Hormones are background players that regulate vast bodily functions. They are chemical messengers, enhancing communications between distant organs of the body. The result of these interactions is found in growth, reproduction, mood, and immune function, among other systems.

The concept of hormone replacement therapy is based on the study of bodily-secreted chemicals. To ease symptoms of conditions like menopause, this intervention comes in handy when there is an imbalance in people’s hormones. It’s also incorporated as a type of care in specific gender-related health predispositions.

Bioidentical Hormone Replacement Therapy (BHRT) is a widely-spoken-about form of rejuvenation treatment today. While it uses a more natural form of hormonal substitution, the thrill lies in how it differs from other forms of hormone replacement therapies.

As you read on, you’ll discover what bioidentical hormone replacement therapy is, how it works, the associated risks and benefits, and whether or not you’re the right candidate for the treatment.

Understanding Hormones

The human body is a complex system coordinated by numerous physiological processes. Hormones, secreted by the endocrine glands, are the lighthouse workers keeping these biological activities in check. For humans, as well as other multicellular organisms, they are required to stay at certain levels for normal development.

On some days, the balance of these hormones can get disrupted. What happens then? As you already imagined, there will be a dysregulated function in the system overseen by such hormones. This can include symptoms like sexual dysfunction, infertility, mood abnormality, sleep problems, etc.

When this occurs, hormone replacement therapy (HRT) becomes the rescue call. HRT is primarily used for the treatment of symptoms in menopausal women. These symptoms include hot flashes, rapid aging, decreased muscle mass, vaginal dryness, and more. According to studies, it’s a proven effective method that has reduced mortality in susceptible menopausal women.

What is Bioidentical Hormone Replacement Therapy?

Bioidentical hormone replacement therapy is a branch-off from HRT and is popular among recent scientific talks. The “bioidentical” nature implies alikeness with the hormones your body produces. Today, this treatment method is adopted to boost low hormone levels, especially in perimenopause and menopause.

You can imagine bioidentical hormones as the typical duplicates of your regular hormones. Also, picture these lab-processed chemicals from plants as engineered to mimic the endocrine glands’ products. 

Unlike BHRT, HRT uses synthetic hormones, often administered with a one-size-fits-all approach. The invention of bioidentical hormones has encouraged low-risk, patient-centric care when it comes to hormone replacement. 

Benefits of BHRT

People often opt for bioidentical hormone replacement therapy as a treatment for the inevitable life changes associated with menopause. The rationale is to ensure there is an optimal amount of these needed hormones in their body, especially when certain systems give up proper functioning.

Rightly so, this therapy has been praised for improvements in people belonging to the menopausal and perimenopausal groups. A few of the sung merits include:

• Improved mood and cognitive function
• Relief from menopause and andropause symptoms like hot flashes, vaginal dryness, mood swings, and night sweats
• Increased energy
• Weight management and bone density
• Improved sleep
• Improved skin elasticity, reduced wrinkles, and thicker hair
• Restored sex drive and boosted sexual function

While it’s still being looked into, some researchers have purported BHRT to possibly contribute to:

• Supporting immune function
• Improving the overall quality of life
• Enhancing a sense of well-being
• Improving gut health
• Reducing inflammation

Types of Bioidentical Hormones

The hormones commonly replaced are those responsible for reproductive and metabolic functions. This is often because they’re the culprits affected by old age. They include:

• Estrogen: comes in estriol and estradiol. They are both used to cure classical menopausal symptoms while being of benefit to the immune system, bone health, brain function, and cardiovascular wellness. It’s one of the main hormone drugs used in HRT and BHRT. 
• Progesterone: is essential in pregnancy and menstrual cycle regulation. It also helps to regulate estrogen, promote sleep, and enhance relaxation. 
• Testosterone: is an androgen seldom used in BHRT. It’s of pertinent importance to men and women in enhancing energy, libido, and muscle mass.
• Thyroid Hormone: is used to support thyroid function, energy production, weight regulation, and overall metabolism.

BHRT Delivery Methods

Bioidentical hormones are manufactured in different forms. These, sometimes, are custom-made based on the patient’s peculiarities. Some of these varieties include:

• Creams
• Gels
• Injections
• Pellets 
• Oral medications
• Patches

It’s advisable to get a physician’s recommendation for the most suitable form of BHRT for your needs. Post administration, your doctor will follow up with you to assess your response to the treatment.

Safety and Risks of BHRT

BHRT is reportedly safer than the traditional HRT. This claim has spread quickly, but there is still not quite enough evidence to back it up fully. On the brighter side, this gives room for more data gathering and research work.

This means that, according to previous findings, hormone replacement therapies often come with specific risks. The risks depend on the regimen type, dose, duration of use, and how it’s administered. While not everyone comes down with these side effects, it might be daunting for at-risk populations. Some of the downsides associated with BHRT include:

• Acne
• Diarrhea 
• Bloating
• Headache
• Swelling of the extremities
• Cardiovascular diseases
• Stroke
• Blood clots
• Cramping 
• Breast tenderness
• Increased facial hair
• Gallbladder disease
• Blurred vision
• Breast cancer
• Uterine cancer

Finding a BHRT Practitioner

BHRT requires a keenly personalized approach involving compounding pharmacies and regular monitoring. Meanwhile, most compounded bioidentical hormones continue to raise questions about safety issues.

Hence, it’s crucial to find a BHRT specialist with exhaustive knowledge about the endocrine system and the standard protocols for the process.

Your BHRT healthcare provider is also essential when weighing the pros and cons of your treatment for a safe and promising outcome.

Final Thoughts

Bioidentical hormone replacement therapy is a method used to help people manage hormonal imbalances. It has become a widely sought-after treatment among menopausal women and people with other hormonal dysregulation.

As you decide on your BHRT journey today, remember that along with the benefits are potential risks. More importantly, not all bioidentical hormones are FDA-approved. It’s important to discuss your options with your doctor and balance the expected results with the risks before making your final decision.