Frequently Asked Questions- HRT 

 

1.What is the difference between bioidentical hormones and synthetic hormones ?

 

Unlike bioidentical hormones, synthetic hormones may be patented by pharmaceutical companies which means that dosage varies only by milligrams dictated by your doctor, while the molecular structure of the prescribed hormone is the same for every single person on that drug. Additionally, synthetic hormones are not created structurally the same as human endogenous hormones, which often leads uncomfortable side effects. While synthetic hormones can mimic the effects of endogenous hormones on certain biological pathways, they rarely offer the same effectiveness at a deeper, molecular level.

 

Bioidentical hormones mimic the affinity of human endogenous hormones; therefore they are effective on more biological pathways, at all levels. Since they are an exact structural replica of endogenous hormones, side effects are rarely seen. The added benefit of bioidentical hormones is that each dose is tailored specifically for your needs, not simply what doses the pharmaceutical company offers (as is the case with synthetic hormones.)

 

2. Who needs bioidentical hormone replacement therapy (BHRT) ?

 

The only way to know if you need bioidentical hormone replacement therapy is through specific laboratory testing. There are specific lab panels available to determine if your hormones are imbalanced.

Signs and symptoms of imbalance may include, but are not limited to fatigue, depression, hair loss, weight gain, muscle atrophy, low energy levels, insomnia, mood swings, hot flashes, night sweats, and anxiety. In many cases, hormone imbalances can occur with expected changes in the lifespan, such as menopause and andropause.

 

3.Why do women need hormones before, during and after menopause ?

 

Women may experience fluctuations in their hormone levels throughout the lifespan. Imbalances can occur due to lifestyle and environmental factors stress, as well as  pregnancy, perimenopause, menopause and post-menopause. Imbalances of hormones, including estrogen, progesterone and testosterone can lead to many uncomfortable experiences, like night sweats, hot flashes, mood swings, depression and anxiety. The most common decline seen in menopausal and post-menopausal women is estrogen. When estrogen levels become unbalanced, women may experience symptoms such as low libido and bone loss [osteoporosis which may lead to fragility fractures]. Adjustments to a woman’s hormone levels through BHRT and lifestyle changes can reduce or eliminate these discomforts and improve overall health and well being.

 

4.Why do men need Hormone replacement ?

 

As men age, production of the hormone testosterone begins to decline and they experience symptoms of low testosterone. Testosterone is the hormone that is responsible for maintaining mental focus, energy, metabolism, muscle mass, fat levels, and sex drive. By balancing a man's hormones with bioidentical hormone therapy, men can restore their vitality and reduce the symptoms of andropause.

 

5.What is adrena fatigue ? is it related to hormone imbalance ?

 

The adrenal glands sit over the kidneys and are responsible for regulating the body's response to stress by controlling the hormones released during stress.The adrenals secrete cortisol in response to low blood sugar, stress, exercise,hormone imbalance[ both in men and women] and excitement.
When stress becomes chronic or is not well managed, the adrenal glands are unable to function optimally and body develops deficient of cortisol.

 

6.What are the Symptoms of Adrenal Fatigue ?

•  Fatigue

• Anxiety

• Depression

• Difficulty falling asleep and  maintaining sleep

• Increased susceptibility to infections

• Reduced tolerance for stress

• Craving for sweets and salty foods

• Developing new allergies

• Diminished sex drive

• Erectile dysfunction7

 

 

7. What is the treatment of adrenal fatigue ?

 

The first step of adrenal fatigue treatement is complete comprehensive saliva testing to determine your cortisol levels Adding bioidentical hormone replacement therapy when necessary and supplementing with a good multi- vitamin, in addition to vitamins B, C, magnesium and others are a natural next step.