In an ideal world, your hormones would be properly balanced, and you would not have any issues, but, unfortunately, your body does not always listen to you. Sometimes, hormone imbalances can lead to symptoms such perimenopause, acne, hot flashes, and many more. And when these hormone imbalances are wreaking havoc, the best way to address the problem is to replace your hormones.
Bioidentical hormone replacement therapy has proven to be an effective solution that can help bring your body back into balance. If your hormone levels are unbalanced or low, these artificial hormones can replenish what your body is lacking. In this blog, we will learn more about bioidentical hormones’ pros and cons so that you can make an informed decision.
What Is Bioidentical Hormone Therapy?
Bioidentical hormone replacement therapy is a process that uses hormones derived from plants (i.e., estrogen, progesterone, and testosterone) to replace the ones you are missing in perimenopause and menopause, created by hysterectomy or naturally as a result of aging (andropause in the case of a male). Many people are experiencing various problems as a result of menopause or hormone imbalances, and bioidentical hormone therapy is meant to bring things back into balance.
As the name suggests, the hormones used in this therapy are biologically identical to the ones produced by your body as a key that fits the lock. The hormones are often prescribed when you are dealing with hormonal problems such as acne or menopause. Men with conditions such as gynecomastia may also benefit from this treatment, as it can balance testosterone levels.
Benefits of Bioidentical Hormone Replacement Therapy
While bioidentical hormone replacement therapy is mainly used for women going through menopausal state, it applies to men going through andropause missing testosterone and subsequent ill effects, like replacement muscle mass with fat, lack of energy, mental fog, vigor, confidence, and youthfulness. Each individual has unique symptoms that need a customized approach.
By opting to have bioidentical hormone replacement, you can enjoy:
- * Increased sex drive
- * Decreased depression and anxiety symptoms
- * Improved mental clarity
- * Better ability to build muscle and lose fat
- * Increased feeling of well-being
- * Healthier-looking skin
- * Thicker hair
- * Reduced bloating
- * Increased energy throughout the day
- * Fewer instances of night sweats and hot flashes
- * Better sleep at night
There are various ways to deliver bioidentical hormone replacement therapy. You may opt for creams, injections, pills, and even implanted pellets. A thorough initial consultation with Dr. Hotchandani will be necessary to determine which option works best for you.
Are Bioidentical Hormones Safe for Use?
Perhaps you have heard about the risks associated with traditional hormone replacement therapy and you are wondering if bioidentical hormones are safer. There is a reason why scientists tried to synthesize plant-based hormones: to potentially bypass the risks brought by traditional therapy.
Bioidentical hormones may have been created in a laboratory, but the molecular and chemical structure is the same as your own hormones. They were also developed with traditional therapy safety warnings in mind. As a result, while your body may not be able to tell the difference between these hormones and the natural type, the risks of complications are lower.
That being said, not everyone may be a good candidate for this type of therapy. This is why a consultation is necessary: to determine whether you have potentially dangerous pre-existing conditions or not. For example, the following conditions may cause problems if you’re planning to get bioidentical hormone replacement therapy:
- * Blood clotting issues
- * Previous strokes or a high risk of stroke
- * Previous heart attacks or high risk for cardiovascular diseases
- * Breast cancer or a high risk for it
You can schedule an appointment with Dr. Hotchandani, and he will look at your medical history to offer you advice for the treatment.
Is Bioidentical Hormone Replacement Therapy for You?
When your hormone levels are not balanced, too much thyroid hormone (hyperthyroidism) or not enough (hypothyroidism) pays havoc in your life as many of you have experienced. Similarly, a condition known as estrogen dominance (relatively more estrogen compared to progesterone) can have dire consequences. Hormones are produced by multiple glands throughout your body, including brain gut, fat (not just thyroid), pancreas, adrenals, ovaries, and testes. It’s like a fine-tuned symphony operating in harmony. It’s not so simple to just have a prescription for antidepressants or high blood pressure. Maybe it’s the loss of sleep from a change in cortisol rhythm.
It may take significant time and cost to fine-tune the underlying root cause, but it can be accomplished for a happy, joyful long life, perhaps not just by the replacement of hormones but adding exercise, diet change, supplements, and brain-body retraining (like meditation) to the mix.
If you are ready to invest in your well-being, please contact Hotchandani Laser, Vein & Cosmetic Surgery to find solutions with you playing a significant role in partnership to accomplish your goals.
For more information about bioidentical hormone replacement therapy, you can contact Hotchandani Laser, Vein & Cosmetic Surgery at 920-497-9996 for our Green Bay location and 920-738-6666 for our office in Appleton. We will be more than happy to answer any questions that you may have. You can also use our online contact form to set up an appointment with us.