Bioidentical Hormone Replacement Therapy

From conception, HORMONES, which are produced by the endocrine glands, serve as messengers from our brain, telling our internal organs how to function. A decrease in the production of hormones begins in middle age and continues to diminish in a linear fashion until old age. A big shift in these hormonal changes occurs as women head into perimenopause (late 30s in some, 40s for most of us). These hormonal changes can cause: hot flashes, sleepless nights, irritability, fatigue, just  to name a few. The good news is, emerging science suggests that we can regulate this process while also providing preventative medicine that will protect us from heart disease, cancer, obesity, diabetes etc... The other good news, women are starting to speak out about menopause… and this is EXCITING NEWS!

What Is Bioidentical Hormone Replacement Therapy (BHRT)?

BHRT is a treatment designed to restore balance to our body’s hormone levels using bioidentical hormones—compounds derived from natural sources that are chemically identical to the hormones produced by the human body. Common hormones addressed in BHRT include estrogen, progesterone, testosterone, thyroid, DHEA, and melatonin, which can become imbalanced due to aging, perimenopause, menopause, or other health conditions.

Unlike traditional hormone replacement therapy (HRT), which often uses synthetic hormones, bioidentical hormones mimic the structure of our natural hormones more closely. This precision makes BHRT a preferred choice for many, as it may result in fewer side effects,  better compatibility with the body, and prevention and protection against disease(s) and cancer.

I thought taking hormones was bad?

In 2002  a well known study was conducted by the Women' s Health Initiative (WHI) that focused on synthetic estrogen (Premarin) and synthetic progesterone (Provera).  There were many different "arms" of the study using different drug combinations. The arm of the study using Premarin and Provera (PremPro) or synthetic hormones was discontinued before completion because an increased risk of breast cancer was detected in the early stages of the study.  The arm of the study using Premarin or synthetic hormones was discontinued because of an increased incidence of stroke in older women. This study was also completed on women who were well into menopause and had significant risk factors like obesity and smoking. These comorbidities alone predisposes someone to increased risks of cancer and stroke. 

More recently a study showed that natural estrogen and natural progesterone do not have the same effects from the previous popular WHI study of 2002. It’s time to start sharing the good news of BHRT that was marred by this study. The right hormones can make a big impact in our health, longevity and quality of life. Keep reading. 

The Benefits of BHRT

Hormonal imbalances can lead to a variety of physical and emotional symptoms. BHRT addresses these issues directly, offering a wide range of benefits:

1. Improved Energy Levels

• Fatigue and low energy are common symptoms of hormonal imbalances. BHRT helps restore vitality, enabling you to feel more energetic and productive throughout the day.

2. Enhanced Mood and Mental Clarity

• Hormones like estrogen and testosterone play a significant role in mood regulation. BHRT can reduce symptoms of anxiety, depression, and brain fog, promoting mental clarity and emotional stability.

3. Better Sleep Quality

• Insomnia or disrupted sleep patterns often stem from hormonal fluctuations. BHRT can help regulate your sleep-wake cycle, leading to more restful nights. Immune building support when quality rest is achieved, means less time getting sick and quick recovery if you do. 

4. Increased Libido and Sexual Wellness

• Declining hormone levels can affect sexual health. BHRT can enhance libido, improve vaginal lubrication, and address erectile dysfunction, making intimacy more enjoyable.

5. Support for Bone Health

• Estrogen plays a crucial role in maintaining bone density. BHRT can reduce the risk of osteoporosis and related fractures by supporting bone health.

6. Skin and Hair Rejuvenation

• Hormonal imbalances can contribute to thinning hair, dry skin, and a lackluster complexion. BHRT helps restore a youthful glow by improving skin elasticity and hair health.

7. Reduced Symptoms of Menopause and Andropause

• For women, BHRT alleviates hot flashes, night sweats, and other perimenopause and menopause symptoms. For men, it combats the effects of andropause, such as reduced muscle mass and stamina.

Final Thoughts

Hormones are not drugs. They are natural substances that have existed in our bodies since conception. The doses of hormones taken in hormone replacement therapy should never exceed what your body has already been accustomed to in its younger years. They caused no harm in the body at that time and when restored to youthful levels continue to provide the health and vigor that one loses as they age. When hormones are taken as prescribed and monitored closely they produce no negative side effects. When all the declining hormones are taken together in the correct doses, they work with each other to restore declining immunity which in turn helps protect the body against cancer, improve quality of life, help you feel youthful, energized, and confident.

Physical deterioration is not a requirement of growing older. It is now possible to stop much of this undesirable aspect of aging as well as the symptoms and diseases associated with aging.

Hormone replacement therapy is an updated science which has been shown to not only prolong life but prolong the quality of one's life. At Naturally You Aesthetics Medical Spa, we specialize in total hormone replacement regimens to achieve maximum benefits and deter the aging process. After a complete physical examination and laboratory evaluation, a personalized hormone supplementation program will be prescribed for you and monitored until optimal hormone levels have been achieved.

If you’re experiencing symptoms of hormonal imbalance, contact our medical spa to schedule a consultation. Together, we can develop a personalized plan to help you achieve optimal wellness from the inside out.