Annual Women’s Health Section
It’s easy to let health fall by the wayside, especially when life gets busy. But it’s always important to listen to the little voice in your head that suspects something isn’t right. Here, we highlight common health concerns for women, what to look out for, and when to see your doctor. Don’t let your busy schedule stand in the way of getting the help you need!
By Lindsey June
Bioidentical hormone replacement therapy (BHRT) can help ease symptoms of menopause.
Understanding Bioidentical Hormones
Hormones are biochemicals in the body produced by glands that act as messengers. These chemical messengers communicate to let the rest of the body know how to work. They control most of the functions in the body, including brain function, metabolism, and digestion. When hormones are thrown out of whack, it can have serious repercussions throughout the body.
That’s where bioidentical hormones come into play. Bioidentical hormones are identical in structure and function to the hormones produced by your own body and can be used to rebalance hormone levels. In women, they can help ease symptoms of menopause. Pharmacists can custom-make bioidentical hormones based on doctors’ orders through a process called compounding.
Uses of Bioidentical Hormones
Bioidentical hormones are frequently used to treat the effects of menopause in women. When hormone levels are low, you might experience hot flashes, night sweats, loss of sex drive, painful intercourse, weight gain, mood changes, and problems with sleeping. Bioidentical hormone replacement therapy (BHRT) can help ease these symptoms. It is anti-aging by nature, and has even been shown to reduce wrinkles by promoting collagen and elastin production.
Personalizing Bioidentical Hormones
Compounded bioidentical hormone replacement is made by pharmacists who specialize in compounding. During this process, the medication’s ingredients are customized for the individual patient. BHRT comes in several different forms, including creams, troches, pellets, capsules, and injections.
If you’re interested in BHRT to treat symptoms of low hormone levels, speak with your doctor and clinical compounding pharmacist to make sure it’s the right option for you. Once deemed a good candidate, you will likely be monitored during the BHRT treatment to evaluate your body’s response.
With help from qualified experts, bioidentical hormones can help get your body back in balance so you can feel ready to tackle whatever comes next – regardless of age.
