About BHRT.
Bioidentical Hormone Replacement Therapy: what it is, how pellet therapy works, and why it is different from the HRT you have read headlines about.
How bioidentical hormone replacement works.
BHRT can be given through a variety of therapy types, including patches, creams, gels, pellets and injectables. These medications may come from your local pharmacy or a compounding pharmacy, based on your discussion with your provider, highlighting your concerns.
Alternatives to pellets.
Pellets are not the only path. Creams, patches and other topicals deliver the same bioidentical hormones and can be the right choice for patients with preexisting conditions where pellet therapy is not the best fit. Your provider will match the therapy type to your health history and your goals.
The goals of BHRT.
- Alleviate the symptoms caused by the natural decrease in hormone production
- Reestablish your individual hormonal balance
- Restore the protective benefits your hormones originally provided
The health benefits.
Protection
- Helps prevent osteoporosis and restore bone strength
- Protects against heart disease and stroke
- Improves cholesterol levels
Daily life
- Fewer hot flashes, less vaginal dryness
- Better maintained muscle mass and strength
- Decreased risk of depression
- Improved sleep and sense of well-being
About those headlines.
The fear around hormone replacement therapy traces back to the 2002 Women's Health Initiative study, which warned of increased risks of breast cancer, stroke, clots and heart disease. Here is what the headlines left out: that study examined commercial synthetic HRT only, a combination of conjugated estrogens and medroxyprogesterone. Synthetic hormones are not structurally identical to what your body produces.
Bioidentical medications are plant-derived and refined until they are identical to your body's own hormones. BHRT is also customizable: it can be adjusted precisely to your labs and your needs, unlike conventional HRT's few standard doses. Over-the-counter phytoestrogen products can provide temporary relief; lasting benefit comes from prescription BHRT under medical supervision.
After your insertion.
You should avoid swimming pools, hot tubs and exercise for several days following pellet insertion. Following these instructions is essential for preventing infection or extrusion of the pellets. Your provider will walk you through everything.
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