Perimenopause and menopause can feel like a rollercoaster. The physical, mental, and emotional changes that occur as hormone production declines can cause serious discomfort for women, not to mention long term consequences to good health.
Until relatively recently, these changes were unavoidable.
But today, bioidentical hormone replacement therapy (BHRT) allows women to feel their best, while simultaneously regaining control over their long-term health.
You may be wondering…is BHRT a good option for you? Let’s explore the benefits of BHRT and how it can help to relieve the symptoms of perimenopause and menopause.
What Is BHRT?
Physicians have been prescribing estrogen for the treatment of menopause since the 1940s. However, the use of synthetic estrogen and progesterone (which are molecularly different from what the body produces naturally) ultimately led to unwanted side effects and health issues.
Bioidentical hormones are fundamentally different from synthetic hormones. Made from plant materials in a lab, bioidentical hormones are molecularly identical to those produced naturally by the human body. As a consequence, bioidentical hormones do not cause the side effects and health issues often associated with synthetic hormones.
It’s important to know that you have hormone receptors all over your body. You can think of these receptors as if they’re locks, and hormone molecules as if they’re keys for those locks. Bioidentical hormone molecules are an exact fit for those receptors…like a perfectly copied key. Synthetic hormones, on the other hand, do not fit into those receptors perfectly—which has negative consequences for how they function in a woman’s body.
Another significant difference between synthetic hormones and bioidentical hormones is in how they’re prescribed. Synthetic hormones are typically prescribed on a one-size-fits-all basis, whereas dosing for bioidentical hormones is usually tailored to each woman’s unique physiological needs.
Physical Benefits of BHRT
Physical changes are some of the most noticeable symptoms of perimenopause and menopause. These symptoms can include:
- Hot flashes and night sweats, where it can feel like your body’s natural thermostat is out of order
- Weight gain, especially abdominal weight
- Fatigue
- Insomnia
- Joint pain
- Sexual discomfort due to vaginal dryness and tearing
- Loss of libido
- Reduced bone density
- Cardiovascular problems due to increased cholesterol and loss of blood vessel elasticity
- Headaches and migraines
BHRT can help to eliminate these symptoms by restoring hormones to optimal levels.
Mental Benefits of BHRT
A woman’s brain is very sensitive to changes in hormone levels. Estrogen, in particular, plays a significant role in protecting brain cells and supporting memory.
During perimenopause and menopause, many women experience issues like brain fog, forgetfulness, and difficulty concentrating. BHRT can help to improve cognitive function by restoring hormones to healthy levels.
Emotional Benefits of BHRT
Perimenopause and menopause don’t just affect your body and mind—they also affect your emotions.
Women frequently experience mood swings, irritability, anxiety, and even depression as hormone levels decline and become imbalanced. These emotional changes can have a serious impact on quality of life.
BHRT stabilizes hormones levels, thereby stabilizing mood.
Is BHRT Right for You?
Are you struggling with the symptoms of perimenopause or menopause?
Properly prescribed and supervised BHRT can provide relief from the symptoms of perimenopause and menopause, helping women to navigate this phase of life with better physical, mental, and emotional well-being.
Want to learn more? Renew Youth is here to help. Call us at 800-859-7511 or use our easy contact form to schedule your complimentary 30-minute consultation.