Bio-identical Hormone Therapy: What Does it Treat?
Jeffrey Mueller, M.D. • July 13, 2020
Getting older is part of life, one of those things that we just cannot seem to avoid, similar to taxes. One day we wake up and realize that ailments that we may have associated with being hung over, is just a way of life now. Those extra few pounds we put on over the holidays (or quarantine) are harder to get rid of. The fatigue we come across in the middle of the day, or all day, just does not seem to want to go away with any length of nap we may take. Maybe you have started to suffer from hair loss or dry skin. You may have noticed internal dilemmas progressing such as insomnia or irritable bowels. Not to mention the drop in your libido. These are normal things that may start to happen when we decide that there are one too many candles on our birthday cake.
Many of these symptoms come from one central case, a hormonal imbalance. These imbalances can be brought on by natural changes such as menopause for ladies, and a decrease in testosterone levels for men. Sometimes a change in diet or environment may also accelerate these changes in hormones. However, aging does not mean we have to get old. With bioidentical hormone therapy, we can now age a little more gracefully and fix any imbalances we may have.
Bio-identical hormones come from plants that are chemically identical to those found in the human body. BHRT, or bio-identical hormone replacement therapy use these plant based hormones to help balance out our natural hormones as we age and help to relieve the symptoms that are produced from it. Mainly triggering hormones such as estrogen, testosterone, progesterone, adrenal hormones, and DHEA. With diagnostic hormone testing, determining your hormone levels and your unique needs, a treatment plan will be developed that may include:
• Lotions, creams or gels
• Injections
• Tablets
• Ongoing evaluations
• Natural hormone balancing
• Fitness programs
• Nutrition plans
• Stress reduction plans
While some individuals may obtain fast results with symptoms subsiding quickly, others may need hormone therapy for the rest of their life. As your hormone levels improve, your physician may need to adjust your dosage or regiment to help with side effect symptoms, which may include increased acne and irritability. Women may find that symptoms also may include breast tenderness, cramping, bloating and spotting. Most of these side effects will wear off as your hormone levels begin to balance, however, it is important to talk with your doctor about these or any other side effects that you may be experiencing.
Individuals who want to explore what the benefits of bio-identical hormone therapy can do for them may experience symptoms such as:
• Low sex drive
• Depression/ lack of energy
• Mood swings
• Weight gain
• Hair loss
• Insomnia and/or fatigue
• Memory loss and/or poor concentration
If you think you would be a good candidate for bio-identical hormone therapy, you do not have to wait any longer. The expert team at Whole Family Healthcare are here to assist you. Call for a consultation today to help you age gracefully. No one remains young, but with our help you can still feel young at heart.
