Biodentical hormones have a mixed reputation. While some individuals claim to have found great success with this treatment, others report unpleasant side effects. Hormone replacement therapy can be an effective treatment for many problems when you understand how to use this treatment properly.
What are Biodentical Hormones?
Biodentical hormones are hormones that have been derived from plant chemicals and formulated to mimic the effects of the human body's own naturally produced hormones. Some of these hormones have been approved by the FDA for various types of therapy. There are no biodentical hormones that have been approved for weight loss as of yet. When biodentical hormone replacement therapy (BHRT) is used as a tool for weight loss, it is being used off label.
What are the Benefits of Biodentical Hormones?
Hormone levels play an important role in the way the human body functions. By working with an experienced doctor, you can tweak the levels of certain hormones in your body with BHRT. Some benefits that you can experience include:
- Increased energy
- Decreased risk of cancer, stroke, and heart attack
- Reduction in wrinkles and other signs of aging
- Increased libido
- Better cognitive function
- Lowered risk of broken bones from osteoarthritis
- Decreased risk of Alzheimer's
- Better mood and sense of vitality
- Weight loss
How to Lose Weight with Biodentical Hormone Replacement Therapy
If you're looking to lose weight with BHRT, there are a few important points that you should know. First, you should never attempt any type of hormone therapy without the supervision of a doctor. A doctor will help you target the specific hormones that your body needs.
Even with successful BHRT, you won't get the weight loss results that you're after if you don't pursue a comprehensive weight loss plan. You should carefully monitor your diet and reduce junk foods while increasing your intake of vegetables, lean meats, and whole grains. Exercising regularly will have a major impact on your weight loss efforts. With the triple threat of diet, exercise, and BHRT, you may see some stunning weight loss results.
Side Effects of Biodentical Hormone Use
Biodentical hormones are touted as an all natural treatment, but patients should understand just what this term means. In regards to these hormones, "natural" indicates that they are taken from plants, animals, or minerals rather than laboratory chemicals. These hormones may be extracted from a variety of sources including yams and soybeans. They are similar to the hormones found in the body naturally, but they are obviously taken from a very different source.
Some hormone replacement therapy trials, such as the Women's Health Initiative, which was stopped in 2002, found that the use of hormone treatments increased the risk of breast cancer, blood clots, heart disease, and stroke. Since BHRT is not FDA approved as a treatment for weight loss, the side effects of this treatment are not well documented.
Talk to your doctor about whether BHRT is the right treatment for you. Used with proper medical supervision, you may find very satisfactory results.
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