What Are Bioidentical Hormones?
Bio-identical hormones are used in bioidentical hormone replacement therapy and have the same chemical structure as the naturally occurring hormones which are produced in the body. They are derived from diosgenin, which is sourced from Mexican yams.
Although bioidentical hormones are of course produced in a lab, unlike synthetic hormones they are 100% identical in terms of their structure to your own hormones and their effects and the benefits they provide replicate those of your own hormones incredibly closely.
How Do Bioidentical Hormones Differ From Synthetic Hormones?
Synthetic hormones, have a chemical structure that may be similar to, but not exactly the same as, the hormones produced by the body. These chemical differences can mean that synthetic hormones act differently in the body and can produce different effects.
What Are The Benefits of Bioidentical Hormones?
Bio-identical hormones can be very beneficial to patients who are experiencing hormone imbalances and are looking for treatment, or alternatively may have tried synthetic hormone treatments, such as HRT, but had unwanted effects as a result.
What Is Bioidentical Hormone Replacement Therapy?
Bioidentical Hormone Replacement Therapy, or BHRT, is the process of treating hormonal imbalances with bioidentical hormones, instead of synthetic hormones. Because bioidentical hormones are structurally identical to your body’s own hormones, the side effects which are commonly associated with synthetic hormones aren’t experienced and therefore this can be a more appealing treatment method for many people.
Who Can Benefit From BHRT?
BHRT is available and can benefit both men and women because it can be used to treat a very wide variety of hormonal imbalances from menopause in women and andropause in men, to PMS, post-natal depression and many more. Those who suffer from conditions such as endometriosis or other menstural problems which are often traditionally treated with synthetic hormones can find that BHRT is an excellent option instead.
How Is BHRT Used?
As with all medical treatment, before a patient is treated using BHRT a doctor should ensure to gather the full scope of information and the subsequent treatment should be specific to an individual. BHRT medication is usually prescribed as a lozenge or cream, formulated to the individual patient’s requirements. Any treatment plan should always include regular follow ups and ongoing monitoring to help achieve optimum results.
