Featured
7 Benefits Of Bioidentical Hormone Therapy
Hormones are vital for regulating numerous bodily functions, from metabolism and mood to energy levels and cognitive clarity. They are signaling molecules that get into the nucleus of cells and turn on protein production. They can regulate metabolism and other hormones as well as neurotransmitters. They are like contractors that tell your brain and body what to do.
However, as we age or encounter health issues, hormonal imbalances can disrupt these functions, causing a range of symptoms that affect our quality of life. For individuals seeking a natural solution to restore balance and vitality, Bioidentical Hormone Therapy (BHT) offers hope and help. Bioidentical hormones are identical to those produced by the body, providing a natural and effective way to address hormonal imbalances. In this blog, we’ll explore the benefits of BHT, how it works, and how it can improve your overall well-being.
1. Improved Symptom Management
Hormones fluctuate and decline as we age. Men and women note a change in energy, sex drive, weight gain, sleep and irritability among other things. In perimenopause and menopause, women experience hot flashes, night sweats, fatigue, brain fog, weight gain, dry skin and vagina, loss of libido, aches and pains, fatigue, poor sleep, and poor memory.
Men going through andropause (low T =low testosterone) have symptoms that are less dramatic. They feel a lack of energy, vitality, muscle strength and endurance, sex drive declines, they feel grumpy and irritable and past their peak.
Bioidentical hormone therapy can improve many of these symptoms in days to months, while other benefits may take a little longer.
2. Enhanced Mood and Mental Clarity
Estrogen, progesterone and testosterone have receptors in the brain and affect neurotransmitters that signal the brain and nervous system. They are potent neuromodulators meaning they affect brain function and mood. Getting more forgetful, not being able to remember names, thinking speed are all affected when hormones decline.
Also, when these hormones decline, there is an increase in anxiety and depression. Having all 3 hormones in balance in both men and women can make your mind sharp and clear and your mood stable with a decrease in anxiety, depression and irritability. Brain fog lifts and people say they feel like themselves again. This goes a long way in enhancing relationships, productivity and quality of life.
3. Increased Energy
Both men and women make estrogen and testosterone. In fact, all estrogen is made from testosterone and men and women need it for brain and mitochondria function. Mitochondria are in every cell in the body and make energy that keeps you alive. Estrogen is essential to build and maintain mitochondria.
Fatigue and lethargy or lack of motivation is a common problem in perimenopause, menopause and andropause (Low T). It is often due to low hormones. These hormones, when replaced to optimal levels give you your spark back and a new lease on life. With energy and vitality, you can pursue your dreams and live a more joyful life.
4. Better Sleep Quality
Sleep is an elixir, and it is when you regenerate and repair tissue and rejuvenate to be ready to face another day. Difficulty falling or staying asleep and/or lack of refreshing sleep is a hallmark of low hormones. Women lose progesterone long before menopause and that is a hormone of peace and calm. It quells anxiety and gives you a deep, restful sleep. Oral bioidentical progesterone can work quickly to help you sleep through the night. Estrogen either too high or too low will also impact sleep. When the dose is right it can quickly relieve hot flashes and night sweats that disrupt sleep. The right balance is key to get to sleep and wake up refreshed.
Studies have shown that low testosterone is associated with obstructive sleep apnea. Levels that are too high or too low can interfere with sleep. Balance is key.
5. Improved Muscle and Bone Mass
We lose muscle and bone mass as we age and both can be disabling leading to falls, fractures and a lack of mobility. According to the Bone Health and Osteoporosis Foundation, one in two women and up to one in four men over age 50 will break a bone due to osteoporosis.
Hormones have a profound effect on both muscles and bones. Testosterone helps build muscle by increasing the production of the proteins that build muscle. Both men and women will have more strength and endurance, and this prevents frailty and falls. Ladies, don’t worry, you won’t bulk up with a touch of testosterone and will get your mojo back!
Contrary to some myths that only new drugs build bone, estrogen, progesterone and testosterone all contribute to bone density and strength. Bone loss occurs rapidly when hormones decline. Bioidentical hormone replacement therapy has been shown to significantly reduce fracture risk in all bone sites by 20-40%.
6. Reduction of Cardiovascular Disease
The National Center for Health Statistics stated that the prevalence of heart disease increased with age. 9.0% of adults aged 55–64, 14.3% of adults aged 65–74, and 24.2% of adults aged 75 and over have heart disease. This is also a time of hormone decline and fluctuation. Bioidentical hormone replacement may decrease the risk.
In women, estrogen has a protective effect on the heart and blood vessels. When replacing estrogen and progesterone it is important to use bioidentical hormone therapy. Estrogen must be given through the skin to avoid the risk of clots. Oral estrogen may increase the risk of clots. Progesterone must be the natural bioidentical form to relax arteries and lower fluid retention that could increase blood pressure. Using the bioidentical form will avoid the risk of clots, rise in blood pressure, and spasm of the coronary arteries that are associated with the synthetic forms.
Men adequate amounts of testosterone showed a reduction of heart attack, stroke and all-causes of death! Some studies showed a decrease in atrial fibrillation. The risk of cardiovascular disease is higher in men earlier in life and knowing that hormone replacement therapy can reduce the risk is more reason to consider it.
7. Prevention of Age Related Health Condition
Testosterone can decrease the risk of diabetes and improves insulin resistance that leads to metabolic syndrome. It can lower cholesterol, Metabolic syndrome is characterized by high blood sugar, blood pressure, cholesterol, triglycerides and increased belly fat.
Estrogen has been shown to decrease the risk of dementia. Low estrogen can also lead to high cholesterol, blood pressure, weight gain and metabolic syndrome. Hormone replacement therapy was shown to decrease the risk of gastric, esophageal, colorectal and lung cancer.
Conclusions
Hormones decline with age and increase the risk of multiple disorders, such as mood, memory, sleep disturbances, loss of muscle and bone mass leading to frailty, falls and fractures, fatigue, loss of quality of life. Consider bioidentical hormone replacement to slow the aging process and improve the quality of life. You deserve to Feel Good Again and live a healthy lifespan with energy, vigor and vitality. Seek help and apply for a no obligation clarity call to see if we are a good fit and if bioidentical hormone replacement is right for you.
Lorraine Maita, MD, CEO & Founder of The Feel Good Again Institute and Vibrance for life and widely known as “The Hormone Harmonizer”, has helped thousands of people ditch fatigue, brain fog, mood swings, lose weight, and achieve balanced hormones so they Feel Good Again.
She is a recognized and award-winning triple board certified, holistic, functional, integrative and anti-aging physician, speaker and author, and has been featured in ABC News, Forbes, WOR Radio and many media outlets to spread the word that you can live younger and healthier at any age.