Before we go into what bioidentical hormones are, let’s review what hormones are and what they do for us in our minds and our body. Hormones are naturally produced by our glands. They have a huge effect on our physical makeup, how the brain function, sex, and even the breakdown of food. This is the main reason why when women go through menopause, pregnancy, or other natural hormone changes, there can be changes in their minds and body along the way.
Bioidentical hormones are a form of hormones, however, they are man-made. While there are natural hormone replacements that women can take to help raise estrogen or progesterone, these bioidentical hormones can be prescribed as well depending on what type of treatment is needed.
How Are They Used?
Just like other hormone replacements, bioidentical hormones can be used in the same way. Doctors have made similar versions of creams, patches, gels, and even bioidentical hormone pellets to be made with these bioidentical hormones.
In the end, they are, well, identical. They will help in the same way as other hormones would, however, these are just man-made. Like any medication, it will take a conversation with your doctor to see which application may be the best for you and give you the best results. This also goes hand in hand with the dosage they may decide is best for you.
Why Might You Use Them?
As women get older, there are many changes that can occur in the body. This could cause a decline of natural hormones as they go through things like menopause around 40-50 years old. When this starts to happen, their mind and body can go through things they haven’t had to go through before. Such as hot flashes, night sweats, weaker muscles or bones, depression, anxiety, weight gain, and loss of energy.
By adding hormones or bioidentical hormone replacements to your routine and lifestyle after you start seeing these symptoms, they can help bring them back to their normal levels. They can also help raise them even higher and in the end help the symptoms fade with time with the help of hormone replacements.
How Much Would Your Doctor Prescribe?
This can all depend on the person and what their needs are. Menopause will affect each woman differently and some may not even need hormone replacements. However, if you do need to add a replacement, your doctor will work very close with you to ensure you are getting the right dosage.
Depending on if you choose a pellet, cream, or patch, it could change how that dose is given to you, however, the amount won’t change, just the application process.
Your doctor will ask for routine urine, saliva, or blood tests to find out your hormone levels to be able to change and adjust the dosage if ever need be. The hope is to keep the dosage as low as possible while still getting your hormones to a more normal amount.
In the end, whether you choose to get bioidentical hormones or natural hormones, they will apply the same way and can give the same effects you are hoping for, it is all about your comfort and needs.