Hormones play a key role in our overall health. Basically, your body’s hormones serve as a special communications system between all the cells in your body. They regulate everything! Your digestion, growth, appetite, immune system — even your mood and libido are controlled by your hormones. Sometimes our hormone levels drop, or they fall out of balance. That’s where hormone replacement therapy comes in.
Bioidentical hormone replacement therapy (BHRT) helps men and women who are struggling with decreased or unbalanced hormone levels. Bioidentical hormones are man made hormones derived from plant estrogens that are biologically, structurally, and chemically identical to the body’s natural hormones. Their molecular shape is identical to the hormones made by the human body, so they “fit” perfectly into the receptor cells. In this sense, they are a better alternative to synthetic hormones, which come close to being the right shape, but not exactly, which can lead to adverse side effects.
To learn more, call Boston Direct Health in Boston, MA at 617-304-1965 for directions or schedule a consultation with primary care physician Dr. Steve Zivich.
How does bioidentical hormone therapy work?
Bioidentical hormones are made from plant estrogens that are identical chemically to the hormones that our bodies produce naturally, as opposed to traditional hormones, which are derived from the urine of pregnant horses.
Some hormone therapies can be taken orally. Others require an injection either under the skin or in the muscle.
What are the long-term benefits of bioidentical hormone therapy?
Studies have found that bioidentical hormones allow for better performance, have fewer side effects, and carry fewer long-term risks. By helping your body and brain return to optimal function, bioidentical hormones can:
- Improve your sleep
- Improve mood
- Increase your libido
- Provide menopausal relief
- And more!
By restoring your hormonal balance, you are also allowing your body to produce elastic and collagen proteins, which allows for smoother, tighter skin, fewer wrinkles, and a healthier glow. Balanced hormones can also help you maintain muscle mass, improve your memory, and reduce hair loss.
Why do men need testosterone replacement?
Testosterone is a hormone that affects a man’s appearance and sexual development. It builds muscle and bone mass, stimulates sperm production, and improves their sex drive. Low testosterone levels can result in hair loss, fatigue, reduced muscle and bone mass, memory loss, erection difficulties, reduced semen count, depression, and irritability.
Why do women need hormones before, during, and after menopause?
Women’s hormone levels drop before, during, and after menopause, resulting in night sweats, hot flashes, increased anxiety, memory loss, insomnia, poor sleep, and weight gain that’s non-responsive to diet and exercise, to name a few. By keeping their hormones in balance, women can continue living their lives with their mind and body functioning at optimal levels.
Are bioidentical hormones safer than traditional (synthetic) hormones?
Published papers from PubMed/MEDLINE, Google Scholar, and Cochrane databases have compared the effects of bioidentical and synthetic hormones, including clinical outcomes and in vitro results. Their conclusions show that physiological daya and clinical outcomes have demonstrated that bioidentical hormones are associated with lower risk and are more efficacious than synthetic hormones. Currently, the US Food and Drug Administration and The Endocrine Society claim that there is not yet enough evidence that supports the claim that bioidentical hormones are safer than synthetic hormones.
What can I expect once I’ve become a patient?
As a patient at Boston Direct Health, you will first be asked about your health and wellness goals. We listen to your story and make note of risk factors that may result in abnormal hormone levels, symptoms of abnormal hormone levels, and contraindications to hormones. We then discuss the good, the bad, and the ugly of hormones, as well as the benefits and the risks. Depending on your story, we may discuss ways that lifestyle modifications can help improve your hormone levels. Then, we work together to come up with a personalized treatment plan based on your goals, story, and safety.
Why don’t traditional doctors prescribe bioidentical hormones?
Traditional doctors often lack the time and/or the resources to seek expertise in bioidentical hormones. Doctors prescribing bioidentical hormones should be able to provide plenty of individualized attention, specialize in hormone health, and have undergone extensive, specialized training.
How quickly will I see results?
Results of hormone balancing with BHRT vary according to each patient’s unique needs, but typically, most can expect to start seeing results within about 2 – 3 weeks. Maximum results are usually seen at around 2 – 3 months.
Are there any side effects?
You can expect some side effects to occur when you begin bioidentical hormone replacement therapy simply because your body is not used to your new hormone levels. Many of these side effects improve as your body adjusts to these new levels. Some of these side effects include:
- Headaches
- Weight gain
- Acne
- Tiredness
- Blurred vision
- Cramping
- Bloating
- Mood swings
- Indigestion
How much does it cost?
For pricing and to learn more about membership, contact us today!
Schedule your consultation in Boston
Bioidentical hormone replacement therapy can give you an improved quality of life. It can help boost your energy level, reduce brain fog, aid in better sleep, regulate weight, elevate your mood, and enhance your sex drive. Other health benefits include lowering cholesterol, decreasing your risk of diabetes, and lowering the chances of developing cataracts. Do not hesitate to reach out to Boston Direct Health to meet with seasoned family physician Dr. Steve Zivich. Call our office today at 617-304-1965, our Boston, MA team looks forward to serving you.
