If you’ve been struggling with symptoms of hormonal imbalance or decline, your physician may recommend bioidentical hormone replacement therapy (BHRT) to rebalance your hormone levels and alleviate unpleasant symptoms.
Whether you’re curious about BHRT or you’re seeking a provider who specializes in hormone therapy, it’s important to know what to expect before you commit to treatment. In this blog, the experts at Arijai Aesthetics share what women can expect when undergoing bioidentical hormone replacement therapy.
The First Few Months: Initial Side Effects
Before we discuss the potential side effects of BHRT, it’s important to acknowledge that each person is unique, which means no two experiences with the therapy will be identical. That said, it’s not uncommon to experience a few minor side effects as your body adjusts to the addition of bioidentical hormones.
For women, potential side effects during the first three months of bioidentical hormone therapy may include:
● Breast swelling or tenderness
● Fluid retention
● Weight gain
● Headaches
● Bloating and/or indigestion
● Cramps and/or spotting
● Mood swings
● Fatigue
Your provider will discuss potential side effects with you in further detail and will also offer insight on what you may experience based on your unique health history and hormone profile.
For most women, the side effects of BHRT become less prevalent over time. If you continue to experience unpleasant side effects past the three-month point, your provider may suggest an alternative treatment plan or dosage that may be better suited to your body.
Generally, providers recommend sticking with bioidentical hormone replacement therapy for at least six months to determine whether it elicits significant symptom improvement.
Long-Term Benefits of Bioidentical Hormone Replacement Therapy
Aside from the initial side effects you may experience, you should also begin noticing positive changes in your body within a short time after beginning BHRT. As with potential side effects, beneficial results of the therapy vary from person to person. In general, here’s what you can expect:
● Better mood overall
● Fewer mood swings
● Better sleep quality and duration
● Improved concentration
● Better memory and mental clarity
● Increased energy
● Weight loss
● Improved sex drive
● Improved vaginal lubrication
As your hormones stabilize, you should continue experiencing the beneficial effects of BHRT. In some cases, hormone dosage may need adjustments, depending on the overall reaction to treatment. It’s always a good idea to document your experience with BHRT and track your symptoms and improvements so your provider can ensure you’re getting the proper dosage.
Curious About Bioidentical Hormone Replacement Therapy? Contact Arijai Aesthetics
If you’re struggling with symptoms of hormonal imbalance, BHRT may be the solution you’ve been looking for. If you’re ready to learn more about the therapy and whether it’s right for you, schedule a free consultation with our team at Arijai Aesthetics today.
Feel free to give us a call at 952-435-0605 or fill out our hormone therapy questionnaire for more information. You can also send us a message with your questions, and we’ll be in touch!