Bioidentical Hormone Replacement Therapy (BHRT)
BHRT is simply replacing the body's depleted hormones with hormones that are molecularly identical to your body's own natural hormones, tailored to each woman's symptoms. Because BHRT hormones are identical to the ones found in your body, they fit your body's hormone receptors like a key fitting into a lock. When they are administered correctly, they work as nature intended. Synthetic hormones are not identical to natural hormones and will not work in the same way as your body.
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Symptoms of hormone imbalance
* Hot Flashes
* Night sweats
* Decreased libido
* Vaginal dryness
* Painful intercourse
* Sleeping difficulties
* Mood changes
* Brain fog
* Hair loss
* Fatigue
* Increased body fat
* Reduced muscle mass
* Reduced bone mass
* Skin changes
* Constipation
* Anxiety
* Irregular menses
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Women with any of these symptoms should consider a consultation with an experienced BHRT provider at Her Clinic. By using your reported symptoms as well as the results of lab tests, we will personalize a treatment plan just for you. Your medication will be made especially for you by a compounded pharmacist and delivered directly to your home. You will continue to have ongoing monitoring and evaluation with lab testing and follow-up appointments. BHRT can greatly improve a woman's well-being and quality of life.
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Risks and Complications of BHRT
BHRT has not been extensively studied over time. Their long-term effects are unknown. In addition, BHRT as a whole has not been approved by the FDA, although some bioidentical hormones have been. Risks and potential side effects associated with traditional synthetic hormone replacement, however, include an increased risks of certain cancers as well as the following.
* breast pain
* nausea
* bloating
* bleeding
* mood swings
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Not all women are candidates for hormone replacement therapy. There are certain POTENTIAL and ABSOLUTE contraindications to the use of ANY hormone replacement therapy. Women with these, and potentially other conditions may not use some hormone replacement modalities, while some may use certain types of hormonal treatments, at the discretion of their healthcare providers.
* Women with breast cancer or a history of breast cancer
* Endometrial cancer or other reproductive cancer
* Estrogen-dependent cancer or pre-cancer
* Those with a history of previous blood clots or deemed to be high risk for a blood clot, i.e. DVT, stroke, heart attack, pulmonary embolism, or blood clotting disorder
* Liver disease
* Unexplained vaginal bleeding or untreated endometrial hyperplasia
* Untreated high blood pressure
* Pregnancy
* Migraine with aura
* Conditions such as Porphyria cutanea tarda, Dubin-Johnson Syndrome, Rotor Syndrome
* Smoking is highly discouraged
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All medications have risks and benefits. A woman should discuss her individual risk factors with a healthcare provider before deciding if BHRT is for you. Please call our office to schedule a consultation.