Bioidentical Hormone Replacement Therapy Los Angeles : Hormones are chemical messengers that control basic functions and processes in the body. The hormones serve as internal communication channels between cells throughout the body and they help coordinate development, growth, appetite, metabolism, cognitive function, mood, libido, and more.
As we grow older, the levels of hormones in our bodies naturally reduce. Low levels of hormones in your body can impact your health and can lead to many symptoms including hot flashes, low sex drive, irritability, weight gain, vaginal dryness, lack of concentration, and difficulty sleeping.
If you’re experiencing any of these signs, it may be that your hormonal level is low. It is crucial that you to boost your hormonal level if your hormonal level is low or imbalanced. You should also visit your doctor for proper a diagnosis to know if indeed your hormonal level is low.
Bio-identical hormone therapy is a hormone replacement therapy that you can use to boost your hormonal levels. Bio-identical hormones are hormones that are manmade and they identically match the molecular structure of hormones that are naturally produced in the body. Common hormones such as estrogen, progesterone, and testosterone are replicated and used for hormone replacement treatments. Bio-identical hormones can be in the form of pills, patches, creams, gels, pellets, or injections.
BHRT Creams – Hormone Balancing
Bio-identical hormone replacement creams are used to increase low hormone levels. They contain hormones such as testosterone, estrogen, and estradiol. They are used to resolve symptoms of mild to severe hormonal imbalance.
BHRT creams are used to treat hormone imbalance-related issues in women. These creams are particularly used for hormone replacement in women in their pre-menopause and menopause stage that are experiencing symptoms such as low sex drive, vaginal dryness, hot flashes, weight gain, fatigue, anxiety, difficulty sleeping, lack of concentration, and irritability.
The benefits of BHRT creams include:
- Improves aging changes
- Relieves symptoms of menopause and perimenopause
- Reduced risk of osteoporosis and osteopenia and improved bone density
- Reduce the risk of Alzheimer’s disease and other diseases associated with cognitive decline
- Improves mood and energy levels
- Improves muscle mass and overall strength
- Reduces risk of endometrial cancer and breast cancer
- Improves cholesterol levels and reduces the risk for developing heart disease
- Improves sleep
- Increases sexual vitality and libido
Natural Bioidentical Hormone Therapy Los Angeles
Natural hormone replacement therapy uses natural hormones derived from plants to treat hormonal depletion and imbalances.
There are two main types of natural hormone replacement therapy. They are bioidentical hormone replacement therapy and traditional natural hormone replacement therapy.
1. Bioidentical hormone replacement therapy (BHRT)
Bioidentical hormone replacement therapy (BHRT) involves the use of synthetic hormones derived from plant estrogens to treat hormonal depletion and imbalances.
Bioidentical hormones are hormones with the same molecular structure as the hormones produced naturally in the human body.
Most bioidentical hormones contain plant hormones that mimic the following:
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Progesterone
Progesterone is a hormone that is naturally produced in the body. Progesterone is mainly produced by a woman’s ovaries. The hormone is associated with menstruation and pregnancy. Progesterone fluctuates with a woman’s menstrual period. The level of progesterone in women reduces during and after menopause.
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Estriol
This is a weaker form of the hormone estrogen. It is a minor female sex hormone. Estriol has associations with pregnancy. It is mainly produced by the placenta and at a much higher level when a woman is pregnant. The amount of Estriol increases gradually throughout pregnancy. It is at its highest level shortly before birth. Estriol promotes the growth of the uterus and gradually prepares a woman’s body for birth.
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Dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA)
This is a type of androgen hormone that helps with the production of other hormones. It helps in the production of hormones such as estrogen and testosterone.
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Melatonin
This hormone is primarily released by the pineal gland at night time. It is associated with control of the sleep–wake cycle. It is often used as dietary supplements for the short-term treatment of insomnia.
