Bio-Identical Hormone Replacement (BHRT): Hood River Naturopath
Bio-Identical Hormone Replacement Therapy (BHRT)
What is BHRT?
Bio-Identical 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. There are similar forms found in plants but none are human-identical, naturally. Plants do provide the basis or source for bioidentical hormones. These plant-based (phytohomornes) are chemically altered to precisely mirror the structure of human hormones, making them become “human-identical”. For example, bioidentical progesterone and estrogen can be created from chemically altered forms of naturally occurring phytohormones found in the Mexican wild yam, soy, and other plants. All sex hormones and cortisol are available in bioidentical forms.
How do Bioidentical Hormones Compare with Synthetic Hormones?
Conventional hormone replacement therapy (HRT) are synthetic compounds developed and patented by pharmaceutical companies. Synthetically made hormones are not human-identical. Synthetic hormones are limited in their actions within the body. They are able to replicate some of the processes of human hormones, but lack in fully replicating all of the processes. Human hormones are extremely complex and their functions within the body are numerous. Bioidentical hormones are able to mirror natural human hormones and their complex nature within the body.
BHRT: The Healthier Choice and More Effective Choice
Bioidentical hormones mimic your body’s hormone molecules in structure and action. They provide a natural boost to nudge your own hormones back into balance. Identically matching your body’s own hormones, bioidentical hormones replicate the action of hormornes naturally produced by ovaries and the adrenal glands.
All of the body’s hormones: estrogen, progesterone, testosterone, and even cortisol, interact with one another. Disrupting one hormone will lead to imbalance. If a hormone imbalance or deficiency is detected within your body, bioidentical hormone supplementation will allow you to restore balance, turning back the clock on aging and it’s related health concerns.
Is Hormone Imbalance Affecting Me?
The world we live in, the environmental toxins we are exposed to, the aging process and related health concerns, the stress we put on our selves, the external stresses we are exposed to daily, nutrient deficiencies and malabsorption, the pharmaceuticals we have taken, etc., have all lead to increased risk for hormone imbalance.
The typical signs and symptoms of hormone imbalance include:
- Weight gain
- Decreased or no sex drive
- Hot flashes/night sweats
- Migraine headaches
- Fatigue
- Insomnia
- Anxiety/panic
- Depression
- Mood disturbances, irrritabilty, and anger
- Low self-esteem
- Emotional fragility
- Brain fog
- Forgetfulness
- Hypercritical and obsessive thinking
- Abnormal hair growth
- Irregular perionds and pre-menstrual syndrome
Weight gain is the most common complaint of hormone imbalance. If you have problem losing weight despite eating right and regular exercise, it is important to have your hormones evaluated.
See more on Weight Loss
Can My Hormones be Rebalanced?
Yes, they can. Many patients have experienced substantial changes in the signs and symptoms mentioned above. Keep in mind, it is imparetive to have your hormones tested correctly by a specialist with safe and effective treatment if an imbalance exists. Contact Dr. Du Moulin to learn the details of correct testing and supplementation if you are experiencing any of the noted signs and symptoms mentioned above.