Anti-aging with Bioidentical Hormone Replacement Therapy (BHRT)
As we age, our body produces lower concentrations of various hormones. These reduced hormone levels coincide with various signs and symptoms of aging, can affect your mood, sexual health, energy, metabolism and skin health, among other functions.
With today’s modern medicine, we can slow, stop and reverse aging and the medical problems associated with it. Bioidentical hormone replacement therapy (BHRT) is a primary strategy in anti-aging medicine.
Unlike synthetic hormones, we can customize bioidentical hormones to fit the individual needs of the patient. BHRT has been shown to have a superior safety profile when compared to synthetic hormone.
Because BHRT restores your hormones to the levels they were at when you were younger, these treatments are also known to reverse the signs of aging. Your anti-aging replacement therapy plan can help you look as good as you feel.
Effects that hormonal alterations create in your body:
Skin, hair and nail health:
Decreased estrogen levels can have widespread effects on your skin, hair and nails. With your skin, decreased estrogen levels lead to thinner, less elastic and dryer skin with diminished circulation. As a result, wrinkles and other aging signs appear. Estrogen is also instrumental in hair growth and loss, as many individuals experience hair loss post-menopause. Concerning your nails, lack of estrogen can cause them to become brittle and break easier.
Sex drive and function:
As sex hormones, testosterone and estrogen impact your sex drive and function. For women, decreased estrogen levels during and after menopause can lead to diminished sexual desire, inability to orgasm and even pain during sex. Men may also experience reduced sex drive and have difficulty achieving or sustaining an erection.
Body composition:
Somatropin, estrogen and testosterone play pivotal roles in healthy muscle mass development. As such, decreases in these hormones directly lead to a loss of muscle mass. In postmenopausal women, this estrogen and somatropin loss directly coincides with increased abdominal fat. Men may also gain weight as their body produces less testosterone.
Energy levels and overall mood:
As you lose muscle, fat begins to form in its place. Your metabolism slows, directly impacting your energy levels. Thus, you may experience increased fatigue, difficulty concentrating and problems with memory. Mood changes and sleeping difficulties are also common with lowered testosterone and estrogen and increased cortisol levels.
Advantages in bio-identical hormone replacement therapy compared to other non-bio-identical?
Bio-identical hormone therapy (BHRT) refers to the use of hormones that are chemically identical to those the human body naturally produces. These hormones are often derived from plant sources and are used to treat hormonal imbalances, particularly during menopause or andropause. Here are some advantages of bio-identical hormone therapy compared to non-bio-identical (synthetic) hormone therapies:
1. Structural Compatibility:
Exact Match to Human Hormones: Bio-identical hormones have the same molecular structure as the hormones produced by the human body, which can lead to better recognition and utilization by the body. This structural compatibility is believed to reduce the risk of side effects and improve overall effectiveness.
Natural Metabolism: Because bio-identical hormones are structurally identical to endogenous hormones, they are metabolized by the body in the same way, potentially leading to fewer unwanted metabolites or byproducts compared to synthetic hormones.
2. Personalization:
Customizable Dosage: BHRT can often be compounded in custom doses and forms (e.g., creams, gels, pills, pellets, patches) to suit individual needs, providing a more tailored approach to hormone therapy.
Monitoring and Adjustment: Patients using BHRT typically undergo regular monitoring to adjust dosages based on how they feel and their hormone levels, allowing for a more personalized treatment plan.
3. Perceived Safety:
Lower Risk of Side Effects: Some studies suggest that BHRT may be associated with fewer side effects than synthetic hormone therapy, though this is still a topic of ongoing research.
Reduced Risk of Certain Conditions: Some proponents argue that BHRT may be associated with a lower risk of conditions like breast cancer, blood clots, and cardiovascular issues compared to synthetic hormones, although more research is needed to confirm these claims.
4. Patient Preference:
Natural Perception: Many patients prefer bio-identical hormones because they perceive them as more “natural” and safer than synthetic alternatives. This perception can lead to higher satisfaction and adherence to therapy.
Better Symptom Relief: Some patients report better relief from menopausal symptoms, such as hot flashes, mood swings, and sleep disturbances, with BHRT compared to synthetic hormone therapy.
5. Regulatory and Formulary Flexibility:
Compounded Formulations: In some cases, BHRT is compounded in pharmacies, which allows for combinations of hormones tailored to an individual’s specific needs, which might not be available in standard synthetic formulations.
Availability in Multiple Forms: BHT is available in a variety of delivery methods (oral, topical, transdermal, etc.), providing more options for patients to find the most convenient and effective form.
bio-identical hormone therapy offers advantages in terms of structural compatibility, personalization, perceived safety, and patient satisfaction, making it an appealing option for many patients.
2014- https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/25092967/
Relationship of hormonal decline and its relationship with aging and age-related diseases such as sarcopenia, osteoporosis, cognitive impairment, mood disorders, cardiovascular health and sexual activity.
2024—- Literature review suggests that hormone replacement with bioidentical hormones is a safe and effective way to prevent skin aging
“ At BMC Clinic we just use bio-identical hormones from compound pharmacy of high prestige and best quality in order to customize to fit the individual needs of the patient ”