What is hormone replacement therapy?
Hormones are your body’s chemical messengers. They control many important functions, from your heart rate to your sex drive (libido). Estrogen and progesterone are the main hormones in women. When these hormone levels rise and fall in the years leading up to menopause (perimenopause) and then decline after menopause, symptoms can occur.
The goal of hormone replacement therapy is to relieve troublesome symptoms by replacing the hormones your body isn’t making enough of. The team at Bela Vida Urogynecology only uses the highest quality bioidentical hormones to ensure the best outcome for you.
What are bioidentical hormones?
Bioidentical hormones are synthetic hormones that come from plant sources, like yams and soy. They’re called bioidentical because they have the same molecular structure as the hormones your body produces naturally. That means your body can’t tell the difference between bioidentical hormones and the hormones your glands produce naturally.
What does bioidentical hormone replacement therapy treat?
After menopause, your body produces much less estrogen. This decrease in hormones leads to many of the symptoms associated with menopause, including:
- Hot flashes
- Night sweats
- Difficulty sleeping (insomnia)
- Vaginal dryness
- Painful sex
- Decreased interest in sex (libido)
- Weight gain
- Loss of muscle mass
- Anxiety and depression
- Difficulty concentrating
- Memory loss
If any of these common symptoms prevent you from living a happy and fulfilling life, BHRT may be right for you. The caring providers at Bela Vida Urogynecology carefully review your medical history and perform a physical exam to make sure you’re a good candidate for this treatment.
What does bioidentical hormone replacement therapy involve? The team at Bela
Vida Urogynecology develops a personalized BHRT treatment plan tailored to your unique needs. They may check your hormone levels with a blood or saliva test and then recommend the best BHRT treatment for your specific symptoms.
BHRT comes in many forms, including:
- Pills
- Patches
- Injections
- Creams and gels
- Implanted pellets
You may experience side effects, such as acne or headaches, after your first dose of BHRT. This typically resolves as your body gets used to the new level of hormones. If not, your provider at Bela Vida Urogynecology may adjust your dose.
To find out if you’re a good candidate for bioidentical hormone replacement therapy, call Bela Vida Urogynecology or book an appointment online today.