Aging is a natural process. Yet, though natural, the process can still bring about many frustrating and uncomfortable symptoms for both men and women. Why? As the body ages, hormone levels begin to decline. Hormone levels typically begin to decline after the mid-20s; by the mid-30s many people will begin to feel the symptoms of hormone imbalances. Hormones play a vital role in many different processes in the body. When hormones become imbalanced, a person's physical, mental, and emotional health may be negatively impacted. Bioidentical hormones (BHs) can help men and women restore hormone levels to a more balanced state, reducing the symptoms of aging.
What are bioidentical hormones?
Bioidentical hormones match the natural hormones of the body, molecule by molecule. They are an exact replica of the body's hormones and as such the body is not able to tell the difference between BHs and a hormone produced by the body. BHs are created by hand in a lab, yet it is important to know that BHs are not the same as synthetic hormones. Synthetic hormones are not an exact match to the hormones produced in the body. Accordingly, the body responds to synthetic hormones differently than it does bioidentical or its own hormones. BHs can exactly match and stand in for many hormones in the body including but not limited to estrogen, testosterone, progesterone, cortisol, dhea, estradiol, and estriol.
What can bioidentical hormones treat in women?
Women typically experience the most uncomfortable symptoms of hormone imbalances during early menopause, menopause, perimenopause, and with severe premenstrual syndrome (PMS). Bioidentical hormones can safely help women suffering from symptoms of sleeplessness, hot flashes, mood swings, low libido, memory loss, weight gain, and more.
What can bioidentical hormones treat in men?
Men also suffer a type of menopause as they age, known as andropause. The symptoms usually have a more gradual onset in men than women but can be nonetheless frustrating once they begin to appear. BHs are also safe and effective for men and can help men address issues including but not limited to loss of muscle mass, weight gain due to increased body fat, loss of energy, fatigue, stress, and decreased libido.
Do bioidentical hormones have side effects?
Since BHs are an exact replica of the body's own hormones, there are little to no side effects associated with BH replacement therapy (BHRT). Side effects are usually only present when the dosage level is too high for an individual patient.
Who can provide bioidentical hormone replacement therapy?
BHs must be prescribed by a board certified physician. To minimize side effects and maximize results, it is important to seek a board certified physician experienced with BHRT and who provides carefully individualized treatment plans with good patient monitoring protocols.
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