Hot flashes, night sweats, and vaginal dryness are among the disruptive symptoms associated with perimenopause and menopause, a time when a woman’s hormone levels change. A common method of managing such symptoms is hormone replacement therapy (HRT). But if you are looking for synthetic (lab-created) hormones more in line with the ones your body naturally produces, consider visiting a BHRT physician to learn if you might benefit from a personalized bioidentical hormone replacement therapy (BHRT) treatment plan.
What is BHRT?
Bioidentical hormones are so-named because they typically consist of plant-based hormones that are chemically identical to the same hormones produced by your body. BHRT physician treats both men and women with hormone imbalances affecting their quality of life.
What Happens When You Visit a BHRT Physician?
Before BHRT is recommended, you’ll undergo a thorough examination conducted by a BHRT physician and similar professional. You may be asked about previous treatments you’ve tried to manage your symptoms and what kind of reactions you had. You’ll likely be asked about your medical history so appropriate precautions can be taken. If your reason for considering BHRT is menopausal issues, our physician might also ask if you are experiencing any of the following symptoms:
• Weight gain
• Sleep problems
• Memory concerns
• Severe hot flashes
• Mood changes
How is BHRT Performed/Administered?
A BHRT physician will recommend a form of this approach to hormone replacement therapy that’s appropriate for you. While injections are a common method of administering bioidentical hormones, you might prefer creams, gels, patches, or implanted pellets. Your lifestyle will also play a role in determining which approach to BHRT is right for you.
Periodic monitoring is necessary as well. The purpose of taking this step is to find a dosage that minimizes your symptoms. However, the general recommendation with any type of HRT, including BHRT, is to opt for the lowest possible dosage that still produces the desired results.
What are the Benefits of BHRT?
The main benefit associated with BHRT is being able to experience fewer disruptive symptoms related to abnormal hormone levels. Some patients prefer BHRT over traditional HRT because the hormones used may be safer than ones created with other methods.
BHRT may also contribute to other improvements with your overall health and well-being. According to research specific to this approach to hormone replacement, some patients receiving treatment from a BHRT physician also benefit from:
• A reduced risk of developing diabetes
• Fewer issues with tooth loss
• Improved skin health
• A lower risk of developing various health issues
If you think this alternative to traditional HRT may be right for you, schedule a consultation with our BHRT physician at The Guyer Institute of Molecular Medicine in Indianapolis. Contact us today to set up an appointment and get started!
