What is BHRT? And is it right for me?

There are over 50 hormones produced by the human body. Hormones are chemicals made naturally by the body and are used to coordinate its functions. They work together to carry out actions that create balance and maintain adequate function. A few examples of the many roles of hormones include metabolism, blood pressure control, blood sugar control, sexual function, sleep-wake cycle, mood and energy. 

When hormones are in balance, we feel at our best. As we age some hormones  such as estrogen, progesterone and testosterone naturally decrease. Some hormones, such as cortisol or thyroid hormones can become out of balance due to emotional stress or other stressors on the body such as poor sleep habits, super restrictive dieting, or other disease processes. 

The good news is that hormones can be replaced safely. BHRT, or Bio-identical hormones, are hormones made from yams or soy that are molecularly identical to the hormones produced inside the body. Studies have shown increased safety with BHRT as compared to synthetic hormones. Synthetic hormones are synthesized from horse urine in a laboratory and are often only 30% similar to the molecular structure of your natural hormones. Synthetic hormones have shown to increase the rate of adverse reactions in women taking them, and are generally not tolerated as well.  Studies have shown that bio-identical hormones, on the other hand, are a safer option.

By definition, bio-identical hormone replacement therapy is simply replacing hormones that the body has become deficient in with hormones that are molecularly identical to the ones you produce in your body. This allows the body to recognize these hormones as safe and therefore they are received and tolerated by the body better than synthetic hormones. By replacing hormones there are numerous benefits including better sleep, more energy, relief from hot flashes, improved skin firmness and elasticity, improved memory and brain function, and even some benefits for the heart and blood vessels. 

Having hormone levels checked and replaced with BHRT could have enormous benefits to your health and well-being!