Are you a woman over 40 who is experiencing symptoms like insomnia, hot flashes, unexplained weight gain, and night sweats? Are you a man dealing with low libido? You might benefit from hormone replacement therapy (HRT). As the name suggests, HRT is all about restoring vitality and your overall hormonal balance. You are likely to hear about options like HRT and bioidentical HRT at top clinics in Twin Falls, such as The Regenerative & Joint Clinic. How are these different? In this guide, we will discuss a few aspects that matter.
Reasons to consider hormone replacement therapy (HRT)
HRT is useful for men and women alike. For women going through perimenopause and menopause, hormone replacement can be useful for addressing common symptoms related to hormonal imbalances. HRT is also used for fixing other hormonal disorders and andropause. Under medical supervision, HRT can be useful for addressing various symptoms, including mood swings and low libido.
Overview of Traditional Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT)
Hormones used in traditional HRT are usually made from synthetic or animal sources. Your doctor may recommend patches, injections, or tablets. Synthetic hormones include estrogen, progestin, and testosterone. There are general dosing guidelines, which can be changed according to the progress of the patient.
Understanding Bioidentical Hormone Replacement Therapy (BHRT)
Bioidentical HRT relies on hormones that are identical to natural hormones produced in our body. Some of the common bioidentical hormones include estradiol, estriol, DHEA, progesterone, and testosterone. The treatment is entirely customized for each patient.
Differences at a glance
As discussed, traditional HRT uses synthetic or animal-derived hormones, while BHRT uses plant-based hormones derived from soy, yams, and other sources. Also, BHRT hormones are identical to natural hormones, which isn’t the case with traditional HRT. Bioidentical HRT is tailored for each patient according to their needs, while conventional HRT hormones are found in pharmacies. So, which one is better? There is increasing research and evidence that shows that bioidentical hormones offer better results in terms of controlling symptoms, although some patients may benefit from one more than the other. Traditional HRT has been linked to certain health conditions, including cardiovascular risks. BHRT advocates, on the other hand, claim that the side effects are minimal and outcomes are often better than standard HRT.
Visiting a clinic for HRT
How do you decide between HRT and BHRT? If you visit a wellness clinic specializing in hormone replacement, the doctors and medical experts will first review your health history and symptoms. They will also consider your blood test reports and determine whether you can benefit from BHRT. Frequency of treatment and delivery methods are other things to consider. As a patient, you should do your detailed homework to understand the pros, cons, and side effects associated with each option.
Debunking common myths
No matter what your doctor recommends, differentiating facts from fiction is critical. Firstly, you don’t need to be a woman or someone over 40 to benefit from HRT. Hormone replacement is recommended for many patients who aren’t experiencing menopause symptoms. Secondly, you don’t have to be on HRT forever. The treatment plan is customized and will be adjusted according to the progress. Hormone replacement cannot be compared with natural hormone-boosting supplements either. The latter is largely unregulated and often doesn’t have fixed doses. The last thing you want is to suffer unwanted side effects. ,
Final word
While bioidentical hormone replacement therapy is a great choice for many patients, the ultimate decision will depend on your doctor’s advice. We recommend you select a reputed and known hormone replacement therapy clinic in Twin Falls and schedule an appointment to discuss your symptoms. Once your tests are done, you can start HRT under medical supervision.
