Do Bioidentical Hormones Work?
Bioidentical hormones are manufactured hormones derived from plant estrogens that are chemically identical to those the human body naturally produces.
We can use these plant-based hormones to treat men and women suffering from hormonal changes. They are a particularly effective treatment option for women going through menopause and seeking an alternative to standard HRT (Hormone Replacement Therapy).
Kent, like much of the UK, has experienced severe supply shortages of HRT over recent years, which has led to a sharp increase in the use of Bioidentical Hormone Replacement Therapy (BHRT).
What Are Bioidentical Hormones?
Bioidentical hormones are plant-based and used as a treatment for hormone replacement therapy.
Estrogen, progesterone, and testosterone are among the hormones most commonly replicated and used in specialist treatments. Bioidentical hormones are available in various forms, including pills, patches, creams, gels, and injections.
Problems That Bioidentical Hormones Help With
Bioidentical hormones are very effective in treating the symptoms of perimenopause and menopause. These symptoms can include:
- Hot flashes
- Night sweats
- Vaginal dryness
- Loss of interest in sex or painful intercourse
- Sleeping problems
- Loss of energy or fatigue
- Weight gain
- Mood changes
During menopause, your levels of oestrogen and progesterone start to fall, and these decreased levels are the leading cause of hot flashes, painful sex, headaches, and mood swings. When your hormones are rebalanced, your symptoms reduce significantly.
Progesterone acts as a natural antidepressant, enhancing your mood and relieving anxiety. That’s why many consider rebalancing levels essential for mental well-being.
Bioidentical Hormones Help Men Too
It’s not just women that benefit from bioidentical hormones. Men can experience changes in their testosterone levels as they age, and when this happens, men can experience the following problems:
- Erectile dysfunction
- Reduced bone mass
- Reduced muscle mass
- Reduced sex drive
- Decrease in energy levels
- Increase in body fat
- Hair loss
Bioidentical hormones can help restore testosterone levels and reduce the symptoms of hormonal changes.
How Do They Work?
Your hormone levels change drastically as you age, and BHRT can rebalance them to more natural levels. Although hormonal changes are more commonly associated with women, hormone changes do occur in men too, causing similar changes in mood, sexual performance, appearance, and overall well-being.
At Elite Aesthetics in Kent, Dr Shirin specialises in hormone therapy for both men and women. We can create bespoke BHRT treatments by using a blood test to establish the hormone imbalances affecting you.
Is BHRT Safe?
Many healthcare providers who use BHRT say that it is safer than traditional hormone therapy treatments because of the way that they are manufactured. Bioidentical hormones use only natural resources and are designed to treat every person individually.
BHRT is usually very well tolerated, with most people experiencing no negative effects. However, like all medicines, there are some potential side effects including;
- Weight gain
- Blurred vision
- Tiredness
- Acne
- Increased facial hair
- Headaches
- Breast tenderness
- Spotting
All hormone treatments take a while to get the dosage right, and you’ll often start on the lowest dose. But there’s more flexibility with BHRT than standard HRT prescribed through the NHS.
If you undergo bioidentical hormone therapy in Kent with Dr Shirin, she will work closely with you to establish the right course of treatment. You’ll receive regular follow-ups and adjustments as needed.
Is It the Same As HRT?
Both HRT (Hormone Replacement Therapy) and BHRT (Bioidentical Hormone Therapy) can be used effectively to treat the symptoms of menopause. However, there are some fundamental differences, the main one being how they are made.
BHRT is derived from plant sources chemically similar to the hormones your body naturally produces. Traditional HRT products are made from the urine of pregnant horses and other synthetic hormones.
Some women prefer BHRT because of its natural quality, and we can adjust the doses to suit individual needs. HRT comes in standard doses and is not created based on your hormonal profile like BHRT.
Where Can I Find Bioidentical Hormones In Kent?
If you are looking for BHRT in Kent, then you’ll find it at the award-winning clinic Elite Aesthetics. Dr Shirin has specialist expertise in intimate health and hormone replacement therapy for both men and women. You can read even more about Elite Aesthetics BHRT treatments here.
If you want to learn more about how bioidentical hormones could help you, then the first step is to book a consultation in our Kent clinic. During your consultation, you can ask any questions that you have.
Our consultations are held at our award-winning clinic based in Greenhithe, Kent, which is just 20 minutes away by train from St. Pancras, London.
