Menopause Treatment

Hormone replacement can be effective in treating uncomfortable symptoms of menopause and perimenopause.

Some hormones that may be prescribed for you include estradiol (the strongest of the three forms of estrogen), estriol (another estrogen hormone), progesterone, testosterone, Biest and Triest (estrogen combos), and Pregnenolone and DHEA (precursors to hormones such as estrogen and testosterone).

What is Hormone Replacement Therapy?

Hormones are involved in most of the body’s basic functions like digestion, appetite, immune function, brain function, libido, and mood. Low or imbalanced hormone levels can have widespread effects on your health and feeling of well-being. For many people, the solution is hormone replacement therapy, which just as it sounds, is the use of medications to replace the hormones your body isn’t producing.

Bioidentical hormones have the same molecular structure and act the same as natural human hormones. Many doctors and patients today are choosing bioidentical hormone replacement therapy (BHRT) as the preferred treatment for declining or imbalanced hormones.

Understanding Menopause and Its Symptoms

Menopause typically occurs in women between 45 and 55, although it can happen earlier or later. It marks the end of menstruation and is defined as the point in time when a woman has not had a menstrual period for 12 consecutive months. This natural biological process is triggered by a decline in the ovaries’ production of reproductive hormones, primarily estrogen and progesterone.

The hormonal changes that accompany menopause can lead to a variety of symptoms, which can vary widely in intensity and duration from one woman to another. Common symptoms include:

• Hot Flashes: Sudden and intense feelings of heat, often accompanied by sweating and a rapid heartbeat.
• Night Sweats: Hot flashes that occur during sleep, leading to night sweats and disrupted sleep patterns.
• Vaginal Dryness: Reduced estrogen levels can lead to vaginal dryness, itching, and discomfort during intercourse.
• Mood Swings: Hormonal fluctuations can contribute to mood swings, irritability, and even depression in some women.
• Sleep Disturbances: Menopausal women may experience insomnia or other sleep disturbances.
• Weight Gain: Changes in hormone levels can make it easier to gain weight and more challenging to lose it.
• Bone Loss: Estrogen plays a crucial role in maintaining bone density, and its decline during menopause can lead to osteoporosis.
• Loss of Libido: Reduced estrogen levels can affect sexual desire and lead to changes in sexual function.

Bio-Identical Hormones: What Are They?

Bio-identical hormones, often referred to as natural hormones or bio-identical hormone replacement therapy (BHRT), are chemically identical in structure to the hormones naturally produced by the human body. This is in contrast to synthetic hormones used in traditional hormone replacement therapy, which have a similar function but are not identical in structure to the body’s hormones.

Bio-identical hormones are typically derived from natural sources such as soy or yam plants and are then specially processed to match the molecular structure of the body’s hormones. Because they are structurally identical to the hormones naturally produced by the body, bio-identical hormones are often seen as a more natural and potentially safer alternative to traditional HRT.

How Bio-Identical Hormones Work

The goal of using bio-identical hormones in menopausal hormone replacement therapy is the same as traditional HRT: to alleviate the symptoms of menopause by restoring hormonal balance. Bio-identical hormones are typically prescribed to match the individual’s specific hormonal needs.

A combination of bio-identical estrogen and progesterone is often prescribed for women with an intact uterus. This combination mimics the natural menstrual cycle and helps prevent the overgrowth of the uterine lining, which can lead to an increased risk of uterine cancer. Women with a hysterectomy who no longer have a uterus may be prescribed bio-identical estrogen alone. The dosage and form of bio-identical hormones can vary depending on the individual’s specific symptoms and needs.

Benefits of Bio-Identical Hormone Replacement Therapy

Bio-identical hormone replacement therapy offers several potential benefits for menopausal women:

1. Relief from Menopausal Symptoms: Bio-identical hormones can effectively alleviate common symptoms like hot flashes, night sweats, vaginal dryness, and mood swings, improving a woman’s overall quality of life.
2. Individualized Treatment: BHRT can be tailored to an individual’s unique hormonal needs, allowing for personalized and precise treatment.
3. Potentially Lower Risk of Side Effects: Because bio-identical hormones closely resemble the body’s hormones, they may have a lower risk of specific side effects than synthetic hormones.
4. Bone Health: BHRT, especially estrogen replacement, can help maintain bone density and reduce the risk of osteoporosis, which is more common in postmenopausal women.
5. Cardiovascular Health: Some studies suggest that BHRT may have a more favorable impact on cardiovascular health than traditional HRT, although more research is needed in this area.

How to Get Started with Bio-Identical Hormone Replacement Therapy

If you are considering bio-identical hormone replacement therapy for menopause, here are the steps to get started:

Consultation with Bodywise

Schedule an appointment with our knowledgeable healthcare specialists, who will assess your symptoms, medical history, and hormone levels. We completely understand that this point in your life is extremely emotional, so we take great care and take the time to listen to your concerns and recommend the best course of action.

Hormone Testing

We may order some hormone tests so that we can determine exactly what your current hormone levels are. No two individuals are the same, so this process will assist us in tailoring the treatment to your specific needs.

Discussion of Options

Your healthcare provider will discuss the available treatment options, including bio-identical hormones, and help you make an informed decision based on your individual situation and preferences.

1. Prescription and Treatment Plan: If BHRT is chosen as the treatment option, we will prescribe you the appropriate bio-identical hormones and create a personalized treatment plan.
2. Regular Follow-Ups: BHRT requires ongoing monitoring to adjust hormone levels as needed and assess your response to treatment. Regular follow-up appointments are essential for your safety and well-being.

Why Choose BodyWise for Hormone Replacement Therapy to Treat Menopause?

When it comes to Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT) for managing the challenges of menopause, our clinic stands out as the premier choice. Our commitment to personalized care sets us apart as we tailor HRT to the unique needs of each individual. At BodyWise, we specialize in bioidentical hormone therapy, offering the safest and most effective approach to alleviate menopausal symptoms.

With a team of experienced and compassionate healthcare providers, we guide you through every step of the process, ensuring that your journey through menopause is as comfortable and empowering as possible. Choose BodyWise for HRT and take control of your menopausal experience today.

Contact Us to Learn More

Are you in perimenopause, or are you experiencing the symptoms of menopause? Are you constantly in pain and on a rollercoaster of emotions? We can help. Schedule a consultation with the BodyWise specialists today, and discover whether bio-identical hormone replacement therapy can help you during this difficult time.