Bio-Identical hormone replacement (BHRT) is the use of hormones-estrogen, progesterone, and testosterone-that are chemically structured to be identical to the hormones naturally produced within the human body. BHRT is often used to treat the symptoms of hormone imbalance, seen in both menopause and its male equivalent, andropause.
Hormone therapy can also be useful in other situations, such as infertility issues, tissue/wound healing and repair, low libido, metabolic efficiency, and metabolic stability.
Clients that start on BHRT are monitored closely and labs are drawn routinely to ensure that one’s hormone levels are not too high or low. Hormone balancing is key at any age and its regularity is indicative of overall wellbeing.
Estrogen hormones have the following effects in the body:
- Stimulates growth of the lining of the womb or uterus
- Causes breast tissue to develop and grow
- Promotes fat storage and weight gain
- Promotes fluid retention
- Causes thickening of the blood
- Decreases bone loss, but do not stimulate new bone growth
- Increases emotional sensitivity
- Activates progesterone receptors
- Inhibits sex drive
- Stimulates the production of thyroid binding globulin by the liver, inhibiting the action of the thyroid hormones
Progesterone has the following effects which counterbalance the estrogen hormones:• Matures the uterine lining preventing excess buildup of tissue
- Inhibits breast tissue overgrowth, preventing fibrocystic breast disease
- Has a diuretic effect which mobilizes fluid, decreasing swelling
- Enhances the action of thyroid hormones, increasing metabolism
- Stimulates the production of new bone, protecting against osteoporosis
- Increases the sex drive and promotes pregnancy
- Protects against breast cancer and uterine cancer
- Thins the blood, preventing blood clots
- Supports the function of the adrenal glands
- Elevates mood
Testosterone has the following effects on the body:
- Relieves panic or anxiety attacks
- Gives a sense of well being
- Decreases body fat and cholesterol
- Increases and enhances libido
- Increases muscle tone (bladder, heart, etc.) and bone mass
- Enhances cognitive thinking and math ability
- Converts inactive thyroid (T4) to active thyroid (T3)
