What is Bio-identical Hormone Replacement Therapy? (BHRT)
“BHRT" is used more generally to describe the practice of using only bio-identical hormones in the treatment of all hormone deficiencies and uses molecules that are identical to the endogenous hormones found in the human body.
Women have long had the opportunity for Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT) during menopause, and the benefits are obvious. Women feel better, have more energy, more libido and a greater defense from the risks of coronary artery disease and osteoporosis. Men can also expect the same benefits from HRT. An individualized designed bioidentical hormone therapy program combined with fitness and nutrition can be implemented to help improve physical health, mental acuity and sexual drive.
What are Bio-identical hormones?
Bio-identical hormones have the same molecular structure as the hormones made by your own body. They are extracted from natural sources, plants like soybean and wild yams. Because bio-identical hormones are plant-derived and chemically IDENTICAL to what your body already knows this can make them very effective and very safe.
By contrast, synthetic hormones are intentionally different. Drug companies can’t patent a bioidentical structure, so they invent synthetic hormones that are patentable (Premarin, Prempro, and Provera being the most widely used examples). (i.e. Premarin is horse estrogen) We are designed to recognize and utilize our natural hormones, not those of a horse.
Because they are synthetic and not natural, they can produce unwanted side effects like nausea, fluid retention, and dizziness. And there are also potential dangers like the increased risk of breast or uterine cancer.How are Bio-identical hormones manufactured?
Bio-identical hormones have the same molecular structure as the hormones made by your own body. They are extracted from natural sources, plants like soybean and wild yams. Because bio-identical hormones are plant-derived and chemically IDENTICAL to what your body already knows this can make them very effective and very safe.
By contrast, synthetic hormones are intentionally different. Drug companies can’t patent a bioidentical structure, so they invent synthetic hormones that are patentable (Premarin, Prempro, and Provera being the most widely used examples). (i.e. Premarin is horse estrogen) We are designed to recognize and utilize our natural hormones, not those of a horse.
Because they are synthetic and not natural, they can produce unwanted side effects like nausea, fluid retention, and dizziness. And there are also potential dangers like the increased risk of breast or uterine cancer.Are Bio-identical hormones safe?
The safety of bioidentical hormones is assured by several factors:
1.) The raw materials come from FDA approved facilities2.) Bioidentical hormones are compounded according to FDA standards of quality.