What is BHRT?

For many years women have been receiving estrogen replacement therapy for the sudden end of hormone production known as menopause. Natural or Bioidentical Hormone Restoration Therapy, (BHRT), is the restoration of hormone imbalance to reduce the negative symptoms and treat conditions caused by hormone imbalances.

BHRT are Hormones such as: Estrogen, Progesterone, and Testosterone that have the same composition as the hormones produced naturally by the human body. To determine what hormones are out of balance, specific testing is performed to identify the specific hormones. Once identified, a specific treatment process is undertaken using bioidentical hormones.

Traditional Synthetic Hormone Replacement Therapy has been shown to increase the risk of strokes, heart attacks, breast cancer, and blood clots. The use of BHRT has been shown not to increase the riak of these conditions. There are much less side effects to bioidentical hormone replacement therapy because the hormones are natural and our bodies metabolize bioidentical hormones the way it's designed to. Synthetic hormones can often be quite strong and produce unbearable side effects.

Before undergoing treatment, it is important to test for a hormone imbalance so that there is not another condition such as depression that is affecting the patient. As well, the specific hormone that is not in balance has to be identified so the proper therapy will be given and customized to the particular patients needs. Testing can be done by a salivary test or a blood test. The test called 'Pellet BHRT' involves testing the blood to see what hormones are not being delivered in appropriate amounts to the organs.

Traditional BHRT therapy involves taking hormone replacement treatments in the form of creams, tablets, capsules, or troches. Pellet Therapy involves giving the bioidentical hormones in the form of a pellet (similar to a grain of rice) which is inserted directly under the skin and provides constant relief of symptoms for about 4-6 months. As your hormone need increases, the pellet will release the required hormones. Pellet Therapy will require re-insertion 2-3 times a year.

Bioidentical Hormone regimens are made by a compounding pharmacist for each patient individually, based on the specific symptoms and test results. The therapy may be delivered in the form of BHRT Pellets topical creams, pills, capsules, lozenges, or subdermal implants. The method of delivery is based both on the specific hormones in your preparation and your preference. This therapeutic plan is individualized and personalized to meet your needs.

Benefits of BHRT:

-Reduces insomnia and hot flashes
-Better concentration and alertness
-Reduces anxiety and depression
-Improves sex drive
-Decreases bloating, headaches, and irritability.
-Increases weight loss
-Regulates menstruation

Living with a hormone imbalance can be very difficult to manage. Anxiety, mood swings, depression, can take a toll on the individual as well as loved ones. Fortunately research are coming up with safer ways to restore low hormones. BHRT is one method that more doctors are recommending as a safe and easy treatment for hormone restoration. Contact your doctor to find out how Bioidentical Hormone Restoration Therapy can benefit your condition.