Bioidentical Hormone Replacement 

Bioidentical Hormone Replacement Therapy

As we age our hormone levels change which can cause a variety of unpleasant symptoms.  Bioidentical hormone replacement therapy (BHRT) replenishes the hormones your body needs to function to its fullest. BHRT utilizes medications that have the same chemical formula as those made naturally in the body. They are referred to as “bio-identical” hormones and are chemically identical to human hormones. An imbalance in hormones can cause fatigue, sleep problems, depression, low sex drive and more.

 

Benefits of BHRT

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• Increased energy and stamina

• More restful sleep

• Improved sex drive

• Hot flash relief

• Improved complexion

• Weight loss

• Overall better sense of well-being

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Synthetic vs Bioidentical Hormones

Conventional hormone replacement uses estrogens derived from the urine of pregnant horses and conventional progestin is a synthetic hormone. Since the chemical composition of these conventional hormones is different from the hormones produced naturally, they remain structurally foreign to the human body. This is the major cause of several undesirable side effects. These are also the hormones referred to in the large Women’s Health Initiative Study.

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Hormone Replacement Therapy Q & A

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What is hormone replacement therapy?

In the time leading up to menopause, known as perimenopause, you can experience a wide range of symptoms as a result of your fluctuating estrogen and progesterone hormone levels. You may benefit from hormone replacement therapies that stabilize your hormone levels and reduce symptoms including:

 

• Hot flashes

• Painful sex

• Irregular bleeding

• Vaginal dryness

• Mood changes

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Hormone replacement therapies are available as oral pills, patches, lotions, pellets and skin patches. You and Jennifer will work together to find a personalized treatment plan that works with your lifestyle.  

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Am I a good candidate for hormone replacement therapy?

You may be a good candidate for hormone replacement therapy (HRT) if you are in relatively good health and don’t smoke.

 

HRT may not be right for you if you:

 

• Are pregnant

• Have blood clots

• Have a history of cancer

• Have a history of heart attack or stroke

• Your entire health history and symptoms will determine if hormone therapy is right for you.

 

What are bioidentical hormones?

Bioidentical hormones come from natural plant sources and act like the hormones your body produces naturally. While they are made in a laboratory, the hormones mimic what your body produces in both their molecular and chemical structure.

 

There are several benefits to using bioidentical hormones to alleviate perimenopausal and menopausal symptoms, including:

 

• Increased sex drive

• Reduced hot flashes

• Improved sleep patterns

• Clearer thinking

• Reduced fatigue

 

Bioidentical hormones are available as injectables, creams, gels, pellets and oral medications.

 

Taking the proper dosage of hormones for optimal results is essential. It can take several tries to find the right combination of hormone replacement therapies to achieve desired results.

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What does working with Jennifer look like?

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An initial consultation (90 minutes) reviews all of your past medical history as well as what you are currently feeling and experiencing.  Any testing you have done previously will be reviewed and additional hormone testing will be ordered. 

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Follow Up Visit (3 to 4 weeks later) - all testing will be reviewed and a personalized plan will be developed to replace your hormones as well as any nutritional an lifestyle changes that will help you achieve your goals.  

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Follow up visits every 3 to 6 months to make sure we have the right plan for you!  

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