Bio Identical Hormone Replacement Therapy (BHRT)
BHRT is a valuable method used by regenerative medicine practitioners to treat and prevent diseases associated with aging. It is common knowledge that both men and women hormonal levels decrease with age, eventually resulting into menopausal states. For women, it happens earlier because the symptoms can be overlooked. Although many people associate hormonal health with sexual function, it is only part of the truth. Optimal hormones are also cardioprotective, needed for good brain function, skin health, preserve muscular mass. In general, younger hormonal level assure our longevity and productive life for longer.
Hormonal replacement therapy should only be initiated after proper testing, which include combination of saliva test and blood works. It is long term commitment. You should expect at least 12-18 months of therapy, so it is serious decision to go on BHRT.
Unlike traditional medicine choices, functional medicine uses bio-identical hormonal preparations, available through compounding pharmacies. The bio-identical hormones are identical to the molecules naturally produced by human body. This eliminates some risks and side effects common with synthetic hormones use.
We recommended initial regenerative consult as a step been taking before considering BHRT. This initial step will help you understand if this therapy is best choice, or your will be offered an other treatment which is more fit for you.
Testosterone
Although Testosterone is commonly considered to be male hormone, both men and women may suffer from testosterone imbalances (ever excess or insufficiency). However, symptoms associated with this imbalance would be gender specific.
Symptoms of Low testosterone in men:
• Fatigue
• Depression
• “Grumpy Old Man” syndrome
• Reduced libido and erective function
• Stiffness and pain in the muscles and joints
• Decreased effectiveness of exercise workouts.
Optimal testosterone level is anti-inflammatory, and as such benefits many conditions associated with aging: cardio vascular function, degenerative brain disease, arthritis; optimal testosterone decreases insulin resistance and is supportive to prostate health.
Testosterone in women.
Unlike the men, women may suffer from both testosterone excess and insufficiency.
• Testosterone Excess in women manifests with:
• Oily skin
• Acne
• Scalp hair loss
• Unwanted body Hair
• Too much libido
• Excessive aggression
Testosterone insufficiency is frequently overlooked female pathology. However, it may manifest by
• Impaired sexual function
• Loss of libido
• Fatigue
• Loss of well being
• Decrease muscular mass and strength and lower bone density
• Depression
• Anxiety
• LACK OF SELF_CONFIDENCE
• An “imbalanced” feeling
• MEMORY LOSS
• Abdominal fat and weight gain
Estrogen and Progesterone
As an opposite to Testosterone, Estrogen and Progesterone are commonly associated with women health. Bothe excess and insufficiency of those hormones may have tremendous impact for women health. Functional medicine most commonly focused on two IMBALACES of those hormones:
ESTOGEN DEFICIENCY/PROGESTERONE EXCESS:
• Hot flashes
• Night sweats
• Foggy thinking
• Forgetfulness
• Fatigue
• Palpitation
• Decrease libido
• Vaginal dryness
• Exessive day time sleepiness
• Fatigue
PROGESTERONE DEFICIENCY/ESTROGEN EXCESS:
• Agitation
• Anxiety
• Water retention
• Swollen, tender breasts
• Bloating
• Mood swings
• Sleep disturbances
• Joints aches
• Breakthrough bleeding
• Heavy menstruation.
If you experiencing symptoms of any of those conditions, especially if your conventional medicine doctor does not find the reason which may explain your experience, consider to undergo additional testing to rule hormonal changes cause.