These hormones can help relieve symptoms in women transitioning to menopause.
Understanding Bioidentical Hormones
Hormones are chemicals that control and coordinate a wide range of important functions in the body. When hormone levels drop or become unbalanced, they can disrupt these functions and lead to uncomfortable symptoms. Bioidentical hormones are artificial hormones that are chemically identical to those the body makes and can help individuals dealing with a hormone imbalance by restoring normal levels.
Hormone Replacement Therapy
One of the most common uses of bioidentical hormones is to treat symptoms during perimenopause, the time leading up to menopause. These symptoms, which include hot flashes, mood swings, vaginal dryness, painful sex, and urinary problems, are associated with a significant drop in estrogen and progesterone, hormones produced by the ovaries. Prescribed doses of bioidentical hormones can help replace these lost levels and treat symptoms. Known as hormone replacement therapy (HRT), this treatment is available to women in their 30s and early 40s and is an effective option.
There are two main types of HRT: estrogen therapy and combination therapy, which combines estrogen and progesterone. Testosterone therapy is also available. HRT comes in many forms – including pill, patch, gel, troche, pellet, and vaginal ring or cream – and is applied daily beginning at the lowest effective dose. When undergoing HRT, your hormone levels will be regularly monitored to ensure an appropriate dosage and safe and effective treatment.
Benefits and Outlook
By balancing hormone levels, HRT can effectively relieve symptoms that occur during perimenopause. It can also benefit bone density, helping prevent bone loss and conditions such as osteoporosis. Discuss with your healthcare provider whether HRT or a nonhormonal option is right for you.
An Expert Weighs In:
“Bioidentical Hormone Replacement Therapy (BHRT) is a safe, effective approach to managing hormonal imbalances. Using hormones identical to those naturally produced, BHRT minimizes side effects often seen with synthetic options. Under professional guidance, it is customized to each person’s needs, providing relief from symptoms like fatigue and mood swings while supporting bone and cardiovascular health.”
Sharlotte Manley, FNP-C
Founder, Lavender Medi Spa
Meet the Author
Rachel Studebaker, BA, English, Summa Cum Laude
Rachel Studebaker is a graduate of Lee University where she earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in English with a minor in advertising. While attending Lee, Rachel served as editor-in-chief and creative director for the school’s biannual publication Vindagua and was a member of Sigma Tau Delta English Honors Society. Since joining CMC Publications as editor, Rachel has assumed the role of managing editor, where she is responsible for the annual development and completion of seventeen publications involving health, wellness, and lifestyles articles that are published in print and online for HealthScope, CityScope, and Choose Chattanooga magazines – premier publications serving S.E. Tennessee and North Georgia.
