Hormone Replacement Therapy

Understanding Bioidentical Hormone Replacement Therapy (BHRT)

When you get to a certain age, hormone imbalance can become more common. Whether you’re a woman going through perimenopause or menopause or a man going through andropause with low testosterone levels, you know that the symptoms associated with hormonal imbalances can significantly affect your quality of life. When searching for hormone therapy solutions, there is a sea of options available. At Forum Health, we offer the most natural option – bioidentical hormone replacement therapy (BHRT).

What are bioidentical hormones, and why are they important?

Bioidentical hormones are a hormone replacement therapy method that derives its ingredients from natural sources: plants. Unlike synthetic hormones, bioidentical hormones fit perfectly into the hormonal receptors found naturally in your body, mirroring an identical molecular structure. This creates the same physiologic responses as your body’s natural hormones. BHRT is important because the natural form of progesterone found in bioidentical hormones is associated with a diminished risk of breast cancer. Unlike progestin found in synthetic hormones, bioidentical hormones come with less health risk.

What is Bioidentical Hormone Replacement Therapy (BHRT)?

Bioidentical hormone replacement therapy (BHRT) is a form of hormone replacement therapy, with a more natural approach. These naturally-occurring ingredients found in plants (such as yams and soy) are crafted into suppositories, creams, and troches and are compounded and customized to your specific hormonal needs. Today, an increasing number of healthcare providers offer bioidentical hormone replacement therapy as a natural alternative to synthetic hormones.

Is BHRT Different from Traditional HRT?

Although similar in their effect in treating hormone imbalances, BHRT differs from traditional HRT or synthetic hormones in several ways. HRT uses an artificial source, entirely formulated in a lab, whereas BHRT derives its ingredients from plants, which match the identical molecular structure found in human hormones. Unlike HRT, BHRT may be customizable with dosages based on individual needs.

Are you ready to assess your hormonal balance? Want to learn more about BHRT treatment?

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Benefits of BHRT at Forum Health

Feeling physically and emotionally better is one of the main benefits of starting BHRT treatment at Forum Health. You’ll feel like yourself again before your hormonal imbalance takes hold of your life. BHRT can improve bone density, reducing the risk of osteoporosis. It also helps to maintain muscle mass, supports cardiovascular health, and may enhance cognitive function, contributing to overall mental clarity. These benefits make BHRT a valuable option for managing hormonal imbalances effectively and naturally.

Who Can Benefit from BHRT?

Both men and women can benefit from bioidentical hormone replacement therapy, for a variety of reasons:

Individuals who are transitioning or who are experiencing hormonal imbalance for any reason

Perimenopausal or menopausal women

Men in andropause experiencing low testosterone

Some women after giving birth

Women diagnosed with PCOS

Anyone experiencing a thyroid disorder

What Conditions Can BHRT Help Improve?

Here are some of the most common conditions of having a hormonal imbalance (not an exhaustive list):

Menopause and Perimenopause
Andropause
Thyroid disorders
Adrenal fatigue
PMS
PCOS

Osteoporosis
Mood disorders
Sexual Dysfunction
Weight Gain
Sleep Disorders
Chronic Fatigue
Cognitive Issues

Our Personalized Approach to BHRT

It’s important to work with a provider who will personalize your BHRT program, taking into account your advanced lab testing results, lifestyle, goals, and preferences. At Forum Health, we have a team of experienced healthcare professionals who will work with you 1-1 to help you determine your best approach. We discuss your unique needs, health history, and desired outcomes to customize the perfect BHRT plan for you.

Get Started with BHRT at Forum Health

If you’re ready to embark on your BHRT journey to feeling better from hormonal imbalance, it’s time to discuss it with healthcare professionals.

Patient Reviews, Results, & Testimonials

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Just starting my journey with Forum Health but simply based on my first visit, I would 100% recommend it. I met with Debra Bluestein and she exceeded my expectations for this visit. She was welcoming, knowledgeable, and I genuinely felt she was there to help achieve my goals as I face this stage of my life.

Amazing functional/integrative health professionals. I've been a patient here for over 20 years and my excellent health is a testimony to their service.

