Several women in today’s culture start experiencing the symptoms of menopause or perimenopause around the age of 40. Consequently, people may begin to exhibit one or more traditional aging signs like weight increase, decreased energy, weariness, memory loss, hair loss, reduced sexual desire, and many more. These issues can be unpleasant for people who want to feel fit and fresh-looking always.
Moreover, most women seek assistance from the hormonal decrease that occurs during this period of life. But still, others are afraid of artificial hormone therapy, fearing its influence on their long-term wellbeing.
In their quest for a more healthy remedy, numerous women have turned to bioidentical hormone treatment, which assists them in easing their pain. One disadvantage is that it has not yet been FDA authorized. So, to ensure safe health, know the bioidentical hormones’ pros and cons.
What Is Bioidentical Hormone Treatment?
Unlike traditional hormone treatment, which employs hormones derived from animals or artificial hormones that vary from a woman’s natural hormones, the bioidentical hormones are biochemically similar to those generated by the body.
There are two sorts of bioidentical hormones; the combined medicines which are created for the individual level, and the brand-name medications that are produced and distributed by big pharmaceutical corporations. Moreover, both synthetic and biochemical products are available in various forms, such as vaginal rings, capsules, gels, patches, and lotions.
Why Are Bioidentical Hormones Used?
Specific hormone levels in your body decrease as you become older, such as estrogen, progesterone, and testosterone, which may cause various illnesses in your body. The following are some of the most prevalent side effects of low hormone levels.
- Cognitive deficits
- Mood shifts
- Gaining weight
- Fatigue
- Sleeping difficulties
- Loss of sexual pleasure or painful intercourse
- Vaginal dryness
- Night sweats
- Hot flashes
The purpose of bioidentical hormone treatment, or conventional hormone therapy, is to replace these decreased or low hormone levels that will improve one’s health. However, there isn’t any data to suggest that bioidentical hormones are as effective as traditional hormone treatment. Depending on your symptoms and medical record, your healthcare professional may explore your hormone treatment choices with you.
Who Shouldn’t Take Bioidentical Hormones?
The choice to use any hormone treatment is taken jointly by you and your medical professional after carefully assessing the benefits and risks. Although bioidentical hormones have been contentious, and most are not FDA-approved, your health professional will not count them out as a therapy choice.
Additionally, hormone treatment might not be effective if you have, had, or are at greater risk for some conditions:
- Stroke
- Breast cancer
- Heart illness or cardiovascular disease
- Problems of blood coagulation
The Bioidentical Hormones Pros And Cons
Pros
Women have grown fearful of hormones in general because of specific disturbing research findings on synthetic hormones a few years ago. The truth is that bioidentical hormones derived from natural sources do not cause cancer; rather, they help your system. Instead of going through menopause without any hormones, consider the following advantages of bioidentical hormones:
- Bone density enhancement, as well as improved sexual health and urinary tract.
- Protection from artery hardening, adequate HDL cholesterol levels, and reduced risk of blood clots are all positive cardiovascular health outcomes.
- There is less bleeding and bloating.
- Reduced risk of breast and uterine cancer.
According to Neal Rouzier, MD, a specialist in hormone treatment, the bioidentical hormones is a very successful therapy for menopausal pains that also safeguards women from the numerous additional hazards linked with low hormone levels.
Approximately 50 years of research has shown that recovering hormone levels to premenopausal levels safeguards women from health consequences and promotes wellbeing. Moreover, bioidentical hormones are the most effective and proven approach to maintaining normal hormone levels.
Cons
The FDA has authorized bioidentical estradiol and progesterone preparations but not compounded bioidentical hormones. Some argue that utilizing bioidentical hormones is less risky and more successful than HRT. These statements have yet to be validated by large-scale, credible research, and the FDA advises care while using blended medications.
Also, according to studies, Bioidentical hormones replacement therapy (BHRT) has adverse effects, especially in the early phases when your body responds to the hormones. The following are examples of frequent side effects:
- Gaining weight
- Fluctuations in mood
- Enhance female facial hair
- Fatigue
- Bloating
- Acne
BHRT is a treatment alternative that may assist patients in coping with the symptoms of low hormone levels. However, there are potential dangers and adverse effects that you must address with your physician.
Bioidentical hormones are utilized to assist patients in managing menopausal symptoms and other hormonal abnormalities. The FDA does not approve many bioidentical hormones. This is because the impacts of synthesized bioidentical hormones have not been well explored, and they may pose a greater risk.
So, before you undergo BHRT or any other therapy, make sure to discuss the benefits and drawbacks with your doctor. More importantly, understand that you do not have to suffer from the unpleasant side effects of low hormone levels. Your physician can assist you in safely managing your symptoms.