Androgenix Blog

Dealing with hormonal changes, whether from menopause, andropause, or other health conditions, can be incredibly challenging and overwhelming. Hormone replacement therapy (HRT) is an effective treatment that supplements the body with the essential hormones it’s lacking, generally testosterone or estrogen. While not for everyone, HRT treatments are especially beneficial for men and women experiencing hormonal imbalances in their late 40s to 50s.

What is Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT)?

Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT) is a medical treatment used to supplement the body with hormones, typically estrogen or testosterone. Its primary purpose is to replace or balance hormones that the body no longer produces adequately for various reasons. For women, HRT is often prescribed to alleviate symptoms associated with menopause, such as hot flashes, mood changes, and vaginal dryness. Men with low testosterone levels, either due to certain medical conditions or aging, might undergo testosterone replacement therapy (TRT) to address symptoms like fatigue, reduced libido, and loss of muscle mass. Bioidentical hormone replacement therapy (BHRT) is a type of hormone replacement therapy that uses hormones chemically identical to the hormones naturally produced in your body.

What are Bioidentical Hormones?

Bioidentical hormones are molecules with the same chemical and molecular structure as those produced naturally within the human body. Derived from plant sources like soy or yams, these hormones imitate endogenous hormones like testosterone, estrogen, and progesterone. Bioidentical hormones offer a more natural approach to hormone replacement therapy (HRT) and may have fewer side effects than synthetic or traditional hormones. Bioidentical hormone replacement therapy (BHRT), compared to conventional hormone replacement therapy (HRT), utilizes bioidentical hormones with the benefit of tailoring treatments to each unique hormonal profile.

Bioidentical Hormone Replacement Therapy (BHRT): When to Consider it

Choosing to start any hormone replacement therapy (HRT) should be based on individual health needs and symptoms. There are several reasons to consider beginning HRT, including menopausal and perimenopausal symptoms, andropause aka “male menopause,” osteoporosis, or symptoms including chronic fatigue or skin aging. When experiencing negative hormone-related symptoms, please schedule a consultation with one of our wellness professionals at Androgenix to evaluate your hormone levels and discuss your health needs before starting with bioidentical hormone replacement therapy (BHRT).

Experiencing Menopausal and Perimenopausal Symptoms

Women going through menopause or perimenopause often experience symptoms such as hot flashes, night sweats, brain fog, sleep disturbances, and mood fluctuations. Bioidentical hormones help with hormone imbalances and manage menopausal and perimenopausal symptoms. BHRT treatments help women struggling with hormonal imbalance post-childbirth or through menopause and pre-menopause symptoms.

Going Through Andropause “Male Menopause”

Male menopause, also known as andropause, is when men begin experiencing low testosterone levels, typically in their late 40s to early 50s. Symptoms of andropause can include fatigue, mood swings, low libido, and difficulty concentrating and sleeping. BHRT for men experiencing andropause helps improve related symptoms by improving erectile dysfunction, libido levels, and psychological health and well-being.

Preventing Osteoporosis and Promoting Bone Health

Osteoporosis is a bone disease that develops when there’s a decrease in bone mineral density and bone mass. BHRT for osteoporosis is an effective treatment as hormones, specifically estrogen, significantly increase and maintain bone mineral density. Supplementing with bioidentical hormones in BHRT can slow the bone loss rate while reducing the risk of bone fractures in menopausal women.

Post-Hysterectomy or Oophorectomy

A hysterectomy is a surgical removal of the uterus, whereas an oophorectomy is the removal of one or both ovaries. Following these two procedures, women often experience a decrease in hormone production, specifically estrogen and progesterone. The side effects and symptoms of a hysterectomy or oophorectomy, similar to menopausal symptoms, can cause severe hot flashes, mood swings, night sweats, and low libido levels in women. BHRT treatments can help relieve and prevent these symptoms by replacing natural hormones the body needs.

Experiencing Chronic Fatigue

While chronic fatigue can have a range of underlying causes, hormonal imbalance is one of the most common. Bioidentical hormone replacement therapy (BHRT) can effectively treat chronic fatigue linked to hormonal imbalances or deficiencies. Thyroid hormones like cortisol and sex hormones like testosterone and estrogen significantly impact energy metabolism and overall well-being. An imbalance in testosterone or estrogen affects energy levels, leading to tiredness and fatigue. BHRT treatments for chronic fatigue restore optimal hormone levels, alleviating fatigue and renewing energy.

Skin Aging and Hair Thinning

Hormonal fluctuations significantly affect the skin’s appearance and the thickness and shine of our hair. Skin aging and hair thinning linked to hormonal changes, such as a deficiency in estrogen or testosterone, can be improved through bioidentical hormone treatments. Estrogen promotes skin health through the production of collagen. Collagen production is essential for preserving skin hydration and elasticity. High levels of collagen result from increased estrogen levels through BHRT treatments. On the other hand, dihydrotestosterone (DHT)—a more potent androgen than testosterone—affects hair follicles. A delicate balance of testosterone in men and women can promote hair growth and thickness. 

The Benefits of BHRT

Bioidentical hormone replacement therapy (BHRT) benefits are especially advantageous for individuals experiencing symptoms related to hormonal imbalances or declines. BHRT’s physical and psychological benefits contribute to bone health and menopausal symptom relief while improving mood disorders, anxiety, and malaise.

• Improved bone density
• Mood stabilization
• Menopause and perimenopause symptom relief
• Enhanced mood and well-being
• Improved sleep
• Better memory and cognitive function
• Improved sexual desire and function
• Skin and hair health
• Muscle mass maintenance
• Improved chronic fatigue and depression

One of the main benefits of bioidentical hormone replacement therapy (BHRT) is that it takes a tailored approach to accommodate each patient’s hormonal needs. This allows medical professionals to personalize HRT treatments for each patient’s needs and health requirements.

Getting Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT) in North Palm Beach, FL

When deciding to get hormone replacement therapy (HRT) or BHRT, you must evaluate your health and hormonal needs with a medical professional. HRT for men and women improves energy levels, mental clarity, and emotional stability for a better quality of life. Starting HRT treatments is a safe and effective solution for achieving optimal hormonal levels and balance in every area of your life. Hormone replacement therapy (HRT) replaces declining hormones with bioidentical hormones, alleviating the negative symptoms. BHRT treatments are administered through pills, patches, gels, creams, and injections.

Androgenix Advanced Health and Wellness offers hormone replacement therapy (HRT) treatments in North Palm Beach, FL. Suppose you’re experiencing an imbalance or deficiency in hormone levels due to menopause or andropause. In that case, our BHRT treatments boost and balance your hormone levels for a healthier and overall better quality of life.

References:

• National Library of Medicine, 2011. Bioidentical Hormone Therapy.
• National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases, 2022. Osteoporosis.
• Medline Plus, 2023. Malaise.