Myths and Facts About Bioidentical Hormone Replacement Therapy

Most of us think of hormones in terms of their role in sexual health and development, but that’s just part of the story. Hormones play important roles in many functions, which means even a minor “imbalance” or decline in hormone levels can impact our health and wellness.

Many people with hormonal imbalances suffer from symptoms like:

• Sleep disorders
• Brain fog or memory issues
• Changes in appetite
• Weight gain
• Fatigue
• Changes in bowel activity
• Numbness or tingling
• Acne or other skin problems
• Depression or anxiety
• Erectile dysfunction
• Hot flashes

While symptoms can be subtle, many hormone imbalances get diagnosed through blood tests or other lab work.

Bioidentical hormone therapy (BHRT) is a popular treatment for hormone imbalances, using synthetic hormones to supplement the hormones your body naturally produces. Unlike traditional HRT, the hormones used in BHRT are chemically identical to natural hormones for better effects with far fewer risks or side effects.

At Prime Wellness, Jeffrey Sherman, DC, NP, offers bioidentical hormone replacement therapy for women and men in Woodland Hills, California, using the innovative BioTE® pellet delivery system. Here, he busts some of the most common myths about BHRT to help you decide if it’s a therapy you’d like to explore.

Myth: HRT is unsafe

Hormone replacement therapy is a regulated medical therapy backed by years of scientific research and prescribed by medical professionals. While HRT was once linked to an increase in breast cancer and blood clots, recent research has shown those complications to be rare, with risks “comparable with other medications.” Optimal dosing reduces those risks even further.

Myth: HRT uses a one-size-fits-all approach

HRT has changed considerably over the past decade or so. Today, more products are available, including better delivery methods, and a more acceptable understanding of ideal dosing, all of which play critical roles in therapy. As a result, our team can tailor therapy to each patient’s unique needs, along with their medical history, age, treatment goals, and other factors, for better outcomes and fewer potential side effects.

Myth: HRT is a “set-it-and-forget-it” therapy

As a long-term therapy, HRT requires monitoring to ensure the amount of hormones in your therapeutic plan remains optimized for your needs. Our health needs, medical conditions, and natural hormone levels can all change with time. Regular monitoring ensures your HRT plan is on track while minimizing the risk of side effects.

Myth: HRT is just for women in menopause

Many people think of HRT as primarily a menopause treatment, but that’s not the case. Hormone replacement therapy addresses many types of hormone imbalances, including low testosterone among men. HRT is also frequently recommended for women with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS).

Myth: It is better to deal with menopause naturally

There is no glory in suffering, especially when a treatment can help. Menopause causes a variety of symptoms that can take a toll on your overall physical and emotional wellness. BHRT helps supplement hormones lost during menopause, stabilizing levels of estrogen and progesterone to battle hot flashes, night sweats, poor sleep, brain fog, and other symptoms.

If you think you might be suffering from hormone-related problems, we can help. To learn more about BHRT, call 818-824-8629 or request an appointment online today.