BHRT Side Effects
BHRT or Bioidentical Hormone Replacement Therapy is the administration of bioidentical compounded hormones similar to estrogen, progesterone and testosterone (hormones naturally produced in the body) to correct hormonal imbalances. Hormonal imbalances may cause a decrease in energy, libido and the feeling of well-being, as well as hot flashes, night sweats and the other rigors of menopause in women. BHRT provides relief for these symptoms, but as with any drug there may also be some side effects.
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Function
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BHRT is an effective treatment for menopausal symptoms in women and for men with declining hormones. The key factor in BHRT is that the hormones are natural and are prescribed as a personalized treatment to match each patient's specific individual need. The dose is determined by a detailed history and medical examination and by hormonal laboratory testing. Bioidentical hormone compounds are available in capsules, sublingual (under the tongue) tablets and topical or vaginal creams or gels.
Side Effects
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The side effects of BHRT are considered to be much less than standard hormone replacement therapy because they are more natural than the synthetic form of HRT and are compounded and balanced to the specific need and dosage of the individual patient. If side effects occur they may include nausea, headache and water retention. In addition there may be facial hair, breast tenderness or irritability and anxiety. Contact your doctor for advice if you should experience any of these symptoms.
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Other Side Effects
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According to Collegepharmacy.com, "the Women's Health Initiative study linked some of the detrimental effects of synthetics to their oral administration--swallowing the capsules. The hormones travel directly to the stomach and liver and are broken down." This lessens the effect of the treatment and increases the risk of breast cancer. Oral estrogen also reduces lean body tissue and increases body fat, which increases the risks for diabetes, other forms of cancer and cardiovascular diseases.
Additional Side Effects
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BHRT taken orally may also cause high blood pressure, increased weight gain and abnormal cholesterol and lipids (fats) metabolism along with feelings of depression. To minimize the risks factors that occur with oral administration of BHRT, your doctor can prescribe this medication to be administered as a skin gel or taken sublingually.
Considerations
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According to Mybioidenticalhormones.com, "to experience the full range of health benefits that bioidentical hormones and bioidentical hormone replacement therapy offers, a patient has to follow the guidelines of a bioidentical hormones doctor." (A specialist trained in the field of Bioidentical Hormone Replacement Therapy.)
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