Hormones are known to control most of the bodily functions. They are like an internal communication system between cells, tissues, or systems throughout the body. They coordinate the immune system, digestion, appetite, libido, and even mood, among other functions and processes. Therefore, when a person has a hormone imbalance, it can significantly affect their health and overall well-being. In most cases, when people have unbalanced or drop in hormone levels, they turn to integrative medicine practitioners such as Dr. Ignacio Guzman for hormone replacement therapies such as bioidentical hormone replacement therapy. Below is a discussion of some important things you should know about bioidentical hormone replacement therapy.
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What Is Bioidentical Hormone Replacement Therapy?
Bioidentical hormone replacement therapy is a method of treating people whose hormone levels have dropped or become unbalanced. It is usually used to ease the symptoms of perimenopause and menopause. It is also effective in improving the symptoms of cancer and even in treating issues such as insulin resistance, fibromyalgia, osteoporosis, and adrenal and thyroid disorders. The therapy usually makes use of human-made hormones that are derived from plant estrogens identical to those found in the human body. Progesterone, testosterone, and estrogen are among the hormones used in the treatment. These hormones come in different forms, including pills, creams, patches, gels, and even injections.
Components Of Bioidentical Hormones
Some bioidentical hormones are usually manufactured by drug companies. Others are custom-made by pharmacies as ordered by a doctor. These ones are usually known as compounded bioidentical hormones, and the process of making them is known as compounding. The FDA has approved some manufactured bioidentical hormones such as progesterone and estriol. However, the FDA is yet to approve any compounded bioidentical hormones.
Benefits Of Bioidentical Hormones Replacement Therapies
Bioidentical hormone replacement therapy is important mainly as people age, and their hormone levels drop. The treatments usually benefit women who are experiencing menopause or perimenopause. They are usually effective in increasing the hormone levels and relieving women from symptoms of menopause, including hot flashes, night sweats, mood changes, memory loss, sleep issues, weight gain, pain during sex, and loss of interest in sex, among others. Furthermore, the therapy can help with reducing the risk of cataracts, tooth loss, and diabetes. There is also some evidence that bioidentical hormone replacement therapy can enhance skin hydration, thickening, and elasticity. For people with cancer whose treatment has affected their estrogen levels, bioidentical hormone replacement therapy has shown to be effective in enhancing their quality of life and general well-being.
The Takeaway
Overall, it is apparent that bioidentical hormone replacement therapy is a great way of treating people with low or imbalanced hormone levels. Therefore, this treatment can help women who are undergoing menopause to ease their symptoms. However, most traditional physicians do not offer bioidentical hormone replacement therapy. Thus, for you to get it, you have to look for primary care providers practicing integrative medicine.