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Bioidentical hormone replacement therapy (BHRT), also known as Bioidentical HRT, bioidentical hormone therapy or natural hormone therapy is a generally ill-defined term that frequently refers to the use of hormones that are molecularly identical to endogenous hormones in hormone replacement therapy, but is also strongly associated with pharmacy compounding, blood or saliva testing, efforts to reach a targeted level of hormones in the body (as established through blood or saliva testing) and exaggerated, unfounded claims of safety and efficacy. Specific hormones used in BHRT include estrone, estradiol and progesterone, which are available both in FDA-approved manufactured products and as pharmacy-compounded products as well as testosterone, dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) and estriol which have not been approved for use in Canada and the United States. The use of compounded BHRT is a practice that primarily appears in the United States. Proponents have promoted BHRT as a panacea for nearly all disease rather than a means of relieving the symptoms of menopause and/or reducing the risk of osteoporosis (the goals of traditional hormone replacement therapy), but there is no evidence to support these claims and the hormones are expected to have the same risk and benefits of comparable approved drugs for which there is an evidence base as well as extensive research and regulation. Bioidentical hormones may also present extra risks due to the process of compounding. In addition, the accuracy and efficacy of saliva testing has not been definitively proven, and the long-term effects of using blood testing to reach target levels of hormones has not been researched.
What does BHRT stand for?
Bioidentical hormone replacement therapy. BHRT is the use of supplemental doses of hormones that have a chemical structure identical to the hormones that the human body naturally produces.
What does BHRT do?
Treats the symptoms of menopause, perimenopause and postmenopause.
How are BHRT treatments created?
If bioidentical hormones are purchased at a compounding pharmacy, a cocktail of hormones is created, uniquely tailored for each individual patient. If they're purchased at a conventional pharmacy, these hormones are available in a range of set doses. In both instances, the prescriptions are based on a series of tests administered by a doctor. Many of the bioidentical hormones used are made from soybeans and wild yams, which contain unique compounds that are processed chemically and made into identical replicas of hormones the body produces. They are used for their cost-effectiveness as well as their ability to readily extract compounds and turn them into exact replicas of human hormones.
What is BHRT like?
After a doctor determines a patient is in hormonal decline, he or she will administer static dosing, which is when hormone levels are approximated and a patient is prescribed the same amount of estradiol every day of the month. On days 18 to 28, a doctor would prescribe a static dose of progesterone to imitate what the body made previously.
What are the different forms of BHRT?
Static dosing is one manner. There also is rhythmic cycling, which is based on the cycles of nature and is meant to mimic the time during which women are at their reproductive peak. Rhythmic cycling is a relatively new approach in BHRT.
The information above on Bioidentical Hormone Replacement Therapy - Bioidentical HRT is based on the Oprah Winfrey Show from January 13th, 2009
Is Bioidentical Hormone Therapy (Bioidentical HRT) For You?
Infinity Age offers bioidentical hormone therapy integrated with proper fitness and nutrition for women and men. This preventive medical approach helps put an end to the suffering caused by stress induced adrenal fatigue, signs of early menopause, menopause, perimenopause and andropause.
If you have further questions or an interest in Bioidentical Hormone Replacement Therapy or Bioidentical HRT , and would like a FREE CONSULTATION, please use our easy online contact form or call us Toll Free at 800.754.1481
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