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 Bioidentical hormone replacement therapy (BHRT) is a natural form of hormone replacement therapy that uses hormones that are identical molecularly to the endogenous hormones used in hormone replacement therapy. BHRT uses the female hormones estrone, estradion and progesterone, all available in both FDA-approved products and pharmacy compounded products as well as testosterone, dehydroepiandrosterone and estriol. Manufactured in a lab, bioidentical hormones have the same molecular structure as the hormones made by your own body. Hormone replacement therapy and other synthetic hormones alternatives are intentionally different.
Bioidentical hormone replacement therapy has been used in some practices for over 20 years, with much success. The best success being in cases where a woman’s treatment is customized to her individual needs. Thus, there are different forms of bioidentical hormone replacement therapy, each working in different ways, with each woman responding according to her unique physiology. Bioidentical hormone replacement therapy can provide amazing results in some women, however, in some cases other forms of support may be needed to get similar relief against the symptoms of menopause.
If interested in this form of natural hormone replacement therapy, be aware that while BHRT has been around for years, many practitioners are not familiar with them; and those that are may suggest the several branded versions that are now available in a one-size-fits-all dosage regime typical of synthetic hormones.
The best success with bioidentical hormone replacement therapy has been found using the individualized approach. This approach begins with a “hormone panel” which consists of a series of laboratory tests to determine hormone levels. As needed, precise doses of bioidentical testosterone, progesterone, estrogens, and/or DHEA are prepared at a registered compounding pharmacy as prescribed. Patients are then monitored through follow-up hormone panels to determine the lowest possible dosage that will relieve the symptoms of hormone imbalance.
 As with other forms of natural hormone replacement therapy, bioidentical hormones can work wonders. However, this and other forms of hormone therapy are not necessarily the first option to explore when hormonal imbalance is a problem. It is recommended to rebalance female hormones first through a natural approach combining medical-grade nutritional supplements, gentle endocrine support, dietary and lifestyle changes. However, to achieve menopause relief it may become necessary to include prescription-strength hormone replacement therapy to experience complete relief. The great thing about bioidentical replacement therapy is that the hormones used are natural and our bodies can metabolize them, thus, minimizing side effects; as opposed to synthetic hormones that are very strong and can induce intolerable side effects.
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