An alternative to hormone replacement therapy is bioidentical hormone replacement therapy, which is a medical practice that uses the same types of hormones your body would create on its own if you had no endocrine system disease or dysfunction. This type of therapy may prove to be more successful than traditional hormone replacement therapy with fewer side effects and less risk involved.
Many people seek out alternatives to hormone replacement therapy in light of the potential side effects and increased risks associated with this treatment. Although bioidentical hormone replacement therapy has been recommended by several medical organizations, many people remain skeptical about this type of treatment. In this piece, we will talk about what bioidentical hormone replacement therapy is, why its an alternative to hormone replacement therapy, the benefits of this type of treatment, and more.
What is bioidentical hormone replacement therapy?
Bioidentical hormone replacement therapy involves the use of natural hormones that are chemically synthesized to precisely match the chemical structure of hormones your body would make naturally. These drugs are known as bioidentical and they’re formulated to match specific hormones in your body by using a combination of different compounds that mirror the properties, advantages, and disadvantages of each component. Bioidentical hormone replacement therapy works by restoring your body’s chemical levels of hormones back to normal, putting you in a position to be healthy and energized again.
When you take this type of medication, your body absorbs them into the bloodstream and distributes them throughout your body. This type of therapy is designed to provide relief from the symptoms associated with menopause and other specific medical conditions. Why is bioidentical hormone replacement therapy an alternative to hormone replacement therapy? One of the most popular advantages of bioidentical hormone replacement therapy over traditional hormones is that you can take these chemicals in high, low, and correct dosages. In addition, unlike traditional hormones, these medications have been proven to have fewer side effects and provide better results. On top of this, other benefits include improved bone health, cardiovascular health, and reducing the risk of breast cancer. One of the biggest benefits of using this type of therapy is that it’s less invasive to your body. Unlike traditional hormone replacement therapy, bioidentical hormones bypass your liver and target your bloodstream.
As a result, this type of treatment is much safer than traditional hormone replacement therapy as it doesn’t involve direct injections into the bloodstream. In addition to this, bioidentical hormone replacement therapy treats the entire body rather than targeting specific parts such as our ovaries or uterus. What are the benefits of bioidentical hormone replacement therapy? Bioidentical hormone replacement therapy offers many benefits including improved bone and cardiovascular health. This type of therapy prevents bone loss and helps reduce the risk of coronary artery disease that’s associated with menopause.
Additionally, studies have also shown a connection between bioidentical hormones and a reduced risk of breast cancer. In light of these benefits, using this type of treatment may improve your quality of life significantly. Although hormone replacement therapy has been associated with various side effects and risks, many people report experiencing fewer side effects and greater benefits when using bioidentical hormones. How are bioidentical hormones different from traditional hormone replacement therapy? Traditional hormone replacement therapy is designed to replace the body’s natural growth hormones that have been destroyed as a result of menopause, disease, or another medical condition.
The most common type of hormone replacement therapy is known as estrogen replacement therapy. Estrogen is one of the female sex hormones that help control the development and maintenance of the female reproductive system. However, using traditional hormones may cause negative side effects such as breast cancer, uterine cancer, and heart attack/stroke. Bioidentical hormones are different from traditional hormone replacement therapy due to their chemical structure. These medications are a combination of different compounds that mirror the properties, advantages, and disadvantages of each component. On top of this, the dosage of these medications can be adjusted to provide optimal results.
In addition to offering numerous benefits, it’s important to note that bioidentical hormones are not regulated or monitored by the FDA in the same way as traditional hormone replacement therapy is. This lack of regulation has led many medical groups and professionals to believe that these medications have a higher risk of causing negative side effects. However, scientists continue to research this topic and it’s possible that this concern may diminish in the future. In conclusion, hormone replacement therapy is an important treatment for menopausal women who are experiencing adverse symptoms due to hormonal changes in their body.
Unfortunately, traditional hormone replacement therapy comes with many side effects and risks that make it less desirable than other forms of treatment. If you’re looking to reduce the symptoms associated with menopause without worrying about the side effects of this type of therapy, bioidentical hormone replacement may be a safer option for you. For more information, contact us at 205-352-9141.
