Bioidentical Hormone Replacement TherapyWilloughby Hills, OH
Hormones are a critical part of the human body. They control many basic bodily functions and serve as a communication system between cells. Hormones influence everything from immune function, overall brain function, libido, appetite, mood, and more.
Sometimes, for various reasons, these hormones drop or become imbalanced. This imbalance can have a significant effect on a person’s health and wellbeing. People typically seek hormone replacement treatments to help mitigate the symptoms and realign their system. One such option is bioidentical hormone replacement therapy.
At VitalHealth Partners in Willoughby Hills, we provide bioidentical hormone replacement therapy. Our team can assess patients and supply them with information and a tailored treatment plan. To learn more about our services or schedule an appointment, call 440-571-0006 today.
What is Bioidentical Hormone Replacement Therapy?
Bioidentical hormone replacement therapy (BHRT) is a treatment that helps patients realign their hormones when they decline or become imbalanced. The idea behind the treatment is that it is a more natural alternative to traditional hormone replacement therapy. The hormones used in this treatment are extracted from plants like yams, which have an identical chemical hormone structure to humans.
Estrogen, testosterone, and progesterone are hormones that are commonly replicated and administered in treatment. They can come in various forms, including pills, gels, injections, creams, and patches. Some of the hormones used in this therapy are singular, while others may be compounded in pharmacies (combined). We administer these to patients living with imbalanced hormones to help restore them to healthy levels.
Who May Need Bioidentical Hormone Replacement Therapy?
Bioidentical hormones will likely benefit people who are experiencing imbalanced or low hormone levels. For example, women going through menopause may benefit from this treatment. Women in peri-menopause and menopause can experience:
- Hot flashes
- Insomnia
- Weight gain
- Low libido
- Anxiety
- Depression
This therapy involves the assessment of the thyroid, adrenals, and sex hormones, then creating a hormone replacement plan to help mitigate symptoms accordingly.
Additionally, this treatment can apply to men who may have imbalanced or low hormone levels. For example, a drop in testosterone may occur as men age, which can result in:
- Insomnia
- Increased body fat
- Loss of muscle
- Irritability
- Depression
- Sleep apnea
BHRT can help testosterone, and any other hormone levels that may be imbalanced in aging men, return to normal.
Traditional Versus Bioidentical Hormone Replacement Therapy
Traditional hormone replacement therapy uses different hormones than those used in BHRT. Traditional hormone replacement therapy utilizes hormones that are either synthetic or taken from the urine of pregnant horses. Although their structure is best for horses, they may not match those of humans closely.
In comparison, BHRT involves hormones that are bioindentical. This means that they must mirror those of a human. They may be either single or compounded in a pharmacy to allow for a greater level of customization. A review of studies published in The Journal of the American Osteopathic Association concluded that FDA-approved BHRT may be preferred over traditional hormone replacement therapy.
Hormone Imbalance and Inflammation
When people have imbalanced hormones, they are more susceptible to inflammation. Conditions like arthritis, fibromyalgia, and more, all correlate with increased inflammation. BHRT can stabilize hormone levels and, subsequently, decrease the inflammatory side effects that often come with these conditions. Additionally, this treatment can increase the body’s level of chondrogenic progenitor cells, which are responsible for repairing cartilage.
Sleep is essential, and a time for the human body and mind to restore. Unfortunately, hormone imbalances can negatively affect sleep, which typically increases the inflammatory response. BHRT can restore sleep quality, and inflammation will likely decrease.
Another common symptom of inflammation is pain. Testosterone and progesterone are two common hormones prescribed in BHRT. They also both reduce pain and inflammation; therefore, giving the patient pain relief and repairing the actual damage inflicted by inflammation.
Hormone Imbalance and Mental Symptoms
Aging can bring about some mental symptoms, which may include a decrease in mental sharpness, worsening memory, sleep problems, depression, and even dementia. What people might not know is that these issues correlate with an imbalance in hormones like testosterone and estrogen. Fortunately, BHRT can restore hormone levels and help mitigate, and even reverse, some of these symptoms.
Besides this treatment, there are things people can do to prevent or lessen the mental and physical effects of aging and help raise their hormones. Maintaining a healthy diet is a significant component in fending off many symptoms of aging. Additionally, exercise and social interaction are considerable contributors to overall health and wellbeing. If one can combine the two aforementioned things into one activity, like a small exercise group, then that is even better.
Call Us Today
Our team aims to provide patients with a system optimized for vital living through vitamin repletion, purification, detoxification, anti-aging medicine, and longevity practices. Our team at VitalHealth Partners can help patients restore their overall health with bioidentical hormone replacement therapy. Call our office at 440-571-0006 to schedule an appointment or learn more.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is bioidentical hormone replacement therapy?
Bioidentical hormone replacement therapy (BHRT) is a treatment for imbalanced hormones. Bioidentical hormones are extracted from plants like yams, which have an identical chemical hormone structure to humans. These are administered to patients who are suffering from imbalanced hormones to help restore them to healthy levels.
What are bioidentical hormones, and how do they differ from those used in traditional hormone replacement therapy?
Bioidentical hormones are hormones made from natural sources, usually plants, like yams. Compared to synthetic hormones, which may only match a portion of the hormones in your body, bioidentical hormones are an exact match to the makeup of a human’s hormones.
Is BHRT for older adults only?
If a younger adult patient has a hormone imbalance and would like it treated, a physician may administer BHRT. There are several factors to consider before crafting a hormone imbalance treatment plan. We will also need to determine if the patient is a candidate for this treatment.
How do I know if my hormones are balanced or imbalanced?
Whether a patient has symptoms or not, we usually issue a lab test to get a reading of their hormone levels. This allows our doctor to craft an optimal plan for each patient accurately.
Can BHRT help improve both physical and mental health?
BHRT can help improve physical and mental symptoms of hormone imbalances. Physically, this treatment may assist in the reduction of inflammation, muscle loss, sleep apnea, and body fat. Mentally, BHRT can improve hormone imbalance symptoms like depression, anxiety, and low libido.
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