What Does BHRT Stand for?
Bio-identical hormone replacement therapy (BHRT) is a therapy used when there are problems or concerns with your body’s normal hormone levels.
The hormones in your body control many of your fundamental bodily-functions. They act as your body’s cells’ internal communication system. They coordinate a whole range of things such as your:
- Appetite
- Libido
- Growth
- Mood
- Digestion
- Immune function
Therefore, when you have unbalanced hormones, it can impact your well-being and health greatly.
Often, when individual’s hormones become unbalanced, they ease their symptoms with some type of hormone replacement therapy. BHRT is one such therapy that’s grown in popularity lately, promising a “natural” hormone issue solution.
When your body has unbalanced hormone levels, a number of things can occur such as: 
- You may feel fatigued or tired
- Your sex drive could decrease
- You may start to lose muscle mass
These are just a few of many issues you could face when your hormones aren’t where they should be. Fortunately, this is where BHRT comes in to help.
Benefits of BHRT
BHRT is often used by women experiencing perimenopause or menopause. It increases the hormone levels and improves symptoms of moderate to severe menopause in women, including:
- Night sweats
- Hot flashes
- Sleep issues
- Weight gain
- Mood changes
- Pain during sex
- Reduced sex drive
- Memory loss
It’s sometimes used to improve a cancer patient’s symptoms after treatment or to treat other conditions like:
- Osteoporosis
- Insulin resistance
- Fibromyalgia
- Thyroid and adrenal disorders
Along with treating symptoms, BHRT may also decrease your risk for tooth loss, diabetes or cataracts. Some research reported by the National Institutes of Health (NIH) shows it can improve skin hydration, elasticity and thickness and reduce wrinkles.
BHRT is frequently referred to as “natural hormone therapy” since the bioidentical hormones act like the hormones your body naturally produces. And, your body can’t tell the difference between the hormones ovaries produce from bioidentical hormones.
For individuals undergoing cancer treatments that impact their levels of estrogen, BHRT can effectively improve their quality of life and general well-being, according to the Journal of Clinical Oncology. In fact, one study showed cancer patients who received BHRT experienced relief from their symptoms related to treatment such as low libido, migraines, insomnia and incontinence.
BHRT comes in a number of forms like: 
- Injections
- Patches
- Creams
- Gels
- Implanted pellets
You’ll want to discuss the appropriate form with your doctor to meet your lifestyle. Your doctor will likely monitor you regularly after you start BHRT to see how your body responds to the therapy.
Your activities and environment will determine the amount of hormones your body will require. Because of this, you’ll need to work closely with your doctor to find the exact amount that will work optimally with your body. They’ll adjust your BHRT to ensure you have the right amount of hormones to achieve the desired result.
Whether you need hormone replacement therapy or not will be up to you and your doctor. You’ll go in for an initial consultation and talk about any health concerns you have and any issues you’re dealing with. Your doctor will give you an examination and perform other testing to decide if BHRT is right for you.
Contact our offices here at Savannah Age Management Medicine today to learn more about Bio-identical hormone replacement therapy and to see if you’re a candidate for this therapy.
