Understanding Bio-identical HRT
Today we talk about understanding Bio-identical HRT. The average menopausal woman suffers from menopause symptoms. Including hot flushes/flashes, vaginal dryness, and night sweats. This is because of their decreasing estrogen levels.
Many decide to undergo traditional hormone replacement therapy to relieve these symptoms. This also may help to minimize their exposure to health risks.
But these days, menopausal women are offered alternatives to traditional menopausal hormone therapy. For example, Bio-identical Hormone Replacement Therapy (BHRT).
Learn more about its difference from your traditional HRT by reading on!
What is Bio-identical HRT?
Bio-identical Hormone Therapy can be best described as a personalized version of hormone therapy. It uses natural hormones extracted from plant chemicals to create estrogen that’s (molecularly) the same as human hormones. This helps combat hormonal imbalances.
First, you undergo saliva tests to determine your hormone levels. A pharmacist then creates a compound specifically for you.
While it’s undoubtedly a personalized approach, a lot of doctors in the medical community criticize this because hormone levels can change many times in a day.
What are the Components of Bio-identical Hormone Therapy?
To help manage your menopausal symptoms, BHRT contains:
Estrogen for balancing decreasing estrogen levels
Micronised progesterone for reducing the risk of endometrial cancer due to the thickening of the uterine lining.
Apart from these, bioidentical hormones may also have dehydroepiandrosterone or DHEA, a hormone responsible for producing other hormones. It also manufactures melatonin that helps improve your sleep.
Bio-identical HRT vs Traditional HRT
There are two main differences with these HRTs: type of hormone and quality control.
BHRT uses plant chemicals to create hormones, while the traditional HRT uses synthetic hormones.
But since bio-identical hormone preparations are personalized, they don’t undergo quality control when compounded. Traditional HRT isn’t compounded by an on-site pharmacist, so it doesn’t have quality control issues.
Should You Go For Bio-identical Hormones?
Apart from the type of hormone used, there’s no evidence that one’s better than the other. That’s why it’s essential to make an informed decision. You should consult your doctor if you’re planning to get hormone replacement therapy.
Higher rates of menopause-related health risks include consuming alcohol, smoking cigarettes, or avoiding physical activity.
You’re also at risk for certain diseases, like: