What is a bioidentical hormone?
Bioidentical hormones are man-made hormones that are identical to the ones found in your body. Specialists design bioidentical hormones using yams, soy, and other plant chemicals to create safe alternatives to the estrogen, progestins, and testosterone hormones that become unbalanced during menopause.
What bioidentical hormones replace the naturally occurring ones?
Seventeen beta-estradiol/plants, a synthesis of hormones, replace the estrogen that occurs in the body. There are many brands of the 17 beta-estradiol/plants hormone, including:
- Estrace®
- Alora™
- Climara®
- Esclim™
- Estraderm™
- Vivelle™
- Estrogel®
- Estrasorb®
- Estring®
Estradiol acetate and estradiol hemihydrate are other bioidentical hormones that replace estrogen in the human body.
Progestins and micronized progesterone are a bit more complicated. These natural hormones can only be replaced by micronized progesterone USP. Prometrium® and Prochieve® 4% are two of the micronized progesterone USP brands.
What are the methods of hormone replacement treatment?
Bioidentical hormone replacement is painless. Treatment methods include a number of different options:
- Oral pills
- Vaginal pills
- Patches
- Gels
- Creams
- Vaginal rings
Dr. Giles considers the severity of your menopause symptoms and results of saliva hormone testing to suggest an appropriate bioidentical hormone treatment method and dose.
You may try more than one type of bioidentical hormone and varying dosage levels before you find the best method and dose for your individual needs.
You’ll start to notice an improvement in your menopause symptoms within two to three weeks of starting bioidentical hormone replacement therapy, with full results in about eight weeks.
What are the side effects of bioidentical hormone replacement?
Bioidentical hormone therapy is the safest method of hormone replacement for menopause. Side effects may occur when starting bioidentical hormone replacement therapy while your body adjusts to the hormone level changes.
Side effects of bioidentical hormone replacement therapy include:
- Fatigue
- Breast tenderness
- Bloating
- Weight gain
- Indigestion
- Acne
- Headaches
- Blurred vision
- Cramping
- Spotting
- Mood swings
Some women also experience redness when using patches, creams, or gels.
If your menopause symptoms are severe, speak with Dr. Giles about bioidentical hormone replacement therapy. You don’t have to live with hot flashes and other symptoms of menopause. Use the online scheduling tool or call the practice for an appointment today.
