As women and men approach mid-life, they start to experience the symptoms of decreasing sex hormones. In the case of women this is a relatively rapid decline of both estrogens and progesterone that bring on various symptoms ranging from hot flashes, low libido, and difficulty concentrating amongst other complaints. Some men will experience a significant drop in testosterone below what are normal, causing symptoms of andropause.
Countless studies have shown that traditional (synthetic) hormone therapy can increase the likelihood of various types of cancer, heart disease and strokes. Given these studies most physicians have abandoned prescribing synthetic HRT. However, many are now taking a natural approach to hormone balance with bio identical hormone replacement therapy. With natural bio identical hormones, women and men can find relief from symptoms of hormonal imbalance without the risks that come along with synthetic hormones.
Unlike synthetic hormones, bio identical hormones are extracted from natural sources such plants, including soybeans and yams. Their molecular structure is identical to that of the hormones produced within our own bodies. Bio identical hormones are compounded into creams by FDA-approved pharmacies. They are custom-tailored to suit your specific hormone replacement needs, which allow you to receive individualized treatment.
BHRT is not for everyone, and are not prescribed to patients who have normal levels of hormones. Many similar symptoms can occur when other hormones systems are out of balance such as adrenal or thyroid hormones. Because the endocrine system requires careful balance, BHRT will only be considered after salivary hormone levels are measured and other factors such as nutrition, exercise, sleep and stress management are maximized.