improvement in skin tone and hair texture
- Concentration, mental clarity, and memory may improve
- Improvement in overall physical and sexual health
- Less anxiety and irritability
- Improvement of menopausal symptoms in women
Women often use BHRT when their hormone levels drop dramatically because of perimenopause or menopause. By increasing hormones that have tapered off, menopause symptoms, including the following, improve:
- Night sweats
- Hot flashes
- Mood swings and changes
- Memory issues
- Weight gain
- Sleeplessness
- A lack of libido
- Pain during sex
- Dry skin
- Thinning hair
Safety Considerations
BHRT is a safe and well-tolerated treatment, but it’s important to always be under the watchful eye of a skilled physician who understands the ins and outs of BHRT treatments. The hormones used in BHRT are FDA-approved and have been tested for safety. However, like all hormone treatments, there are potential risks involved.
Common FAQs
- What are the common benefits of BHRT?
BHRT can reduce or eliminate symptoms of menopause and andropause. Since the hormones used are most like those naturally produced by the body, BHRT generally produces fewer side effects and adverse reactions. With BHRT, you can see improvement in moods and emotional balance, hot flashes, concentration and memory, increased bone strength, lowered risk of some diseases such as endometrial and breast cancer and Alzheimer’s disease, and less vaginal dryness.
- Are there any potential side effects or risks associated with BHRT?
As with any elective hormone treatment, there are risks and side effects to be aware of. Potential side effects include weight gain, bloating, acne, mood swings, fatigue, breast tenderness, spotting, increased facial hair (in women), headaches, and nausea. As with many side effects, these may occur when the body adjusts to the hormones.
- How does the cost of BHRT compare to traditional hormone therapy, and can insurance cover BHRT treatments?
The cost of BHRT is influenced by several factors, and since it is a customized treatment, it may be more expensive than traditional hormone therapies. Since BHRT is elective, it may not be covered by your insurance, but check with your provider to see if it is covered.