Dr. Petersen and his staff are top notch! They are very professional and compassionate. To heal, you need to have a trusting relationship with your doctor and his staff. I find that so easy to do at Forum Health. You know your health is their priority. They advocate for you and make sure you get what you need. I trust their care so much, I fly from another state just to be able to have Dr. Petersen be my care provider for my chronic Lyme disease and other issues. I trust him and his staff implicitly. It is worth my time to fly out to see them and I’m always greeted with welcoming smiles. I can’t say enough, how grateful I am for the type of care provided to me at Forum health. I wish every doctor’s office cared like this for their patients! -

Forum Health Rochester is amazing! I have been working with Pamela for several years and her recommendations have really helped improve my mood as well as fight my breast cancer. -

Before & After Considerations

Each individual’s outcome after starting BHRT will vary. Common positive effects include relief from symptoms of hormonal imbalance, increased energy, improved mood, better sleep, and mental sharpness.

FAQs

What are the signs I need hormone replacement therapy?

There are several scenarios that may indicate the need for hormone replacement therapy. Typically, these groups include: perimenopausal or menopausal women, men experiencing andropause with low testosterone levels, individuals in transition, or those experiencing hormone imbalance for any reason. Common signs of hormone imbalance include: Hood flashes/night sweatsIrregular periodsErectile dysfunction Decreased libido Hair loss Mood swingsSleep disturbanceLow sperm countVaginal dryness or pain during sexMuscle loss

What are the Signs of Hormonal Imbalance?

Hormones act as chemical messengers for the body. Many bodily functions are affected when hormones are out of balance and not functioning correctly. Here is a comprehensive list of hormonal imbalance signs: Hot flashes/night sweatsIrregular periodsErectile dysfunction Decreased libido Hair loss Mood swingsWeight changesFatigueBrain fog and difficulty concentratingSleep disturbanceLow sperm countVaginal dryness or pain during sexMuscle loss

What are the Risks and Considerations of BHRT?

These groups of people should consult with their doctor before considering BHRT: Those who have had breast cancer, endometrial cancer, or prostate cancerThose with blood clotting disordersThose with high blood pressure or liver diseasePregnant or breastfeeding women Those with unexplained vaginal bleedingThose who have had a stroke Those with a family history of hormone-related cancers (breast, endometrial, or prostate)

What are the Potential Side Effects of BHRT?

BHRT affects everyone differently. Here are the most common potential side effects: Breast tendernessSpottingVaginal crampsIncreased facial hair growth (for men)HeadachesMood swingsWeight fluctuationsBlurred visionFatigue Bloating It’s important to work with a licensed healthcare professional . We help you manage your symptoms and get to the root cause of your condition.

Is bioidentical hormone replacement therapy safe?

Although not as thoroughly tested by the FDA as synthetic hormones, bioidentical hormones are generally safe due to their hormone structure exactly replicating those found in the human body. In fact, some studies show they’re safer than traditional HRT, showing a diminished risk of breast cancer, and unlike progestin found in synthetic hormones, bioidentical hormones come with less health risk.

What is the difference between HRT and bioidentical hormone therapy?

BHRT and HRT both treat hormonal imbalances. Their difference lies in the ingredients: HRT (or synthetic hormones) uses only ingredients formulated in a lab, whereas bioidentical hormones (BHRT) use natural ingredients derived from plants. These ingredients have the same molecular structure as those found in the human body. BHRT is also more customizable based on the individual’s needs.

Who is not a candidate for bioidentical hormones?

Hormone replacement therapy is not for everyone. The following groups of people should talk to their doctor and maybe avoid BHRT all together: Certain cancer survivors of breast cancer, endometrial cancer, or prostate cancerThose with blood clotting disordersThose with high blood pressure or liver diseasePregnant or breastfeeding women People who have unexplained vaginal bleedingIndividuals who have had a stroke Individuals with a family history of hormone-related cancers (breast, endometrial, or prostate)

Who is not a candidate for bioidentical hormones?

How long can you stay on bioidentical hormones?

Bioidentical hormones are a therapy that helps do the job of the hormonal function you’ve lost. Because of this, they are intended for long-term use. However, each individual and every case is different, so it’s important to talk to your healthcare professional about the best route for you.

Sources & Citations

Kent Holtorf, “The bioidentical hormone debate: are bioidentical hormones (estradiol, estriol, and progesterone) safer or more efficacious than commonly used synthetic versions in hormone replacement therapy?” Postgrad Med. 2009 Jan;121(1):73-85. Doi: 10.3810/pgm.2009.01.1949