Bioidentical Hormone Replacement Therapy (BHRT) for Women Q&A

Simply put, hormone replacement therapy is an effective way to restore the hormonal balance and the many associated symptoms that women often have to deal with in their late 30’s and beyond. This hormone imbalance that women experience is due to a natural decline in hormone production. Symptoms can be mild to severe and often include:

• lack of sexual desire
• weight gain
• loss of muscle mass
• irritability
• depression
• sluggishness
• poor sleep patterns
• insomnia
• night sweats
• mood swings
• even a lowered sense of well-being

Fortunately, you can get relief from these symptoms! Hormone replacement therapy has helped many thousands of women to restore the natural healthy balance their bodies need to maintain a sense of overall well being.

BHRT is the balancing of hormone levels through the use of hormones that are structurally identical to those that the body produces naturally. Recent scientific studies have shown there are significant risks associated with the use of synthetic hormones for replacement therapy (hormones that are similar to, but different in structure than our natural hormones) which can lead to an increased risk of cardiovascular disease and cancer. Unlike conventional synthetic hormonal therapy used for balancing hormones in perimenopause, bio-identical hormone replacement therapy (BHRT) reduces the risk for dangerous biochemical reactions and other health issues commonly seen with the use of synthetic hormones. Bio-identical hormones are formulated to act like natural human hormones, thereby ensuring a much improved safety profile and maximum effectiveness.

At InShape Medical we use only the highest quality bio-identical hormones, thereby reducing the risk of dangerous biochemical reactions and health problems that can occur with synthetic hormones. BHRT for women involves a balance of three main hormones – estrogen, progesterone and testosterone. Many women get the best symptom relief from hormone pellet therapy which provides a more even and natural release of hormones.

Yes, testosterone is very important to the hormonal balance in women. Men and women both can benefit from better wellbeing with the symptom fighting effects of testosterone replacement therapy.

Some of the Benefits of Testosterone Replacement Therapy for Women Include:

• Enhanced libido and sexual desire
• Improved memory and mental clarity
• Increased sense of well-being
• Reduced fatigue…More energy
• Relief from anxiety and depression
• Decrease in body fat and Increase in lean body mass
• Increase in lean body mass

There are several effective methods of delivering hormone replacement in a medically effective way. Treatment often consists of the use of topical therapy with creams or gels, however sublingual (troche) therapy is sometimes used. These methods can be effective in relieving symptoms of hormone imbalance. However, many patients get the best symptom relief and benefits from hormone pellet therapy. Regardless of the method, the highest industry standards are used in compounding the hormones, using the highest quality botanical ingredients available. Typically, derived from plant-based ingredients, they are specially formulated to strictly replicate human hormones. The dosages prescribed by your InShape Medical healthcare provider are based upon the best testing methods to ensure the safety and effectiveness of the therapy.

Women’s hormones are more complex, so the care of a health provider that has experience in bio-identical hormone replacement therapy for women is very important. Of course, testosterone is not the only hormone that can assist women in restoring their youthful vitality. The other two hormones that can have a significant impact on a woman’s health and well being are estrogen and progesterone. An unhealthy lifestyle, aging, and the onset of menopause can upset the natural healthy balance of these hormones. This disruption can lead to many negative effects. Low estrogen levels can lead to low energy, an increase in belly fat, vaginal dryness, and elevated blood pressure. Symptoms of low progesterone include weight gain, depression, anxiety, low libido, and even osteoporosis. It is also very important that the relative levels of progesterone and estrogen are in the right balance. When progesterone levels are too high relative to estrogen levels, it can produce symptoms that include increased appetite and carbohydrate craving, insulin resistance, a suppressed immune system, and a decrease in growth hormone production. The experienced healthcare providers at InShape Medical can help to restore and optimize the health of our female patients through comprehensive assessment and development of effective and individualized bio-identical hormone replacement therapy.

Your next step is calling to schedule an initial consultation at InShape Medical. We will talk to you about your symptoms, answer your questions, and give you the information you need to make an informed decision that is right for you. If you decide to go forward then high quality testing will be done to evaluate your current hormone levels. These test results, your symptoms and lifestyle will then be used to suggest the best course of treatment for you at our anti-aging clinic.

For More Information or to Schedule a Consultation, Contact Us Today! Please give us a call or book an appointment. We are conveniently located at 107 Edinburgh S. Drive, Suite 215 Cary, NC 27511. We serve clients from Cary NC, West Raleigh NC, Apex NC, Morrisville NC, Clegg NC, Preston NC, Durham NC, and surrounding areas.