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Aging isn’t always fun. It comes with aches and pains, and everything seems to slow down just a little. On top of everything else, the challenges with lower hormone levels can cause a range of stressful symptoms. Fortunately, new developments in Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT) are transforming the lives of both women and men as they move through the later stages of life. 21st Century treatments are revolutionizing the way we look at menopause and other age-related hormonal shifts.
What Conditions Can HRT Treat?
When we think of HRT, we usually think of therapies for menopausal women. As women move through menopause, estrogen levels drop. But HRT is also effective in men. As men age, testosterone levels drop, and low testosterone can lead to health challenges.
Restoring hormone levels with HRT can help relieve symptoms like insomnia, chronic fatigue, memory loss, mood swings and loss of sex drive for both men and women. It can also address symptoms of menopause in women, including hot flashes and vaginal dryness. We associate estrogen with reproduction, but it also benefits overall health, including bone health, cardiovascular health and cognitive health. HRT counteracts bone loss and osteoporosis and improves joint function in some patients. It can also play a role in preventing age-related medical conditions, including diabetes, some cancers and heart disease.
What Types of Hormone Replacement Therapy Are Available?
Traditional HRT treatments produced by pharmaceutical companies fall into two categories and are available in several forms, including patches, creams, gels and injections. These synthetic HRT treatments don’t have the same molecular structure as your body’s natural hormones but can effectively treat some age-related symptoms. They include:
- Hormone replacement treatments from animals, including the popular HRT drug Premarin, which uses estrogen derived from horse urine.
- Synthetic hormones similar to birth control pills engineered by pharmaceutical companies, like the progesterone replacement Provera.
Traditional therapies have been effective for many patients. However, many women and men are moving to a new type of HRT: Bioidentical Hormone Replacement Therapy.
What Is Bioidentical Hormone Replacement Therapy?
Bioidentical Hormone Replacement Therapy (BHRT) is at the cutting edge of hormone replacement therapy. BHRT is a more natural therapy, using plant-based compounds made from yams and soy to reproduce the molecular structure of your body’s natural hormones. BHRT treatments are compounded by a pharmacy and customized for each patient, unlike prescription HRT. They offer an individualized approach to hormone replacement therapy.
The most effective delivery system for bioidentical hormones is “pellet” form. These revolutionary compounds (estradiol for women and testosterone for men) are fused into tiny cylinders and inserted into your hip or thigh. The implants deliver consistent and healthy levels of hormones for 3 to 5 months in women and 4 to 6 months in men. Some of the advantages of BHRT include:
- It’s the most convenient HRT method, with implants only needed 2 to 4 times each year.
- It offers consistent delivery of hormones and avoids the “rollercoaster” effect many patients experience with traditional HRT.
- It’s highly effective. Studies show BHRT offers relief from hormone imbalance symptoms at a rate of 75bto 100 percent.
- There’s evidence that natural bioidentical hormones do not present the side effects synthetic hormones are known for, including links between synthetic HRT and breast cancer, blood clots and stroke.
- BHRT can help patients stay healthy and can play a role in preventing several age-related diseases.
What Are The Benefits of BHRT?
Hormones play a vital role in mental and physical function. When they start to wane, it can create challenges for both women and men. We can feel listless, and sexual drive and function can drop, leading to strained relationships. BHRT can relieve hot flashes and vaginal dryness in women and address erectile dysfunction in men. It can also improve the following for both women and men:
- Increased energy
- Improved mental clarity
- Enhanced sexual libido
- Reduced body fat
- Relief from depression and anxiety
- Better sleep
There’s also growing evidence that BHRT can reduce your chances of developing age-related diseases and conditions, including:
- Osteoporosis
- Memory loss/Alzheimer’s
- Heart disease
- Some types of cancer
How Can I Learn More About BHRT?
Customized Bioidentical Hormone Replacement Therapy isn’t available at every primary care or OB/GYN practice. However, a growing number of health clinics are now offering this exciting and effective new treatment. Cavery Health Clinic’s holistic approach to wellness could be a game-changer for you as our experienced team of medical professionals brings the life-changing results of BHRT to our patients. It’s a path to better aging, renewed energy and improved mental well-being. That’s what healthcare should be about.