2. Traditional natural hormone replacement therapy
Traditional natural hormone replacement therapy involves consuming plants or supplements containing hormonal compounds that may alleviate symptoms of hormonal depletion and imbalance.
Some plants and supplements that may contain hormonal compounds that people may take to treat hormonal symptoms include:
- Phytoestrogens
- John’s wort
- Black cohosh
- Licorice root
- Valerian root
- Red clover
- Evening primrose oil
- Omega-3 fatty acids
FAQS
Is BHRT covered by insurance?
Bioidentical hormone replacement therapy usually requires ongoing medical care with follow-up office visits and medications. Many insurance plans do provide limited degree of coverage for BHRT. However, it usually depends on a patient’s carrier and benefits. The cost of BHRT is usually affordable for men and women.
How long can you stay on BHRT?
Experts suggest that patients discontinue BHRT when they achieve relief from their symptoms. They also recommend undergoing BHRT therapy for a maximum of seven years. If you’re above 60 years, seek medical advice before undergoing BHRT.
Do I need a prescription for bioidentical progesterone?
Before taking bioidentical progesterone hormones, you need to receive a prescription for an FDA-approved hormone formulation or pharmacy. Most bioidentical hormones are available through prescription compounding pharmacies. Prescription compounding offers patients the chance to get customized dosages of these bioidentical hormones.
Are bioidentical hormones safe 2020?
As of 2020, hormone therapy is still the best way to relieve symptoms of menopause. Experts recommend that hormone replacement therapy be used for the duration that it’s needed to address symptoms. Bioidentical hormones are typically safe and should be taken at the lowest effective dose.
How do I know if I need bioidentical hormones?
The signs or symptoms that may occur that show that you may need hormone replacement therapy include:
- Hot flashes
- Night sweats
- Vaginal dryness
- Pain, itching, or burning sensation during intercourse
- Low sex-drive
- Mood changes or mood swings
- Regular irritability
- Bone loss
- Difficulty sleeping
- Lack of concentration
- Chronic period problems or abnormal periods
How expensive is BHRT?
BHRT is relatively affordable. The average treatment cost for BHRT is between $200-$500 per month.
Can bioidentical hormones cause weight loss?
Low hormonal levels can cause weight gain. Sex is an exercise and low hormonal levels can cause low sex drive which can lead to weight gain. Low hormonal levels can also cause reduced metabolism and activity which can lead to increased weight gain. Having BHRT can increase hormonal levels which can help with weight loss.
Are hormone pellets worth it?
In recent years, hormone replacement pellet therapy has become an increasingly popular option for both men and women with low or abnormal hormonal levels seeking to increase or balance their hormonal levels.
Hormone pellet therapy involves the administration of hormones via small pellets which are implanted under the skin, typically in the hip or lower abdominal wall. These hormone pellets are about the grain of rice and they measure 3mm by 9mm. These pellets contain custom hormones that are gradually metabolized by the body over a period of time, typically 3-6 months.
While the cons outweigh the pros of hormone pellets therapy, data suggests that patients who undergo hormone pellets therapy tend to be more satisfied with their treatment. They also experience fewer side effects than patients who choose other hormone replacement methods.
For example, results from a study on men taking testosterone therapy show that over 95% of them using pellets for 6-12 months reported being satisfied with their treatment as compared to 75.2% of those using injections and 62.5% of those using testosterone gels. These results suggest that the benefits of hormone pellets outweigh the cons for most patients.
At what age should you stop taking bioidentical hormones?
Most experts agree that bioidentical hormones replacement therapy is safe to use at the lowest dose and for the shortest time needed for healthy people. Though there is no age limit to taking bioidentical hormones, you should always consult with your doctor before taking it. If you’re 59 or older, or have been on bioidentical hormones for 5 years or more, you should consult with your doctor.
Do bioidentical hormones make you look younger?
Hormone replacement therapy can help reduce signs of aging such as reducing the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles on the skin. It can also promote the growth of hair. All these changes can make you look younger.
