Hormonal issue is a prevalent concern, both among men and women, in the U.S. Reports suggest that around 80% of the women and 38% of the men in the United States struggle with hormonal imbalance, which, directly or indirectly, affects their quality of life.
Issues like mood swings, reduced libido, night sweats, brain fog, etc., are common complaints that fester when you have hormonal imbalance. Among the many treatments available for it, bioidentical hormone replacement therapy (BHRT) is gaining a lot of traction.
If you are considering getting on bioidentical hormones in Dallas, this comprehensive guide from Lakewood Primary Care and Wellness will explain all the logistics behind it.
What are Bioidentical Hormones?
Our body produces over 50 different types of hormones, each playing a significant role in regulating our physiology. Bioidentical hormones, as the name suggests, are hormones that mimic the hormones that our body secretes but the only difference is that they are lab-made and derived from plant estrogens.
Bioidentical hormones are chemically identical to the hormones that your body naturally produces, mainly the three most important reproductive hormones – estrogen, progesterone, and testosterone.
Since they are similar to the natural hormones that our body secretes, bioidentical hormones are recognized and utilized by the body for its intended purpose. So, if you are struggling with significant hormonal imbalance, bioidentical hormones are a great replacement.
What is the Difference Between Synthetic and Bioidentical Hormones?
A common confusion that many of us have is often mistaking bioidentical hormones with synthetic hormones, thinking they are both the same. The truth is that both of these categories of hormones have stark differences.
| Aspect | Bioidentical Hormones | Synthetic Hormones |
| Structure | Identical to human hormones | Not identical; often altered |
| Source | Natural plant sources (yams/soy) | Animal or synthetic chemical compounds |
| Absorption | Mimics natural hormone behavior | May cause inconsistent absorption |
| Side Effects | Typically, fewer side effects | More likely to produce adverse reactions |
| Customization | Custom-compounded for individuals | Usually standardized doses |
So, the main difference is that with bioidentical hormones, you get a more natural and individualized approach if you are considering hormone replacement therapy.
Who Will Benefit from Bioidentical Hormones?
Hormone replacement therapy, although quite beneficial for menopausal women, isn’t limited to only that. In fact, the use and benefits of bioidentical hormones run deeper than that.
Issues with hormonal imbalance is quite common in patients diagnosed with thyroid disorders, adrenal dysfunction, reproductive health concerns, etc. So, bioidentical hormones are effective in those cases too.
So, some of the ideal candidates for bioidentical hormones include:
- Women in perimenopause or menopause
- Men experiencing andropause (low testosterone)
- Individuals with thyroid or adrenal fatigue
- People recovering from high stress or chronic illness
- Those seeking support with mood disorders, insomnia, or sexual dysfunction
Either way, the candidature is usually better assessed during the initial consultation. You’d first consult our doctors at Lakewood Primary Care and Wellness, discuss the symptoms, concerns and medical history and then get comprehensive testing. Based on the test reports, further treatment plans are aligned.
What are the Benefits of Bioidentical Hormones?
When done under the prescription and supervision of an experienced endocrinologist and specialist doctor, BHRT can yield a lot of benefits for the patients.
The following are a few worth considering:
- Hormonal imbalance not only takes a toll on people’s moods but has equal impacts on energy levels and vitality. Individuals that undergo BHRT often report feeling more energized and have better stamina to take on the day.
- A well-balanced hormone level contributes to better sleep cycles. If you have a hard time going to sleep due to a skewed circadian rhythm, leading to insomnia and night sweats, bioidentical hormones can help regulate that.
- Brain fog is another common side-effect or hormonal imbalance. Being on the regulated and correct dosage of bioidentical hormones not only lift the brain fog but enhance concentration, memory and focus too.
- In both men and women, hormonal imbalance impacts reproductive and sexual health, contributing to decreased libido, fertility concerns, etc. If you want to reignite the spark in your relationship, BHRT helps with that too.
- Unregulated hormone levels contribute to unexplained weight gain by slowing down body’s metabolism. If that’s the case with you, optimized bioidentical hormones can ensure optimal metabolism and promote lean muscle development too.
- Two of the most vital hormones – estrogen and progesterone, not only do they impact reproductive health, they also play a significant role in keeping our heart and bone healthy. So, being on bioidentical hormones reduce the risks of heart disease and osteoporosis, especially in women.
How Does Bioidentical Hormone Therapy Work?
If you are considering getting started on bioidentical hormone therapy, there are certain steps you have to follow.
Step 1 – Comprehensive Evaluation
Bioidentical hormone therapy is usually safe and suitable for most people. However, that doesn’t always guarantee that you’d be an ideal candidate for the same. The key is to confirm whether or not you are a good candidate for the therapy first.
For that, you first have to consult our doctors at Lakewood Primary Care and Wellness. We will conduct thorough testing to evaluate:
- Hormone panels (estrogen, progesterone, testosterone, thyroid, cortisol)
- Nutritional deficiencies
- Lifestyle factors
- Stress and sleep patterns
- Menstrual and reproductive history (for women)
Based on the findings and reports from the evaluation, we will then curate a treatment plan that would be best suited to your needs.
Step 2 – Curating a Personalized Treatment Plan
Every person’s body is different and so is their hormonal imbalance. So, the dosage and the frequency at which you would need the bioidentical hormones need to be personalized to your specific needs.
That’s exactly what is done in this stage. Our treatment plan, including the dosage, frequency and the duration of the therapy, is tailored to your personal needs. This means that you will receive the exact dosage and combination of the hormones that would ideally benefit your body.
Step 3 – Delivery Method
There are numerous different ways to receive bioidentical hormones. This can be done via creams or gels, patches, pellets, troches, or oral capsules. What you would benefit the most from and what route of administration would be the most feasible for you is usually discussed at this stage.
Note: One crucial thing to know about bioidentical hormones is that it is not a “set it and forget it” situation. Since hormones are involved, ongoing monitoring is a must to determine how the patient is adjusting (and responding) to the hormones and how long to continue it.
Restore Balance with Bioidentical Hormone Therapy in Dallas!
Hormonal imbalance innately impacts our quality of lives, stealing away a lot of opportunities silently. From mood swings to fatigue, a slightly unregulated hormonal levels can wreak havoc in our bodies in the long run.
If you are done feeling like this and want to reclaim your life, bioidentical hormones can be your answer. With a personalized hormone replacement therapy with BHRT, you can restore what time and stress have disrupted until now.
At Lakewood Primary Care and Wellness, we simplify the entire process for you. If you are considering getting started with bioidentical hormones in Dallas, give us a call and book your consultation.You can schedule your consultation with us at 214-810-4331 or book online.