WHAT IS BHRT?
Bioidentical Hormone Replacement Therapy. An acronym for energy, fitness and overall good health. You probably get the “replacement” and “therapy” part, but the” bioidentical “and “hormone” …mmm, probably not entirely. So before we get any deeper into BHRT, let’s start at the beginning; hormones.
WHAT ARE HORMONES?
Hormones are fluctuating chemical messengers that circulate in the bloodstream and affect the function of every cell and organ in our body. They coordinate everything from digestion and growth to your appetite, immune function, brain function, and libido. We couldn’t live without them. There is a progressive drop in hormone levels as both men and women age. As the levels decline, health quickly follows.
HOW DO I KNOW IF I NEED BHRT?
80% of all adults over 40 are hormonally imbalanced. Two of the most important hormones which are often treated with BHRT are estrogen and testosterone. Spoiler alert; both men and women, have both. While most men don’t have a lot of estrogen, it plays a part in their heart, bone and brain health. Testosterone plays a role in the growth and maintenance of red cells, female reproductive tissue and bone mass.
Symptoms of hormone imbalance in men include:
- Erectile dysfunction (Yikes.)
- Hair loss (Yikes.)
- Fatigue or loss of energy (Not good.)
- Increased body fat (Really not good.)
- Heart palpitations (Scary.)
- Depression or anxiety (Depressing.)
- Man boobs (No. No. Please, no.)
Symptoms of hormone imbalance in women include:
- Heavy, irregular or painful periods (Ouch.)
- Osteoporosis (Break more than a leg.)
- Weight gain (Toss the scale.)
- Thinning hair (Not exactly sexy.)
- Increased hair growth on face, neck, chest or back (Gotta be kidding me.)
- Insomnia (A million sheep and counting.)
- Acne (Pimple time.)
WHAT’S THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN BIOIDENTICAL HORMONE THERAPY (BHRT) AND SYNTHETIC HORMONE THERAPY (HRT)?
Bio-identical hormones are exactly that—identical.
Clinically the same as those naturally produced by the body. This allows the body to use them in exactly the same manner as it does its own hormones. Which means they can safely and easily be absorbed and processed by the body without rejection.
Synthetic hormones are exactly that—synthetic.
Artificial. Fake. The hormones used in traditional HRT are made from the urine of pregnant horses and other synthetic hormones which the body recognizes as foreign substances they try to reject. This can come with negative side effects including links to higher risk of certain cancers.
HOW IS BHRT ADMINISTERED?
Where standard HRT can be delivered by pills you can forget, messy gels or sticky patches, bioidentical hormones are delivered in the form of hormone replacement pellets (both estrogen and testosterone), and testosterone injections. Because, as we’ve mentioned above, men and women both have testosterone and estrogen whose levels can become imbalanced, hormone pellets and testosterone injections are safe, proven options for both.
SO, WHAT ARE HORMONE REPLACEMENT PELLETS?
Pellets are uniquely compounded bioidentical hormones about the size of a cooked grain of rice, painlessly placed just under the skin as an in-office procedure. They deliver a consistent, steady and healthy level of hormones into the bloodstream over a period of a few months, preventing the rollercoaster-like effects of regular one-size-fits-all HRT. They also bypass the liver avoiding possible clotting factors, blood pressure, glucose or liver function.
WHAT ABOUT TESTOSTERONE INJECTIONS?
The primary use of testosterone injections is as a treatment for sexual dysfunction in males and postmenopausal symptoms in females. As with pellets, the amount of testosterone in every injection is custom created to administer exactly the right amount to keep the levels in the bloodstream flowing evenly. Testosterone injections are given every 7 to 22 days depending on the degree of imbalance. This allows for careful ongoing monitoring and dosing.
WHERE DO I GO WHERE THEY REALLY KNOW ALL ABOUT BHRT?
Thrive Health Solutions.
The medical professionals at Thrive have had endless years of experience with BHRT. They understand the intricacies of precisely administering the exact amount of hormones your body needs, based upon advanced testing. Every individual is different, so every protocol is individualized. Over-the-counter or online hormones are like playing guessing games with your health. You can’t self-diagnose true hormone imbalance and you can’t count on those products as really being what they claim. At Thrive Health Solutions, BHRT is held to the highest standards of safety and purity. If you’re looking for a naturally effective way to increase your energy, decrease excess fat, increase muscle mass improve your sleep, lift libido, reduce inflammation, bolster immune function and so much more, you’ve found the solution; BHRT at Thrive Health Solutions. Sick and tired of feeling sick and tired? Call Thrive for an appointment now. And know what it feels to feel truly balanced.
