Bioidentical hormone replacement therapy is a popular topic in the media, but it can be hard to determine what’s true and what’s not.
There are many myths about bioidentical hormone replacement therapy that need to be debunked. For example, some people think that bioidentical hormones are only for women over 50 years old or that they’re too expensive.
This article will debunk these myths by explaining bioidentical hormone replacement therapy and why it might be right for you.
It will also mention the benefits of bioidentical hormone replacement therapy like increased energy levels, improved moods, better sleep quality, weight loss and more!
What Is Bioidentical Hormone Therapy?
Hormone imbalances can happen to anyone at any time, though men and women in their 40s and beyond are at an increased risk. Hormones are chemical messengers that play essential roles in our health and vitality. When you have too little or too much of a specific hormone, you can experience frustrating symptoms throughout your body.
For women, warning signs of a hormonal imbalance include:
- Mood swings
- An irregular cycle (if pre-menopausal)
- Weight gain or unexplained weight loss
- Low sex drive
- Constipation or diarrhea
- Growing dark hairs on the face, chin, or chest
- Insomnia
For men, a hormonal imbalance can look like:
- Low sex drive
- Erectile dysfunction
- Decreased muscle mass
- Hair thinning and hair loss
- Tenderness in the chest
Bioidentical hormone replacement therapy is a type of hormone replacement therapy that uses hormones chemically identical to what your body naturally produces.
The goal of bioidentical hormone replacement therapy is to restore hormonal balance by replacing low or disappeared hormones. There are many different bioidentical hormones, so it’s essential to go with the right kind of treatment for your unique needs.
Bioidentical hormone replacement therapy has been around for over 40 years and is used to treat menopause, perimenopause, and other hormonal imbalances.
Bioidentical hormones are made from plant materials in the lab and have the same molecular structure as human hormones. These hormones can be administered through various modalities, including creams, shots, and pellets.
12 Hormone Replacement Therapy Myths
1. Myth: Hormone replacement therapy is expensive.
Reality: Hormone replacement therapy (HRT) saves money in the long run. Why? Because hormones have been shown to positively impact your mood and physical wellbeing, reducing healthcare spending in other areas of your life. Many clinics also offer discounts and specials for regular HRT users.
2. Myth: Bioidenticals are dangerous and risky.
Reality: First, unlike synthetic hormones, which are laboratory-made in a factory and have no resemblance to what your body makes naturally, bioidentical hormones are identical or very similar to those produced by our bodies.
Specific bioidentical hormones have undergone thorough safety testing to meet the FDA’s strict standards. As a result, when a bioidentical hormone treatment is FDA approved, you have peace of mind knowing it will be safe to put in your body.
3. Myth: For women, hormone replacement therapy should only be used after menopause.
Reality: In reality, bioidentical hormone replacement therapy can be used to treat the same hormone imbalance even when a person is still in their 20s, 30s or 40s. This is because women tend to have a significant drop in hormones during the perimenopausal years, leading to symptoms like hot flashes and night sweats.
A number of factors can cause your hormones to become out of balance pre-menopause, including:
- Thyroid problems
- High blood sugar
- Certain medications
- PCOS
- Your diet
- Your stress levels
Regardless of your age, if you experience symptoms of a hormonal imbalance, it’s always a good idea to bring them up to your doctor.
4. Myth: All types of hormone replacement therapy are the same.
Reality: There are many different hormone replacement therapies available, including plant-based (bioidentical) hormones, animal-based (bioidentical), synthetic hormones, and non-bioidentical/synthetic. Each of these can have different effects on your body. For example, you may find that your body absorbs bioidentical hormones better than synthetic hormones, allowing you to stay on a lower dose for the same benefits.
There are also various types of bioidentical hormones. One common choice is compounded bioidentical hormone replacement therapy. This treatment involves customizing specific hormone levels to suit a patient’s specific blood work.
For many patients, compounded bioidentical hormone replacement therapy is the best option as it allows them to adjust hormone levels based on their symptoms and any experienced side effects. Certain compounded hormones are not FDA approved. However, the doctor administering your hormones will keep a close eye on your health and blood work to ensure the benefits always outweigh the risks.
5. Myth: Hormone replacement therapy is only for women.
Reality: In reality, bioidentical hormone replacement therapy can be used to treat hormonal imbalances in both men and women. In fact, many men find hormone replacement therapy can have a significant difference in their health, energy levels, and overall quality of life.
According to the International Journal of Clinical Practice, as many as 38% of men 45 and older have some form of testosterone deficiency. Treating low T can have a number of benefits for men, including:
- Improved sex drive and sexual performance
- Better sleep and more energy levels
- Enhanced ability to build and maintain muscle mass
- Improved cognition and mental clarity
6. Myth: Bioidentical hormones are weak and ineffective.
Reality: Bioidentical hormones are not weaker than synthetic ones. In fact, the opposite is often true. Bioidentical estradiol is more potent and has a higher blood concentration than its synthetic counterparts (estrogen compounds).
