What Can Bioidentical Hormone Replacement Therapy (BHRT) Do for Me?
WHO SHOULD CONSIDER HORMONE REPLACEMENT THERAPY?
Any woman who is having hormone-related symptoms severe enough to affect the quality of her life. Symptoms can include, but are not limited to: vaginal dryness, decreased libido, fatigue, decreased concentration and memory, irregular or heavy menstrual cycles, insomnia, irritability, depression or persistent sadness, palpitations or hot flashes.
ny woman who has had a hysterectomy should consider BHRT. This is particularly important for women who have had their ovaries removed. Women who have had hysterectomies but still have their ovaries should be monitored for evidence of early menopause. Hormone levels should be monitored and treatment initiated with estradiol levels fall below 50pg/ml and FSH levels are greater than 50mlU.
Women who have strong family histories of heart disease, osteoporosis or Alzheimer’s disease are also good candidates for BHRT. Breast and endometrial cancer are not definitive contraindications to hormone replacement therapy.
Understanding the hormones behind the symptoms (and the relief of such) can help you see whether BHRT might be right for you.
Estrogens (Estrone, Estradiol, Estriol):
- Relieve symptoms associated with menopause, including: hot flushes, vaginal thinning and dryness
- Reduce bone loss
- Decrease risks of colon and colorectal cancers
- May increase HDL (good cholesterol) and decrease LDL (bad cholesterol): protect against heart disease and arteriosclerosis
- May improve memory, concentration, mood, energy levels and sleep patterns
Progesterone:
- Stimulates osteoblasts to build new bones
- Natural diuretic and antidepressant
- Helps burn fat for energy
- Protects against fibrocystic breasts
- Helps protect against endometrial and breast cancer
- Balancing/mitigating effect on Estrogen dominance (important in increasing fertility rate)
- Effective in controlling breakthrough bleeding
- Prevents postpartum depression
Androgen (Testosterone):
- Enhances libido
- Provides cardiovascular protection (by lowering cholesterol)
- Improves mental alertness
- Enhances bone building (by increasing calcium retention)
Androgen (DHEA):
- Improves memory
- Enhances the immune system
- Protects against bone loss
- Provides cardiovascular protection (by lowering cholesterol/preventing blood clot)
Anti-Aging
The use of certain anti-aging nutrients, herbs and compounds helps to prevent oxygenation and the formation of free-radicals. They may also help:
- Improves memory
- Improve Skin Elasticity,
- Lower Blood Pressure,
- Inhibit Periodontal Disease,
- Increase Bone & Muscle Mass,
- Inhibit Prostrate enlargement,
- Increase Endurance,
- Decrease Body Fat,
- Enhance Libido and Aids Insomnia.
The use of certain anti-aging nutrients, herbs and compounds helps to prevent oxygenation and the formation of free-radicals. They may also help:
- HGH
- NADH
- Piracetam
- Vinpocitine
- Argenine/Ornithine/Lysine
- DHEA
- Pregnenelone
- Phosphatidylserine
- Saw Palmetto/Pygeum Complex
- CoQ10