Bioidentical Hormone Replacement Therapy, or BHRT, is a form of hormone treatment that uses engineered hormones specifically matched to your hormone levels to help balance hormones during menopause. If you are looking for the best BHRT clinic, consider using BHRT Telehealth, which allows you to get the treatment you need quickly and easily. An online BHRT specialist will be able to assess your needs, order labs, and set up your treatment plan right from your home.
But who can benefit from BHRT treatment? Is there anyone that has a better chance of seeing results than others? Is BHRT treatment only for women who are going through menopause? In this article, we will discuss what BHRT treatment is, who it benefits, and where to find treatment.
What is BHRT Treatment?
BHRT treatment uses plant estrogen to create hormones that are chemically identical to your natural hormones to balance hormone levels in the body. The treatment begins with an intake visit where your hormone levels will be ordered by a lab. Once the hormones are analyzed, a personalized prescription of BRHT is ordered to match those levels.
Once the hormone replacement actually begins, it will take anywhere from three to nine months to fully resolve symptoms. The hormone can be applied topically, through vaginal inserts, or orally with pills.
Premenopausal Women
As your body ages, it reaches a point where hormone levels begin to decline. These levels generally begin to decline between the ages of 35 and 40. The estrogen, progesterone, and testosterone levels control several body systems including reproductive, muscular, and brain functions.
The steady decline of these hormones can be shocking to the system and can bring on uncomfortable symptoms before menopause actually occurs. BHRT treatment can identify exactly which hormones are declining and create a treatment plan to level the hormones out and reduce overall symptoms.
Menopausal Women
The most well-known condition that is managed and relieved by BHRT treatment is menopause. Once a woman’s hormones decline to the point where menstruation stops, symptoms may increase causing discomfort, confusion, and increased risk of certain health conditions.
BHRT has been proven to help women reduce or resolve the symptoms of menopause. The treatment impacts each woman differently depending on the hormone levels in her body.
Symptoms that BHRT has been known to improve include the following:
- Hot flashes
- Night sweats
- Mood swings
- Low energy
- Thinning hair
- Vaginal dryness
- Sleep disturbances
- Painful intercourse
- Decline of sex drive
Women At Risk of Alzheimer’s Disease
Did you know that BHRT therapy can be helpful for improving more than just menopause symptoms? This is because the imbalance of hormones impacts more than just the reproductive system. Estrogen plays a role in several body systems including the skeletal system, chemical processes in the brain, and skin health.
Studies show that BHRT treatment balances estrogen levels, improving serotonin levels in the brain and, in turn, decreasing Alzheimer’s symptoms and improving cognitive function. This makes it an ideal treatment for women who are at risk of developing Alzheimer’s disease.
Women With Diabetes
Another body system that the decline of hormones can impact is metabolism which increases body weight. A drop in testosterone levels can impact libido, weight, energy, and mental focus. In addition, lower estrogen can impact blood flow and blood pressure.
When these hormones are balanced, individuals may see improvements in weight and blood health. This can be especially beneficial for individuals who suffer from diabetes and reduce stress on their body systems.
Additional Conditions That BHRT Can Benefit
The benefits do not stop there, hormones play a huge role in overall health. While there are risks of BHRT treatment, many patients see significant relief from symptoms and overall improvements to health. A healthcare provider can determine individual eligibility to reduce the risk of side effects.
BHRT treatment may benefit a number of conditions in addition to general symptoms of aging and menopause. The most likely women to find additional benefits from BHRT treatment include women with heart disease, metabolic syndrome, osteoporosis, post-traumatic stress disorder, thyroid health, and urinary system issues.
Health conditions can be a factor when considering BHRT treatment. Because changes in hormones through intervention can impact other body systems, women who have experienced certain conditions in the past should not get BHRT treatment. Women who have had breast cancer, a stroke, or blood clots are not considered eligible for BHRT treatment in order to avoid complications in therapy.
How to Find BHRT Treatment
There are several avenues that you can find access to BHRT treatment, however, some are more simple than others. BHRT treatment is a prescribed therapy so you will need to start by finding a practitioner that specializes in hormones.
In some cases, you can ask your doctor to refer you to a hormone specialist. In this case, you may see a gynecologist, urologist, internist, or family medicine doctor. This method of receiving treatment may include obtaining a referral and several in-office visits throughout the course of treatment.
Alternatively, you can look for wellness clinics that offer hormone services. This method may also require several visits.
Some of the best BHRT clinics are telemedicine clinics providing virtual healthcare. BHRT telehealth connects you directly with an online BHRT specialist that will order your labs during your first visit and have everything you need sent directly to your house so you can receive treatment directly from your home. This is ideal for those who have busy schedules or prefer to remain home due to COVID-19.
The best way to understand if you are eligible for BHRT treatment and can benefit from it is to schedule a consultation to speak with an online BHRT specialist about your situation. Like any medical treatment, BHRT comes with risk, talk to your provider about the side effects of BHRT to ensure that the treatment is right for you. For many, the benefits of the treatment speak for themselves when considering BHRT therapy. Check out our FAQ page to learn more about the hormone therapy process.
