How Does Bioidentical Hormone
Replacement Therapy Work?
How Does Bioidentical Hormone Replacement Therapy Work?
Hormones are vital chemical messengers in our bodies secreted by the endocrine system. They regulate our moods, our hair and skin, metabolism, our energy levels, our libido – and nearly all other bodily functions! They are crucial to our overall health and wellbeing but can become unbalanced in men and women due to many factors.
As we age, our bodies naturally begin to produce smaller concentrations of some hormones. The hormones we do produce may also become less effective in the organs they are meant to regulate leading to common symptoms of hormone imbalance that we’ll cover in this outline.
In this article, we’ll address what bioidentical hormone replacement therapy is, how it works, types of treatment, symptoms to watch for, and more. Read on to learn if BHRT could be a good solution for your symptoms!
What are the different types of
Bioidentical Hormones and Treatment Forms used?
Bioidentical hormones are compounds that chemically match the hormones in your body, but are created synthetically in a lab. They are currently the most medically proven replacement for those hormones created in our own bodies and generally have the fewest side effects of any other synthetic hormone therapy.
Bioidentical hormones are derived from plant materials and can be formulated to complement the imbalance of hormones in our bodies as we age or for other reasons. Estrogen, progesterone, and testosterone are some of the most commonly compounded bioidentical hormones.
Hormone replacement therapies are ways of describing how hormone treatment is administered. At Cornerstone Pharmacy & Compounding, we are able to create custom treatment options depending on how you prefer to take your prescription. We can create patches, pills, creams, or gels to administer your daily prescription hormone therapy.
What Is Bioidentical Hormone Replacement Therapy (BHRT)?
BHRT is the process of understanding which hormones are unbalanced in your body through saliva or blood testing and creating a custom prescription that will balance the hormones that are deficient. Over time, this will mitigate the symptoms of hormone imbalance you may be experiencing.
Can Hormones Be Balanced
Without BHRT?
There are several lifestyle changes and supplements that may be beneficial in reducing the symptoms of hormone imbalance that you are experiencing. While lifestyle changes may help, they may not have the same effect as BHRT.
Lifestyle changes that may help relieve hormone imbalance:
- Eating enough protein and fiber
- Maintaining a healthy weight
- Quitting smoking
- Exercising regularly
- Managing stress in healthy ways
- Getting enough sleep
- Supplementing your diet with hormone precursors such as DHEA or Pregnenolone
- Supplementing your diet with cofactors that make up hormones such as B vitamins, magnesium and others that our bodies lose as we age.
Our pharmacy staff is happy to help you select a supplement that will assist in your hormone balance journey. Ask us about our pure lines of vitamins and supplements during your next trip to Cornerstone Pharmacy & Compounding!
What Are the Symptoms of Hormone
Imbalance and Benefits of utilizing BHRT?
Common symptoms of hormone imbalance differ between men and women.
As women age and begin experiencing symptoms of menopause, they may have:
- Hot flashes
- Mood swings
- Vaginal dryness
- Lowered libido
- Night sweats
- Sleep problems
- Weight gain
- Thinning hair
- Dry skin
- Fatigue
Men may experience:
- Erectile dysfunction
- Memory loss
- Weight gain
- Muscle loss
- Thinning hair
- Lowered libido
- Fatigue
The biggest benefit of BHRT is the relief of menopausal symptoms, such as hot flashes, night sweats, mood swings, vaginal dryness and reduce libido.
In men, BHRT has been found to improve erectile dysfunction, low libido, hair loss, muscle loss and fatigue.
For both women and men, BHRT has been found to reduce the loss of bone density and risk of osteoporosis.
What Are the Side Effects
of Hormone Treatment?
Side effects of hormone treatment depend on the types of hormones you are taking. Some individuals experience the following side effects for the first few weeks as they begin treatment. Side effects will most likely improve as your body adjusts to your therapy plan.
Possible Side Effects:
- Bloating
- Breast tenderness
- Weight gain
- Spotting
- Cramps
- Headaches
- Increased facial hair
How Our Hormone Specialists Can Help You
Our highly specialized hormone pharmacists are able to help you achieve balanced hormones through saliva testing and a hormone consultation. We will work with you and your doctor or healthcare professional to obtain a prescription for BHRT that we can then fill. We are committed to your wellbeing and will serve as a guide to help navigate any necessary adjustments in your therapy plan.
Below are our listed prices for test kits and hormone consultations. We encourage you to learn more about our specialists or request a saliva test and hormone consultation.
$575 – DUTCH Test Kit (Urine Test) with Consultation (Best Value)
$500 – DUTCH Test Kit (Urine Test)
$375 – ZRT Saliva Kit with Consultation (Best Value)
$300 – ZRT Saliva Kit
$285 – Adrenal Stress Saliva Kit with Consultation
$210 – Adrenal Stress Saliva Kit
$215 – Hormone Saliva Kit Trio (Estrogen, Testosterone, Progesterone) with Consultation
$140 – Hormone Saliva Kit Trio (Estrogen, Testosterone, Progesterone)
$100 – Consultation with Hormone Specialist
$75 – Consultation with Supplement Specialist
