If you’re struggling with symptoms of hormonal imbalance, bioidentical hormone therapy (BHRT) can help tremendously. Unfortunately, though, many people are skeptical about hormone replacement therapy (HRT) due to inaccurate information they find online, as well as the many reported side effects of earlier hormone replacement treatments.
But bioidentical hormones are significantly different from traditional replacement hormones, and, according to researchers, they produce fewer side effects, too. To help you determine whether bioidentical hormones are the right option to help you restore your body’s hormonal balance, we’re answering some of our most common FAQs below.
Do I Need a Blood Test to Get BHRT?
Yes, you must get a blood test to be eligible for bioidentical hormone replacement therapy. Even if you know your hormones are currently unbalanced and you’re on another type of HRT, we’ll need blood test results to calculate your BHRT dosing. If you have insurance, your policy should provide coverage for the required tests.
What Are Bioidentical Hormones?
Bioidentical hormones are exact molecular replicas of your body’s endogenously produced hormones. They are created from natural plant sources so that your body cannot distinguish the difference between its own hormones and the replacement hormones.
What’s the Difference Between Bioidentical Hormones and Synthetic Hormones?
Synthetic replacement hormones do not possess the same molecular structure as your body’s naturally produced hormones. Therefore, they often create undesirable side effects after administration. While synthetic hormones can mimic the effects of endogenously produced hormones to a certain degree, they’re not nearly as effective as your natural hormones.
On the other hand, bioidentical hormones are molecularly identical to your body’s natural hormones. As such, they precisely mimic those hormones’ functions without producing significant side effects. Remember that side effects are possible with any type of hormone replacement therapy.
Are Bioidentical Hormones Safer Than Synthetic?
Presently, there are no studies that confirm bioidentical hormones are safer than their synthetic counterparts. Studies have also shown that bioidentical hormones are not more effective than traditional HRT hormones. That said, anecdotal evidence from hundreds of thousands of patients clearly shows that BHRT hormones often produce fewer and much less severe side effects than the hormones used in traditional HRT.
Who Should Consider Bioidentical Hormone Therapy?
Anyone who suffers from hormonal imbalance or decline should consider opting for treatment with bioidentical hormones. While most people associate such symptoms with menopause or andropause that occur later in life, men and women of any age can develop a hormonal imbalance. If you’re suffering from any of the following health issues and you’re not sure why, consider talking to your doctor about getting hormone testing:
● Brain fog
● Difficulty sleeping
● Low energy
● Muscle loss, weight gain
● Mood swings
● Low libido
● Hair loss
If you learn imbalanced hormones are the culprit behind your mysterious health issues, opting for bioidentical hormone therapy is an excellent way to address those symptoms.
Think you might need hormone replacement therapy? Check out these other helpful blogs:
● 5 Signs You May Need Bioidentical Hormone Replacement Therapy
● Ladies: Is Hormone Therapy Right for You?
● Telltale Signs of Testosterone Imbalance in Men
What Exactly Is Pellet Therapy?
Pellet therapy is a sustained release delivery method for bioidentical replacement hormones. Your physician inserts a small pellet just beneath the surface of your skin, which contains the replacement hormones you need to rebalance your endocrine system.
Each pellet delivers a sustained hormone release for approximately three to six months (your doctor will determine the time frame). The frequency at which your doctor inserts pellets depends on how quickly your body metabolizes the hormones.
Is Pellet Therapy the Best Way to Administer Replacement Hormones?
That really depends on the patient. Studies have shown that BHRT with pellets is highly effective for menopausal symptom relief, bone density maintenance, sleep pattern restoration, and improvements in libido, arousal, and sexual performance. Pellet therapy is also effective for relief from depression and anxiety symptoms that are caused by hormonal imbalances.
Other administration routes for replacement hormones, such as creams, gels, and pills, are also effective, but they require frequent application and dosing, which is often inconvenient. Hormone pellets offer a distinct advantage over other administration methods because once the pellet is inserted beneath the skin, it doesn’t need to be replaced for months.
Women typically require pellet replacements every three to five months, while men typically require replacements every four to six months.
How Quickly Can I Expect to See Results With Pellet Therapy?
While every patient is different, most people notice results within two to three weeks after pellet insertion. Some people even begin to feel slight improvements within a few days after they begin pellet therapy. Typically, patients see full results after eight weeks.
What Side Effects Are Associated With BHRT?
Although BHRT generally causes fewer side effects than traditional HRT, a few unwanted symptoms may occur. However, BHRT side effects are typically the result of improper dosage, which your doctor can easily adjust. If you experience any of the following symptoms, talk to your physician:
● Increased irritability or mood swings during the initial phases of hormone replacement
● Breast tenderness, cramping, bloating, or spotting during the initial phases of estrogen replacement therapy
● Irritation at the pellet insertion site
Does Insurance Cover Bioidentical Hormone Therapy?
That depends on your insurer and what your policy covers. In some cases, even when HRT is a medical necessity, insurance doesn’t cover it. If you’re a candidate for the therapy, check with your insurance provider to determine whether you have coverage.
Often, insurance won’t cover therapies prescribed as part of holistic or progressive treatment plans, so if you’re looking into BHRT as part of a non-conventional treatment plan, your insurance probably won’t cover it.
Considering Bioidentical Hormone Replacement Therapy? Contact Arijai Aesthetics
If you’re suffering from symptoms of hormonal imbalance, it may be time to consider hormonal replacement therapy from Arijai Aesthetics. We understand your hormonal health plays a major role in your overall well-being, and it’s our goal to help each of our patients feel and look their best. To learn more or schedule a free virtual consultation, please feel free to call our Burnsville, MN office today at (952) 435-0605 or contact us online.