Bioidentical hormone replacement therapy (BHRT) is a term that describes compounded hormones derived from plants that mimic those present in the body naturally. This therapy is used to treat symptoms of menopause and andropause, or male menopause. As males age, their levels of testosterone will decrease gradually. In a typical male, the level at age seventy is about half what it was at age twenty. Testosterone is the primary male hormone. Symptoms of this decrease may be erectile dysfunction, low libido, weight gain, thin skin, loss of muscle mass, depression, joint pain. BHRT is sometimes used to restore the levels of testosterone and relieve those symptoms.
One possible side-effect of hormone replacement is an increased risk of prostate cancer. Other side effects are a rise in cholesterol levels and an aggravation of sleep apnea. Careful monitoring by a health professional is always recommended.
Some of the reported benefits of BHRT for men are an increase in libido, and general energy levels. The therapy may stimulate the growth of some organs, and an increased production of the proteins that build skin, bone and muscle. BHRT may slow the breakdown of proteins. It stimulates sperm production, and nourishes the tissues of the male urinary tract. Low testosterone levels have been linked to insulin resistance, leading to diabetes and other complications. Bringing these levels into line could be a major preventative in curbing the incidence of diabetes in an aging population.
A recent study has found that BHRT therapy in men improves liver function and lowers the risk for cardiovascular disease. Improvement was also found in fatty liver disease, non-alcoholic liver disease. Over a two-year period, the men in the study found that their weight, waistline, and body mass index all decreased. These results combined will increase the quality of life of men as they age, and reduce the risks associated with obesity.
A doctor prescribing BHRT therapy will first take a sample of saliva, blood or urine and analyze the levels of testosterone, along with DHEA and other normally occurring hormones. From those results, a compound will be prescribed which will most closely match those hormones produced by that individual. Since bioidentical hormones are derived from plants, there is not the likelihood of side effects that can occur with synthetic hormones. BHRT is not a one-size-fits all therapy. The physician will closely monitor the formulation to ensure that the dosage is most effective, without excess hormone being introduced into the system. Part of the therapy will include diet and exercise recommendations, to maximize the benefits to overall health and anti-aging.
There is some controversy surrounding the use of BHRT therapies. The US Federal Drug Agency has not approved any for use in humans. The controversy arises because the drugs are compounded - made up of multiple agents that vary by prescription. The questions are the purity of the compounds and trial data from long-term studies. However, there are many physicians that do prescribe BHRT therapies, and licensed pharmacies that fill those prescriptions. Those who favor natural therapies argue that the large pharmaceutical companies cannot patent these compounds and have blocked widespread use of them.
The negative impacts of BHRT are very minimal. Whether you are a man or woman, you should consult with your physician before taking bioidentical hormone replacement therapy.
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