Bioidentical Hormone Replacement Therapy uses a manufactured but natural supplement to raise hormones in the body. By correcting the imbalance, the individual can feel like themselves again.
Overall wellness only occurs when the body receives the right level of hormones. The array of things controlled by the endocrine system is more extensive than many people realize. The hormones control bone and muscle development, regulate puberty and play a significant role in fertility. The endocrine system also regulates energy and mood. Stress response and a properly working metabolism rely on hormones. The endocrine system also uses hormones for hair growth, to keep the skin in good condition, and much more. If the body does not maintain the correct level of hormones, physical and emotional changes can begin. The most obvious example of this is when menopause begins.
Menopause causes an abrupt and often dramatic drop in estrogen levels. People that experience a sudden imbalance may have a variety of uncomfortable symptoms. Sometimes the discomfort can become overwhelming, and hormone therapy may offer the best way to regulate the system and make it feel normal and comfortable again. Menopause is a common reason for hormone therapy, but it is not the only time people need medical intervention from Dr. Dana Cohen for this concern.
How Hormone Fluctuations Happen
Hormone imbalances can take place for many reasons. Illness, stress, or an unhealthy lifestyle can cause an imbalance in hormones. Post-pregnancy changes can result in an imbalance that does not correct balance out as quickly as expected. Certain medications could also be the cause of a problem with hormone levels. Not all fluctuations or imbalances in hormones require treatment. Some people do not experience severe enough symptoms to require treatment. Other people have only short-term concerns that regulate naturally without assistance.
Regulation with Bioidentical Hormones
Bioidentical Hormone Replacement Therapy uses a manufactured but natural supplement to raise hormones in the body. By correcting the imbalance, the individual can feel like themselves again. In addition, the treatment corrects imbalances to reduce or eliminate menopausal symptoms without interrupting the natural process of menopause.
When hormonal imbalances occur for other reasons, the use of bioidentical hormones can reduce the side effects of lowered hormonal levels until the health or lifestyle issue becomes corrected. Bioidentical hormones are the option that most closely matches the hormones manufactured by the human body. The body identifies the product as natural and uses it as it would hormones produced within the endocrine system.
Bioidentical hormones are naturally derived products, but they still require processing to make them safe for use. Correctly processed and compounded bioidentical hormones have approval from the Food and Drug Administration and are safest when used under the guidance of a doctor. Bioidentical hormones come in creams, pills, and many other forms. Patients can work with their doctor to find the best medium for their personal preferences and health need. People should use only products compounded for their bodies to ensure they receive the hormone therapy that suits them.
Determining Need for Therapy
Hormone replacement therapy (HRT) is not a weight loss plan, an insomnia cure, or used solely for cosmetic improvements. Genuine HRT is a treatment reserved for those individuals who have a hormonal imbalance severe enough to affect their overall health and quality of life. Dr. Dana Cohen will need to perform a complete exam and potentially order blood or saliva testing to determine the hormone level before prescribing the therapy. Various common symptoms should encourage people to visit a doctor to see if HRT may be necessary.
- Fatigue
- Hot flashes
- Changes in libido
- Unexpected weight gain
- Changes in the menstrual cycle
- Brain fog
- Sleep disturbances
- Acne
- Mood swings
- Vaginal dryness
- Hair loss
Expectations From Hormone Therapy
Bioidentical hormones can have an impact on overall wellness and how people feel. Health improvements can happen quickly, but severe imbalances may take time to regulate. Some patients may experience side effects when they begin the therapy that could worsen their symptoms before they improve. Imbalances of this type can occur for many reasons and affect people differently. It can take time for the doctor to find the optimum dosage for the patient. Patients who make lifestyle changes and follow their doctor's instructions will increase their chances of a faster recovery. How long a patient remains on HRT needed will depend on the reason for the therapy and the extent of the health concerns.
Risks of Hormone Therapy
Bioidentical hormones offer a safer option for most patients than synthetic versions, but there are still concerns to consider. Gallbladder disease, blood clots, and an increased risk of stroke and breast cancer are potential risks. Because of the health concerns, Dr. Dana Cohen will carefully monitor the patient during their HRT and start everyone on as low a dose as possible.
Bioidentical hormones have helped many people to feel better than they have in years. Using HRT can improve health and make it easier to implement dietary changes or begin an exercise regimen. Find out more to see if this could be the solution for you.
Additional Resources
- Hormones and the Endocrine System - John Hopkins Medicine
