At a certain age, men and women alike begin to experience the effects of hormone fluctuation and depletion. For some, the related symptoms can start sooner rather than later. At Rejuvené MD in El Paso, TX we can help reverse this process using bioidentical hormone replacement therapy, which can have a life-changing effect when administered under medical supervision. Keep reading to find out if you might be a good candidate for this treatment.
Who Is a Candidate for Bioidentical Hormone Replacement Therapy?
If you suspect that your hormones are out of sync, you are probably right. After the age of 30, hormone levels begin a steady decline that can adversely affect many aspects of our health and wellbeing. If you are experiencing poor sleep, diminished cognitive function, anxiety, depression, low libido, chronic fatigue, or any of the other symptoms that signal hormone loss, you may be a good candidate for bioidentical hormones.
Bioidentical Hormone Replacement Therapy (BHRT) is a safe, natural treatment that is effective for most men and women, but it is important to first determine if hormone loss is at the root of your symptoms. This can usually be determined using a simple blood test and a thorough review of your symptoms. Once testing is complete, we will know for sure if you are a good candidate for this treatment.
What Symptoms Might I have?
Symptoms of hormone depletion can range from mild to utterly debilitating. These symptoms typically get worse with age. If you are over the age of 30 and experiencing some of the following symptoms, you may be a good candidate for hormone replacement therapy:
- Mood swings and irritability
- Memory loss or “brain fog”
- Insomnia
- Chronic fatigue
- Sudden weight gain
- Hot flashes
- Loss of muscle mass
- Lack of interest in sex
- Hair loss
Is There a “Right” Age To Start BRHT?
We typically see patients over the age of 40 who are starting to show signs of andropause in men, or menopause in women. However, the reality is that the early warning signs of hormonal fluctuation can begin to present as early as a person’s 30s. There is no reason to not start hormone replacement sooner if deemed necessary. A blood test and symptom review can help us determine if the time is right to begin introducing bioidentical hormones into your wellness plan.
When Symptoms Are Advanced
If you have been suffering through the symptoms of hormone decline for a while now, you may be wondering if it’s too late to benefit from BRHT. While it might take a bit longer to get your hormones perfectly balanced, there is no reason to not take advantage of this therapy even if you are well into menopause or andropause. In fact, the more advanced your symptoms are, the more dramatic your symptom relief will feel.
Is There Anyone Who Should Not Use BRHT?
Bioidentical hormone replacement therapy is safe for most people, with a very low risk of negative side effects. It is, however, important to work with a reputable hormone specialist who is experienced at administering this type of therapy. During your initial consultation, you will be asked a series of health questions to make sure that BRHT is a good choice for you. Come to your consultation prepared to discuss your medical history and any medications you are taking,
How Bioidentical Hormone Replacement Therapy Works
BRHT can be customized to create the perfect blend of hormones that your body is lacking. Unlike a one-size-fits-all HRT pill, bioidentical hormones can be compounded to fit the exact needs of the patent. Once it is determined what hormones are declining in your system, we create a blend of bioidentical hormones that may include one or more of the following:
- Estrogen (the predominant female sex hormone)
- Progesterone (the female sex hormone related to reproduction)
- Testosterone (the predominant male sex hormone)
- Thyroid (the hormones that regulate growth and metabolism)
How This Treatment Is Administered
There are a number of delivery methods that can effectively get the hormones you need into your bloodstream. Which method you choose depends on personal preference and lifestyle factors. There is no “one size fits all” approach to BRHT, which is why it’s important to discuss your various options at your consultation.
Whether you choose to go with a pill, patch, injection, pellet, or topical product, the goal is to deliver a steady stream of hormones into your system to counteract the negative symptoms that many of us experience at mid-life. Some patients like the ease of being able to administer their dose at home, while others prefer a patch or pellet that they never have to think about. There are advantages to each method that can be discussed at your consultation.
Choosing Natural Over Synthetic Hormones
The reason why bioidentical hormone replacement therapy is so popular is that it uses natural hormones that are molecularly identical to those found in the human body. Unlike the synthetic hormones that are found in birth control pills and many prescribed HRT medications, bioidentical hormones are very well synthesized by the body, since they are exactly what your own endocrine system would be producing anyway.
What Results To Expect
Many people who try BRHT for the first time are amazed by how quickly they begin to experience symptom relief, but in some cases, patience is required. It might take several appointments before we can get your dosage to the ideal level for you. Your body may also need time to adjust to having a more optimal hormone balance. It is important to not get discouraged if this process takes longer than you were hoping. Symptom relief is achievable for most people.
Once your hormones are in balance, you can expect to experience better sleep, increased energy, improved memory, and heightened libido. Symptoms of anxiety and depression are also likely to improve. If more than a month has gone by and you are not seeing any of these positive outcomes, we may need to look at adjusting your dosage, or trying a different delivery method.
Can Men Expect the Same Results?
Hormone replacement used to be thought of as a treatment for women only, but it is now recognized that men also experience the devastating impact of hormone loss at mid-life, and sometimes even earlier. Low testosterone can result in erectile dysfunction, hair loss, decrease in muscle mass, weight gain, and depression. Boosting testosterone using bioidentical hormone replacement therapy can reverse many of these symptoms, safely and effectively.
Is BRHT Safe?
Traditional hormone replacement therapy has received some bad press in recent years, but many of these studies were later proven to be inaccurate or misleading. It is also important to note that the studies in question used synthetic hormones, not the natural bioidentical versions used in BHRT. The reality is that hormone replacement, particularly when using bioidentical hormones, is completely safe for most people.
Hormone replacement has even been shown to decrease the risk of certain cancers. If there is some reason why BRHT might not be suitable for a particular patient, this will quickly be determined during the consultation.
Are Bioidentical Hormones the Fountain of Youth?
When administered by a trained professional, BRHT can do amazing things, but it is still important for patients to have realistic expectations. While it is very likely that you will feel better than you have in years once your hormones are properly balanced, the effects can vary between individuals. We cannot guarantee that you will feel like you’re 20 again, but the anti-aging and health benefits of having one’s hormones at the right level are undeniable.
Finding the Best Hormone Specialist in Your Area
Do your research to make sure you are working with a clinic that specializes in bioidentical hormone replacement therapy, and that sources the highest quality natural hormones. Not all hormone therapy clinics are created equal – it is very important to be treated by a reputable establishment that has MDs on their staff. If you feel uncomfortable with a clinic or their staff during your consultation, keep looking.
Ready To Look and Feel More Like Your Old Self Again?
If you are interested in learning more about BRHT and being tested to see if you would be a good candidate for this amazing treatment, we would love to meet with you. Contact us today at Rejuvené MD in El Paso, TX so that we can schedule your initial consultation. We can help you to get your hormones and your life back on track.
