Bioidentical Hormone Replacement Therapy (BHRT)

While there is no “cure” for aging, there are actions you can take to combat the signs and symptoms of aging, and help your body look and feel better. As you age, your body goes through natural hormonal changes, but you can safely stabilize hormone levels. Growing older doesn’t have to be synonymous with feeling worse. With the right tools, including Bioidentical Hormone Therapy, adding life to your years will be a beautiful thing.
Bioidentical Hormone Replacement Therapy (BHRT) refers to the therapeutic use of hormones with the same chemical structure to that of the hormones naturally produced by the body to treat a wide variety of symptoms that result from aging. Being able to maintain the body’s natural and optimal hormone levels provides a safe and easy way to combat aging and feel your best.

As you age, your hormone levels decrease. This can cause different symptoms in men and women. In general, low hormone levels will lead to mood changes, weight gain, thinning hair and skin, sleep problems, night sweats, and/or hot flashes. While these symptoms are natural, that doesn’t mean that you have to suffer through them. BHRT provides a solution that will help with the symptoms of aging.

Female Hormone Replacement Therapy

Menopause is the medical term for the time in a woman’s life when she stops have a regular menstrual cycle and is no longer able to become pregnant. The transition period that marks the progression towards menopause is known as “perimenopause”. This major biological shift also comes with a wide range of uncomfortable symptoms that begin to appear in women’s 40’s. Not only can menopause and perimenopause affect a woman’s physical well-being, it can also cause major emotional health challenges.
Some common symptoms include:

• Hot flashes
• Vaginal dryness
• Sleep disturbances
• Mood changes
• Irregular periods

Menopause Hormone Replacement Therapy

It is no wonder then that women seek out natural hormone replacement treatment for menopause symptoms. Because BHRT uses hormones that are chemically the same as those produced by the human body, it can be useful in helping make the transition into menopause more pleasant.

Male Hormone Replacement Therapy

While most people have a basic understanding of menopause, the challenges that men face as they age simply aren’t talked about as much. However, men go through a similar aging process that causes a decrease in important hormones. The male equivalent of menopause is sometimes referred to as andropause, testosterone deficiency or late onset hypogonadism. No matter what term you use, they are all characterized by a deficient level of testosterone production from the testes, which causes symptoms that include:

• Decreased libido
• Erectile dysfunction
• Increased abdominal fat
• Decreased sexual performance
• Decreased lean muscle mass
• Fatigue/low energy/low mood
• Decreased bone density

Male Testosterone Replacement Therapy

The diagnosis of Testosterone Deficiency Syndrome requires the presence of these symptoms, along with testosterone levels below lab ranges. A natural testosterone replacement therapy can be used to counteract the symptoms of Testosterone Deficiency Syndrome.

Testosterone replacement therapy in men more interested in maintaining their fertility is NOT recommended
Alvaro Morale et al  Diagnosis and management of testosterone deficiency syndrome in men: clinical practice guideline CMAJ, December 8, 2015, 187(18) 1369-77
https://www.cmaj.ca/content/cmaj/187/18/1369.full.pdf

Natural Bioidentical Hormone Replacement Therapy

BHRT uses bioidentical hormones that are chemically identical to those our bodies produce naturally. This type of hormone replacement therapy is meant to improve your general well being and quality of life by maintaining the body’s natural hormone levels.

What are the Side Effects of BHRT?

Most side effects usually occur during the first few weeks of bioidentical hormone replacement therapy as the body begins to adjust to higher levels of hormones. Women may experience spotting, and breast tenderness. Men sometimes report acne and irritability. However, all of these side effects tend to be temporary and subside once the body achieves an ideal hormone levels. If the symptoms return or persist, it may be a sign that the hormone dose needs to be adjusted.

When Can I Expect to Experience Results?

Women can experience relief from hot flashes, night sweats and other symptoms within a matter of days. Men usually have to wait longer and won’t see significant results until 4-6 weeks after the initial treatment. Of course this varies among individuals and may depend on how long you have been functioning on deficient hormones levels.

Improve the Effects of BHRT with Healthy Lifestyle Choices

BHRT can help you deal with menopause and testosterone deficiency syndrome, but it will be even more effective if it is paired with regular exercise and a healthy diet.  If you haven’t been feeling yourself and would like to find out if you are a strong candidate for BHRT, then contact APT Medical Aesthetics today to book your  consultation. Our physician will discuss your symptoms and help you find the best course of treatment so you can get back to feeling your absolute best.