Bioidentical Hormone Replacement Therapy

What are Hormones? & Why do we need them?

Hormones are an essential part of the metabolic process of living. Hormones are important for the cells, organs, and metabolism. Our hormones decline through aging, menopause, andropause, disease, and trauma. When this happens, we begin an accelerated aging process. Loss of hormones is one of the major reasons for our deterioration as we get older, both physically and mentally. Hormones are beneficial at any age, but the best long-term protective benefits are achieved if hormones are replaced when you begin to lose them, usually starting in your 40s

 How do bioidentical hormones differ from synthetic hormones? 

Synthetic hormones are derived from animal sources, namely the urine of female horses. These hormones can act on the receptors in the human body, but the structural differences can lead to functional issues. Synthetic hormones often bind too tightly to specified receptors, causing overstimulation. This action inhibits the body’s natural metabolic process and can make discontinuing use of these types of hormones riskier.

Bioidentical hormones, unlike synthetic hormones, are custom-compounded into different doses & strengths recommended by your medical doctor or nurse practitioner to meet your individual needs. This unique feature is the reason many forms of bioidentical hormone replacement therapy are not patented and regulated by the FDA. Although the Canadian custom compounding pharmacy we use in Ontario only uses ingredients that are approved by the FDA & Health Canada. **All formulations are Yam based no Soy

Is BHRT safe?

Hormones control every function in your body, from your metabolism and mood to your sex drive and energy; from your appetite and sleep; to your strength and endurance. BHRT gives you a better quality of life & helps you with disease protection.

In recent years, hormones have been the subject of bad press. Beware of what you believe. Most reports are from studies that used synthetic hormones with combinations that are not natural to your own body and state of health. We only use bioidentical hormones at our clinic.

Bioidentical hormones are substances with the exact same molecular structure as what your body would normally produce if it could and they generate the same physiologic responses as your body’s natural hormones.

BHRT helps treat menopausal symptoms such as hot flashes, night sweats, anxiety, moodiness, weight gain, brain fog, and vaginal dryness, etc., and in some cases, to prevent osteoporosis and in men for Andropause symptoms like low testosterone, low sex drive, weight gain, muscle loss & fatigue.

When should BHRT be considered?

While dietary and lifestyle changes, supplements and herbs can often resolve symptoms of hormonal imbalance, there are times when hormone replacement is the only option that provides sufficient relief. Hormone imbalance affects women of reproductive age as well as peri-menopausal & menopausal women. The effects are similar in men – andropause.

Symptoms can include but are not limited to in women: difficult menopause, PMS and painful periods, irregular periods, fertility issues, bladder infections, adult acne, endometriosis, fibroids, ovarian cysts, abnormal hair growth, weight gain, muscle loss, insomnia, decreased libido, fatigue, insomnia, thyroid dysfunction, bone loss, anxiety, depression, and cognitive decline, etc. Men can experience much of the above symptoms as well as erectile dysfunction.

The only way to know if you need bioidentical hormone replacement therapy is through specific laboratory blood testing. There are specific lab panels available to determine if your hormones are imbalanced.

What are the side-effects of BHRT?

Side-effects are often minimal and manageable when restoring hormones to physiological levels (to the levels your body has seen before). Some patients report breast tenderness or swollen joints when first starting bioidentical hormone replacement therapy; these and other adverse reactions can be remedied by reducing the dosage until symptoms resolve. (Please call us & we will adjust the dosage).

What is a compounding pharmacy and how does it differ from a regular pharmacy?

Bioidentical Hormones are individualized preparations designed to specifically match the values indicated in your blood work. Unlike conventional pharmacies, which prescribe a “one size fits all” synthetic hormone prescription, custom compounding pharmacies design bioidentical hormone replacement therapies detailed to your body’s individualized levels and needs. They acquire the pure pharmaceutical-grade hormones and compound it into the form, strength and dosage ordered by your physician or nurse practitioner as pills, capsules, liquids and creams, etc. (see full list of examples above). They are prepared specifically for you, making your treatment program customized and personalized. Keep in mind not all custom compounding pharmacies are equal. Be sure to use a top rated expert compounding pharmacy.