Bioidentical hormone therapy is a promising new treatment for both womens health. Bioidentical hormone therapy is a type of hormone treatment that is customized to match the needs of each individual patient, based on that patient’s unique hormone levels. Here’s what you need to know about bioidentical hormone therapy and what it can do.
What Is Bioidentical Hormone Therapy?
Bioidentical hormone therapy is a treatment approved by the government particularly for the relief of the symptoms of menopause. There many menopause solutions and menopause treatment options available, but clinical studies have proved that treatment with hormone therapy is effective in relieving menopause symptoms such as night sweats and vaginal dryness, among other things. Bioidentical hormone therapy differs from traditional HRT only in that the levels of hormones are individually matched to the particular biological makeup of each woman. Since bioidentical hormones are tailored to each person, many people believe they are safer in comparison to synthetic hormones.Who Needs Bioidentical Hormone Therapy?
The mean age at which women will reach menopause is 51, but like any mean number that does not guarantee any one a particular individual experience. Some women will experience menopause in their 30s, while others will not experience menopause until they are 60 or older. Most women begin menopause sometime between ages 40 and 58. In fact, the average age for menopause to begin has not changed in hundreds of years, even though people are living far longer than they used to. Furthermore, there are some things that can make menopause particularly difficult for certain women. For example, women who are living through economic hardship for an extended period sometimes begin menopause earlier than women who do not, according to the Journal of epidemiology and community health, and nine out of 10 women will experience something called perimenopause, which typically lasts about four years and is a precursor to full menopause.Is Bioidentical Hormone Therapy Safe?
For women in their 50s, hormone replacement therapy is considered a safe treatment when used for up to five years. No medical treatment is ever risk-free, but recent studies have indicated that HRT remains the most effective solution for relieving the symptoms of menopause and preventing osteoporosis. As with any medication, it is always best to take only the necessary amount and for the shortest amount of time necessary to treat the condition. All concerns about the safety of any hormone treatment are related to long-term use. Anyone interested in bioidentical hormone therapy should discuss their personal situation with their own doctor.What Are the Benefits of Bioidentical Hormone Therapy?
There are a number of changes menopausal woman tend to see once effective hormone therapy begins. These include better ability to maintain muscle and strength, improved sleep, reduced incidence of depression, better mood, and improvements in concentration and memory. Bioidentical hormone therapy also tends to reduce incidence of vaginal dryness and hot flashes, and those who take HRT of any kind reduce their risk of osteoporosis, Alzheimer’s disease, and endometrial and breast cancer.
Is Bioidentical Hormone Therapy All I Need?
There is no one universal perfect treatment for menopause. Every woman is unique, so not only should hormone therapy be tailored to each individual’s physical makeup, but for the best quality of life around menopause other lifestyle interventions should be considered as well. This is especially true for younger menopausal women, and every woman should consider her age, her preferences, all the available treatment options, and the opinion of her personal doctor when deciding how to deal with menopause and its symptoms.
Menopause is a serious issue when it comes to women’s health. If you’re experiencing the symptoms of menopause or perimenopause, talk to your doctor about bioidentical hormone therapy and whether it could be right for you.