What is Bioidentical Hormone Therapy?

As you approach menopause, you may begin to experience a variety of symptoms like hot flashes, night sweats, mood swings, and vaginal dryness, all of which are tied to the hormonal changes occurring in your body. You don’t have to suffer! Bioidentical hormone therapy is there to help with symptoms of perimenopause and prevent the diseases of postmenopause. But what exactly is menopause hormone therapy, and how can it help you?

Understanding Bioidentical Hormones

Bioidentical hormones are lab-created hormones that are chemically identical to the ones your body naturally produces. The term “bioidentical” means that these hormones match the molecular structure of your own hormones, which makes them easier for your body to recognize and utilize. Bioidentical hormones are often derived from plant sources, such as soy or yam, and are then processed to replicate the hormones your body once made, including estrogen, progesterone, and sometimes testosterone.

The most commonly used bioidentical hormones include:

These hormones are crucial for regulating MOST functions in your body, from menstrual cycles to mood, bone health, cognition and sexual function. As you enter menopause, the levels of these hormones naturally decline, leading to symptoms and disease.

How Does BHRT Work?

BHRT is designed to help balance the hormones that fluctuate or decline during perimenopause, menopause, and beyond. By restoring these hormones to more youthful levels, BHRT can alleviate many of the uncomfortable symptoms you may be facing, such as:

Hot flashes
Night sweats
Vaginal dryness
Mood swings or irritability
Low libido
Sleep disturbances
Fatigue
Brain Fog
SO MUCH MORE

The goal of BHRT is to provide hormone replacement in a way that is personalized to your needs. Unlike traditional hormone replacement therapies (HRT), which may use synthetic hormones that differ from the ones your body naturally produces, bioidentical hormones are a closer match, allowing for a more natural response from your body. This can lead to more effective symptom relief with potentially fewer side effects.

What Makes Bioidentical Hormones Different?

The primary difference between bioidentical hormones and conventional hormone therapies lies in their molecular structure. Bioidentical hormones are virtually identical to the ones your body makes, while synthetic hormones (used in traditional HRT) are often derived from animal sources or chemically altered.

Because bioidentical hormones closely mimic your natural hormones, they are thought to be better absorbed and utilized by your body and have less risk. Many people find this more natural approach to hormone replacement appealing. However, like any form of hormone therapy, BHRT should be used under the guidance of a qualified healthcare provider to ensure that the treatment is effective and safe for you.

What Are The Benefits of Bioidentical Menopause Hormone Therapy?

The benefits of hormone therapy can be life-changing, especially if you’ve been struggling with menopause symptoms. Here are some of the potential advantages:

Relief from Symptoms: hormone therapy can significantly reduce or even eliminate symptoms like hot flashes, night sweats, and vaginal dryness, helping you feel more comfortable and balanced.
Better Mood and Mental Clarity: Many people experience improved mood, reduced anxiety, and enhanced mental clarity while using hormone therapy, helping you feel more like yourself during this transition.
Improved Sexual Health: hormone therapy can help with low libido, vaginal dryness, and other sexual health issues, improving intimacy and overall quality of life.
Heart Health: While not FDA indicated for heart attack and stroke prevention. Menopause hormone therapy when started early decreases the risk of heart attack and stroke. Which matters because cardiovascular disease is the leading killer of women.
Bone Health: Estrogen plays an essential role in maintaining bone density, and BHRT may help reduce the risk of osteoporosis and fractures by supporting estrogen levels.
Personalized Care: One of the key benefits of hormone therapy is that it can be customized to meet your specific hormone needs. With the help of your healthcare provider, you can create a treatment plan that’s tailored just for you.
Personalized Care: One of the key benefits of hormone therapy is that it can be customized to meet your specific hormone needs. With the help of your healthcare provider, you can create a treatment plan that’s tailored just for you.

What Are the Risks and Who Can’t Use It?

Hormone replacement comes with risk of allergy to the mediums used to deliver the hormone like the adhesive on the patch. We do not see an increased risk of breast cancer with micronized progesterone as was seen in the WHI with synthetic progesterone(Medroxyprogesterone acetate). We also do not see any increase in risk of blood clot/stroke/heart attack with transdermal(through the skin) estradiol unlike oral estrogen that is in a birth control pill does carry these risks. A personal history of breast cancer is currently a contraindication to systemic whole body hormone therapy but is NOT a contraindication to local vaginal estrogen. Of note, a family history of breast or endometrial cancer or a personal clotting disorder are NOT reasons you cannot use hormone therapy. Please consult your menopause specialist for further clarifications of these important nuanced details.

Is Hormone Therapy Right for You?

Bioidentical hormone therapy can be an excellent option if you’re struggling with the symptoms of menopause, want to prevent the disease of postmenopause and want a more personalized, natural approach to hormone replacement.

If you’re considering using menopause hormone therapy, I recommend scheduling a consultation with us today to discuss your symptoms, hormone levels, and overall health goals. Together, we’ll determine the best course of action to help you feel your best during this important phase of life.

At my practice, I specialize in personalized menopause care and offer comprehensive, integrative treatment plans, including bioidentical hormone therapy to help you feel empowered, healthy, and confident through your menopause journey. I’ll work with you every step of the way to ensure that your treatment is tailored to your needs, so you can thrive throughout this transition and beyond.

If you’re ready to learn more about how Bioidentical Hormone Therapy can help you manage your menopause symptoms and reclaim your vitality, book a consultation today!

Dr. Malia Swanson
Boulder Menopause