Because your body recognizes bioidentical hormones in the same way as the hormones naturally found in your bloodstream, many patients find they get better results on lower levels compared to synthetic hormone replacement therapy. This can help reduce side effects while still maintaining the best benefits of your treatments
7. Myth: Bioidentical hormone therapy will dramatically impact my weight.
Reality: HRT isn’t a weight loss program. However, because hormone imbalances are one of the top causes of stubborn weight gain, balancing your hormones is essential to losing weight and maintaining your weight loss progress. HRT has also been shown to prevent an increase in body fat and fat redistribution. If you want to lose weight, HRT is often a great first step.
That said, many people are afraid that hormone replacement therapy will actually make them gain weight. This is also not true. Research has shown hormone replacement therapy is not associated with weight gain. Some people experience a slight increase in water retention during the first few weeks of treatment, leading to the impression that they have gained weight. This rehydration is healthy and will not impact your long-term longevity like true weight gain.
8. Myth: Bioidentical hormones can cause cancer.
Reality: Traditional hormone replacement is associated with an increased risk of breast cancer; however, bioidentical hormones do not increase your risk of the disease at all due to their molecular structure.
9. Myth: Bioidentical hormone therapy is a fad and doesn’t actually work.
Reality: Over the last few decades, scientific evidence has shown the benefits hormone replacement therapy can have on men and women’s quality of life.
Bioidentical hormones are newer than traditional synthetic hormones. However, research continues to support the use of bioidentical hormones as a safer solution for people suffering from the symptoms of a hormonal imbalance.
10. Myth: Bioidentical hormones will make me moody.
Reality: Bioidentical hormone replacement therapy doesn’t cause mood swings. In fact, it can help improve your mental state.
One of the most common side effects of hormonal imbalances is mood swings. You may find that you get easily irritated, teary, depressed, or anxious before you start hormone replacement therapy.
But what about after? Well, as your hormone levels stabilize, you’ll notice changes in your mood as well. In some cases, you might have a significant improvement in your emotional stability. In others, the impact may be more subtle. Many things beyond hormonal imbalances can impact your mood, so HRT alone may not make a significant impact in some individuals.
11. Myth: Bioidentical hormones are not safe to take in the long run.
Reality: There is no evidence that bioidentical hormone replacement therapy has any adverse effect on your health when administered correctly. In fact, hormone replacement therapy has been shown to be incredibly beneficial for your health in the long run.
Hormones play a key role in your bone health in particular. Low estrogen levels can stop your body from producing new bone and maintaining bone structure. As a result, many post-menopausal women and older men are at an increased risk of fractures due to hormone deficiencies.
Bioidentical hormone replacement therapy protects bone density and strength by ensuring your body has adequate levels of estrogen. Even low doses of hormone replacement therapy can prevent fractures and osteoporosis.
12. Myth: Over-the-counter hormone replacement pills work just as well.
Reality: Many people think over-the-counter testosterone supplements help with low testosterone symptoms, but there isn’t enough evidence to support this. These supplements are often unregulated, contain fillers that can cause unwanted side effects, and won’t provide consistent and dependable relief from symptoms.
Bioidentical hormone replacement therapy is developed specifically for your hormone levels, making it more effective. It also involves careful assessment and regular monitoring to ensure your treatments continue to work as intended. Monitoring includes blood tests to track progress and make sure the treatment is providing you with the benefits you need.
Benefits Of Bioidentical Hormone Replacement Therapy
When given in correct doses and monitored closely by an experienced medical professional, bioidentical hormone replacement therapy is a popular option for people suffering from menopause or perimenopausal symptoms because it may:
- Be safe and effective for menopausal women
- Improve your physical and cognitive health
- Offer therapeutic replacement of estrogens, progesterone, and testosterone bioequivalent to the hormone levels present in your body’s natural state
- Not pose an increased risk of breast cancer compared to traditional HRT treatments
- Come in lifetime treatments to alleviate menopause symptoms such as hot flashes and night sweats and prevent age-related conditions such as osteoporosis and heart disease
- Offer no risk of blood clots, stroke, or cancer like traditional HRT treatments
Bioidentical Hormone Replacement Therapy At The Resurge Clinic
Bioidentical hormone replacement therapy is a popular option for men and women of all life stages. Whether you’re suffering from a drop in energy, sudden weight gain, loss of interest in intimacy, or a change in your hair thickness, this treatment can help you find relief with fewer side effects or risks.
And when compared with traditional HRT treatments and administered under the supervision of an experienced physician, bioidentical hormones are safe and have added benefits that other options don’t offer.
If you’re considering bioidentical hormone treatment, schedule a consultation with The Resurge Clinic today! Together, we’ll create a treatment plan around your specific hormones and goals, so you can feel your best every day.
