While menopause may be inevitable, that doesn’t mean you can’t do anything about it. Bioidentical hormone replacement therapy (BHRT) is a form of hormone replacement therapy that can help alleviate the symptoms of menopause and perimenopause. It uses hormones that are natural and similar to those produced by the human body.
BHRT was developed in the 1950s as an alternative to traditional hormone replacement therapy (HRT). Bioidentical hormones have been found in some studies to be safer than HRT, but the treatment isn’t without its risks. Keep reading to learn more about BHRT, the difference between it and HRT, and whether online hormone replacement therapy is right for you.
What Is Bioidentical Hormone Replacement Therapy?
If you’re considering hormone replacement therapy (HRT), you may have heard about bioidentical hormone replacement therapy (BHRT). Before we dive in, let’s take a step back–what are hormones? Hormones are chemicals released by the endocrine glands that control body functions, like metabolism, growth, reproduction, and sexual function. If your hormones are out of balance, your body may have difficulty functioning properly. Hormone imbalances can cause anything from weight gain to mood swings.
Hormone replacement therapy is designed to help counteract hormone imbalances to help the body function as it should. What is bioidentical hormone replacement therapy? BHRT uses hormones derived from plant sources that are chemically similar to those naturally produced by the human body, rather than synthetic versions. They’re manmade and can come in different forms, like pills, creams, gels, and injections. The idea behind BHRT is that these natural hormones can be used to address symptoms of menopause or other hormonal imbalances without causing health problems related to their synthetic counterparts.
Differences Between BHRT and HRT
The main difference between HRT and BHRT is what they’re made with. While both are man-made, BHRT is derived from plant sources and HRT products are usually made from synthetic materials. Both treatments are available through online hormone replacement therapy and can be in pill, gel, cream, injection, or patch form.
BHRT emphasizes bioidentical hormones (estrogen and progesterone), which are identical to the hormones produced by your body. Bioidentical hormones are derived from plant-based sources rather than animal tissues and are customized to each individual patient’s needs. In contrast to HRT, BHRT does not use Premarin or Provera as its main source of estrogen; instead it uses compounded bioidentical estradiols such as estradiol valerate/estriol succinate or estradiol/progesterone combinations like E2MPA (estrone 3 mg + medroxyprogesterone acetate 2mg).
The Benefits of BHRT
Women can use bioidentical hormone replacement therapy for a number of different reasons. Many choose to take BHRT due to old age, menopause, and other life changes that may prevent your boy from naturally creating the hormones it needs. BHRT can help you enjoy a higher quality of life. This treatment can help with menopause symptoms like:
- Mood swings
- Hot flashes
- Weight gain
- Low energy
- Memory loss
- Vaginal dryness
- Decreased interest in sex
- Trouble sleeping
The benefits of BHRT include reduced risk of diabetes, cataracts, and tooth loss. There’s also evidence to suggest that BHRT can reduce wrinkles and boost skin elasticity, hydration, and thickness. Additionally, BHRT may also provide benefits for people with cancer whose treatments impact their estrogen levels. According to one study, BHRT alleviated cancer treatment-related symptoms like incontinence, insomnia, migraines, and low libido and improved overall well-being.
The Risks of BHRT/Bioidentical Hormones
BHRT is not a risk-free alternative to conventional hormone therapy. While some claim the treatment is safer and more effective than regular HRT due to its more natural structure, these claims are largely unverified by reputable studies. Some of the most common side effects of BHRT include bloating, weight gain, acne, fatigue, increased facial hair, and breast tenderness. These side effects typically occur during the first few weeks of treatment and may subside as your body adjusts.
There are other side effects you may want to consider before starting hormone therapy. All hormone replacement therapy can increase your risk of certain diseases and health conditions. It’s important to keep this information in mind when deciding if online hormone replacement therapy is the right choice for you. These conditions include:
- Blood clots
- Heart disease
- Stroke
- Gallbladder disease
- Breast cancer
BHRT and the Risk of Cancer
Hormone replacement therapy (HRT) uses synthetic versions of estrogen and progesterone to counter the decline of these hormones in women as they age. BHRT may be safer than HRT, but all hormone replacement therapies carry an increased risk of cancer. However, this increased risk is typically minimal, though it depends on the type of hormones you’re receiving. People using combined HRT, which includes estrogen and progestin (EPT), have a slightly higher risk than those using estrogen-only therapy (ET).
According to the American Cancer Society, women using estrogen-progestin therapy may have a higher risk of developing breast cancer and ovarian cancer. It didn’t show an increased risk for endometrial, lung, or skin cancers and may actually lower the risk of getting colorectal cancer. Women using estrogen therapy had a slightly higher risk of developing endometrial cancer and may experience an increased risk of ovarian cancer. ET isn’t linked to an increased risk of skin or lung cancers and may actually reduce the risk of developing breast and colorectal cancers.
Hormone Replacement Therapy Can Be Safe, But You Should Always Talk to Your Doctor About It First
Hormone therapy is not right for everyone. Before starting any hormone therapy, you should always talk to your doctor about the potential risks and benefits. Additionally, hormone replacement therapy can be dangerous if not done properly. If you use it while taking certain medications or have certain health conditions, the risk of side effects and complications increases.
Hormone replacement therapy can also be expensive. Many people take several different types of hormones that they may need to continue using indefinitely, which adds up over time.
People with certain health conditions should not take HRT without discussing their options with their doctor first, as it might increase their risk of side effects or complications associated with those conditions (like heart disease).
As we’ve seen, the benefits of online hormone replacement therapy are numerous. However, that doesn’t mean there aren’t any risks. As with any medication, it is important to talk with your doctor about both the pros and cons before starting any treatment. Still, studies suggest that BHRT is significantly safer than other forms of hormone replacement therapy. If you feel like you may be suffering from low estrogen levels or testosterone deficiency—and have tried all of the natural remedies we talked about earlier in this post—then it might be time to give bioidentical hormones a try!
