The Truth About Bioidentical Hormones

Research has shown there are a number of medical benefits to a person receiving hormonal therapy. There has been an increased interest in the medical community to taking a more natural approach to this situation. Many physicians are now recommending the use of bioidentical hormones. Using them is often referred to as natural hormone therapy. The reason is that bioidentical hormones act exactly like the hormones people produce in their own bodies. If a person will benefit from having bioidentical hormone therapy, it can be easily determined by a physician.

CHEMICALLY ALTERED

The term bioidentical hormone therapy refers to the use of hormones that are biochemically similar to those produced by a human body. They are often created from yams and soy. These plants are chemically changed so they resemble therapeutic hormonal agents naturally found in the human body. There are formulations of bioidentical hormones that can be made to meet the specific needs of an individual.

HORMONE IMBALANCE

Most individuals over the age of 40, and often just over the age of 30, can experience problems associated with having a hormone imbalance. During a person’s lifetime, they will be exposed to a variety of toxins in the environment as well as in their diet and more. These are major contributing factors to hormone levels declining in a person as they age. In order to maintain optimum health, it is essential for a person to maintain proper hormone balance. Bioidentical hormone therapy can be part of successful hormone therapy for men and women

BIOIDENTICAL HORMONE THERAPY

The two main sex hormones in women are progesterone and estrogen. When these hormones decline, it can signal the lead up to menopause. This can last up to six years for some women. This hormone change can cause women to experience a number of uncomfortable symptoms such as hot flashes, fatigue, mood swings, weight gain, sleep disruption and more. When women have used bioidentical hormones instead of synthetic ones, they have experienced a decrease in many menopausal symptoms. When using bioidentical hormones, it’s also easier to measure how a woman is responding to the treatment. Many physicians are comfortable giving their patients FDA-approved bioidentical hormones as part of hormonal therapy. Research has shown them to be safe as their purity and potency must meet high standards and are subjected to periodic testing.

TESTOSTERONE

Recent research has shown the critical role testosterone plays in the health of men. It can impact a man’s weight, mood, depression, sex drive and more. Studies have demonstrated how low testosterone in men also has a direct link to the development of type 2 diabetes. When men have their testosterone levels in acceptable ranges, they’ve had a reduction in cholesterol, fat mass, diabetes and more. They are able to perform better at physical activities. A physician will be able to evaluate a man and determine their hormonal needs. Diagnostics could involve testing the saliva, blood, urine and more. Bioidentical hormones can be used to put a man’s hormones into positive levels.

THYROID CONDITIONS

When a person has a hormone imbalance, it can cause them serious health problems. The reason is that hormones interact with one another to maintain health. A person with an estrogen dominance and low progesterone might find they have low thyroid function which can cause men and woman to experience depression, headaches, low sex drive, weight gain, irrational fears and more. Hormone therapy for men and women has shown to be effective in treating certain thyroid conditions. A study was published in the Journal of Clinical Endocrinology and Metabolism. It involved over seventy people diagnosed with hypothyroidism. Their conditions improved significantly when they were switched from synthetic hormones to bioidentical hormones.