Bioidentical hormones supplement or replace your body’s natural hormones when levels drop or disappear. While you may not notice the effects initially, reduced hormone levels can profoundly impact your health and happiness. Many providers now prescribe bioidentical replacement hormones to help men live more full, enjoyable lives.

Hormones impact almost every area of our lives. While most people think of testosterone as a “sex hormone,” or even a sex and muscle hormone, testosterone levels help determine the efficiency and health of almost all body systems.

In men, testosterone levels can begin to drop early as age 30, and the reduction can accelerate after age 40. A loss of testosterone can inhibit more than sex drive and erection quality. Low testosterone can also produce the following effects:

• Reduced muscle mass
• Reduced bone density
• Increased weight
• Low energy and motivation
• Increased stress
• Increased symptoms of depression
• More frequent mood swings
• Reduced ability to focus
• Decreased sperm production
• Reduced sleep quality

While testosterone is the most common of the hormones men receive in bioidentical hormone replacement therapy, a lack or overabundance of other hormones could also negatively impact your system. Expect your provider to order comprehensive blood work before prescribing any therapy. A deep dive into your body chemistry will help your provider decide which hormones need replacing and what dose is needed.

Bioidentical hormones have received FDA approval for safety. While the FDA has yet to study compounded bioidentical hormones, many providers consider them safe and effective. You will need a prescription for bioidentical hormones, just as you would for any hormone replacement therapy.

Will My Body Treat The Replacement Hormones Like Natural Hormones

Labs use plant estrogens to create bioidentical hormones. The labs try to duplicate hormones naturally made in the human body. Many believe that bioidentical hormones, which are chemically the same as the body’s hormones, provide more effective treatment than synthetic hormones.

Bioidentical hormones contain the exact same chemical formula as those naturally produced by your body. This allows the bioidentical versions to interact with other chemicals in your body in the exact same way that your naturally produced hormones would. Bioidentical hormones cause the same positive impacts as your naturally occurring hormones.

Synthetic hormone replacement therapy introduces hormones into your body that lack the same chemical structure as your natural hormones. This means that they may not interact with your body in quite the same manner as your natural hormones. The impacts of synthetics may not work as well as the impacts of bioidentical hormones.

Bioidentical hormone replacement produces few side effects. The safety of bioidentical hormones relates to the fact that they mimic what your body naturally produces. Common side effects include:

• Swollen breasts
• Acne
• Bloating
• Irritability

When you first see a provider for bioidentical hormone replacement treatment, a complete history will be taken. You will then report to a lab to have hormone levels measured. Your provider will then determine whether you need bioidentical hormone replacement therapy. If you do, your provider will recommend an initial dose.

Do not expect the results the first day, or even the first week. Your body will need time to adjust to the new levels of hormones in your system. Depending on how long you have suffered from a hormone imbalance, 6-12 weeks may pass before you notice the difference.

Be sure to tell your provider about both positive impacts and potential side effects. This information will allow your provider to adjust your dose. If you are concerned about possible side effects that you are feeling, consult your provider at once.

Your provider will not know at your first visit whether you will need bioidentical hormone replacement therapy for a few years or the rest of your life. Every person’s system reacts differently to the hormones. Your provider will need to determine how you react before determining how long you need to stay on the hormones.

You can live your best life today! When you see our friendly staff, we will discuss hormone therapy and other services that could help you feel better and live a happier life. Call our office at 205-352-9141 to determine if bioidentical hormone therapy can add extra energy, vitality, and excitement to your life.