Bioidentical Hormone Replacement Therapy

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Bioidentical Hormone Replacement Therapy

• BHRT can be used to treat men and women when
  their hormone levels drop or become unbalanced.
  Its most frequently used to ease symptoms of
  perimenopause and menopause. It may also be used
  to improve symptoms of cancer treatment or to
  treat conditions such as
• Insulin Resistance
• Adrenal and Thyroid Disorders
• Osteoporosis
• Fibromyalgia
• Bioidentical hormones are manmade hormones
  derived from plant estrogens that are chemically
  identical to those the human body produces.
  Estrogen, progesterone, and testosterone are
  among those most commonly replicated and used in
  treatment.

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Hormone Replacement Therapy
Components of BHRT Some bioidentical hormones are
made by drug companies. Others, known as
compounded bioidentical hormones, are custom made
by a pharmacy, according to a doctors orders.
This process is known as compounding. Compounding
typically involves ingredients being combined or
altered to meet the needs of an individual.
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has
approved some forms of manufactured bioidentical
hormones, including bioidentical estriol (a weak
form of estrogen) and progesterone. However, the
FDA hasnt approved any custom-compounded
bioidentical hormones.
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Hormone Replacement Therapy
Most bioidentical hormones are manufactured and
sold without controls for safety, quality, or
purity. Many medical organizations have taken a
stand against the marketing and use of unapproved
bioidentical hormones.
Compounded bioidentical hormones are often touted
as being safer and more effective than synthetic
hormones. But the FDA and most doctors will
caution that those claims havent been proven in
reputable studies, and that these hormones may
even be potentially dangerous in some cases.
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Hormone Replacement Therapy
Benefits of BHRT BHRT is typically used as people
age and hormone levels drop, particularly for
women who are in perimenopause or menopause. Its
used to increase the levels of the hormones that
have dropped and improve moderate to severe
menopause symptoms, including
hot flashes night sweats mood changes memory
loss weight gain sleep issues loss of interest in
sex
In addition to helping with symptoms, hormone
replacement therapy may also reduce your risk for
diabetes, tooth loss, and cataracts. Theres some
evidence that it can help improve skin thickness,
hydration, and elasticity, and even reduce
wrinkles.
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Hormone Replacement Therapy
Side effects and risks of BHRT While the FDA has
approved some preparations of bioidentical
estradiol and progesterone, it hasnt approved
any compounded bioidentical hormones. There are
claims that bioidentical hormones are safer and
more effective than traditional HRT because
theyre identical in structure to those produced
in the body. But these claims have not been
confirmed by large-scale, reputable studies. The
FDA urges caution when using compounded
products. Research has shown that hormone
replacement therapy in general may increase the
risk for certain conditions and diseases
including blood clots stroke gallbladder
disease heart disease breast cancer
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