
Bioidentical Hormone Replacement Therapy for Women
(BHRT) is a type of hormone therapy that uses hormones that are identical in chemical structure to the hormones produced by a woman’s ovaries.
There are many different hormones, and each one has a specific job to do. When hormone levels get out of balance, it can lead to a wide range of issues, both physical and emotional.
Typically, hormone levels drop as human beings age, and this gradual change can have lasting effects on health, energy, and the skin’s elasticity. BHRT can be used to treat a wide range of symptoms, including but not limited to: menopause symptoms, perimenopause symptoms, andropause symptoms, and thyroid problems.
What Are Hormones?
Hormones are molecules that carry instructions from glands and tissues to various systems in the body. These molecules vary in their functions and targets. Some hormones can bind with compatible cells all over the body, while others are more specialized, targeting only one or a few tissue types.
For example, estrogen (the female sex hormone) can regulate functions by binding to estrogen receptor sites in uterine, breast, and bone cells. It can also act as a target cell for various regulatory molecules.
Thyroid hormones, on the other hand, regulate many of the body’s functions, including heart rate, digestion, metabolism, brain development, bone health, and much more.
Hormone changes are an inevitable part of aging, and they can have many effects on the body. For starters, hormonal imbalances can lead to problems with fertility, as well as an increased risk of miscarriage. Hormonal imbalances can also lead to an increased risk of cancer, particularly breast cancer and ovarian cancer.
Additionally, hormonal imbalances can cause problems with mood and emotions, including anxiety and depression. Finally, hormonal imbalances can lead to weight gain and problems with metabolism.
What are Bio-Identical Hormones?
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Bio-identical hormones are hormones that are chemically identical to the hormones produced by the human body. This means that they are able to replicate the effects of the hormones produced by the body, and can help to restore balance to the body’s systems. Hormones regulate mood, growth and development, tissue function, metabolism and reproductive systems, among other things.
Thyroid hormones are a group of three hormones that are produced by the thyroid gland: thyroxine (T4), triiodothyronine (T3), and calcitonin. The thyroid hormones are responsible for regulating the body’s metabolism, and play a role in the development and function of the brain, heart, muscles, and other tissues.
BHRT Downtime
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There is no downtime necessary for women after hormone replacement therapy. In fact, many people report feeling better right away when they start hormone replacement therapy. However, it’s important to follow your doctor’s instructions carefully, so you can get the most out of your treatment.
Testosterone Replacement Therapy
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Improvements for female sexual dysfunction
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Lowered risk of high blood pressure
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Lowered risk of type II diabetes
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Reduced fatigue and increase in energy levels


Estrogen
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Increase in bone density
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Reduced depression & anxiety
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Reduction in menopausal symptoms (hot flashes, night sweats, insomnia, headhaches, etc)
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Improvements for female sexual dysfunction
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Fewer cardiovascular events
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Improved sleep
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Improved vaginal lubrication
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Improved collagen retention, skin thickness, and skin elasticity
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Reduced risk of cataracts and open-angle glaucoma
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Improved joint health
Progestins
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Progestin is the synthetic version of naturally-occurring progesterone. This hormone prepares, sustains, and builds; it is crucial for successful pregnancies and the production of sex hormones.
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Progesterone is nicknamed the pregnancy hormones because it prepares and keeps the body healthy before and during pregnancy.
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The essential role of progesterone in egg and sperm maturation, sexual receptiveness, and estrogen production is less known. Not surprisingly, females make and use more progestins than males.

Thyroid
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Thyroid hormones support nearly every system in the body. In humans and other backboned animals, the iodine-containing hormones guarantee proper development of the brain, skeleton, and organs.
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Too much or too little of these hormones can derail the body's delicate balance, causing goiter and other health troubles.
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These distinct regulators can work alone or cooperate with other hormones to generate energy, control cell oxygen use, and moderate many other life processes in males and females.
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T3 (triiodothyronine) accounts for about 75% of thyroid function.
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T4 (thyroxine) accounts for about 25% of thyroid function.
Symptoms of Hormonal Imbalance
Low Libido - Decreased interest in sexual activity.
Fatigue - Persistent tiredness or lack of energy.
Irregular Menstrual Cycles - Skipped periods, heavy bleeding, or unusual timing.
Excessive Hair Growth - Growth on the face, chest, or back (hirsutism)
Sleep Problems - Insomnia or difficulty staying asleep.
Vaginal Dryness - Discomfort during intercourse or general dryness.
Mood Swings - Irritability, depression, or anxiety.
Increased Body Fat - Particularly in the abdominal area.
Decreased Bone Density - Leading to an increased risk of fractures.
Night Sweats - Excessive sweating during sleep.
Types
Pellets
Bioidentical hormone therapy comes in many different forms, but the most popular is pellet therapy. Pellet therapy involves inserting tiny pellets (made of estradiol and testosterone) under the skin. The pellets are made to release hormones over time, providing a consistent dose of hormones.
One of the benefits of pellet therapy is that it provides a consistent dose of hormones. This is important because it helps to avoid the fluctuations in hormone levels that can occur with other forms of bioidentical hormone therapy. Another benefit is that pellet therapy does not require daily administration like other forms of bioidentical hormone therapy do.
Injections
One of the main benefits of bioidentical hormone therapy is that it can be administered via injection, which means that the hormones are delivered directly to the site where they are needed. This results in a much more precise dose than you would get if you were taking a pill, and it also ensures that the hormones are not metabolized (broken down) before they reach their target.
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Usually weekly or bi-weekly intra-muscular injections
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Associated with greater risk of increase in hematocrit
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Higher Estrogen levels
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Steady release into the blood. Not similar on normal body hormone release
Oral: Pills, Sublingual Pills, Troches and BLA


Daily Intake Requirement BLA (Bio Lymphatic Absorption)
Sublingual Tablets
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Seem to have similar delivery as compared to pellets (24hr coverage)
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Bypasses liver metabolism (first-pass) with absorption to the lymphatics
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All hormones
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Dissolve under the tongue
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Peaks early in the day
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Bypasses liver metabolism
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Most hormones

Traditional Pills
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First pass metabolism
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metabolized by the liver
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Not great absorption for most hormones
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Typically used with Progesterone and Thyroid Potential issues with compliance

Troches
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Bypasses liver metabolism
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Typically require twice-daily dosing
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Most hormones
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Leads to a higher risk of Estrogen blood clots
If you’re experiencing symptoms of hormone imbalance, such as hot flashes, mood swings, or low energy levels, visit our Replacement Treatment Clinic. Our expert HRT doctors will work with you to develop a personalized treatment plan that addresses your unique needs and goals, so you can feel renewed and revitalized. Don’t suffer in silence – schedule your appointment today.