BHRT - Bio-identical Hormone Replacement Therapy
What is hormonal imbalance?
Hormones are the chemical messengers that regulate your body’s most basic physical and emotional functions. They serve as an internal communication system between cells throughout the body and coordinate everything from your digestion, appetite, metabolism, and growth to your immune function, energy, mood, sleep, and libido. Our bodies require levels of each hormone to function properly. So, when your hormones are out of balance, even slightly, it can have a big impact on your health and well-being. Hormonal imbalance rarely stems from only one type of hormone. More often, the problem involves a series of hormones because imbalance of one hormone produced by one gland results in the dysfunction of other glands. Because of the complexity of these interactions, hormone disruption can cause you to feel miserable on many fronts.
What is BHRT?
Bio-identical Hormone Replacement Therapy is exacting as it sounds and involves replacing depleted hormones with natural plant derived hormones that are structurally and functionally identical to your body’s based on precise testing.
Hormones are produced in the body by a group of glands known as the endocrine system. These glands secrete hormones into the bloodstream, then travel to all parts of the body playing the role of chemical messengers turning functions on or off. They do their work while passing through and then they are gone. As a result, hormones must be made and released at the precise times they are needed. The body must constantly fine-tune hormone release to keep the body functioning at its best.
The first step in restoring the vital balance of hormones is getting accurate and timed measurements done mostly through saliva. Once the degree of imbalance is determined, replacement can be initiated. Bio-identical hormones differ from those used in traditional hormone replacement therapy (HRT) in that they’re identical chemically to those our bodies produce naturally and are made from plant estrogens. Compounded bio-identical hormone creams are custom made by a pharmacy, according to a doctor’s orders to meet your individual needs.
Why Saliva testing?
Saliva testing is a non-invasive collection method where patients collect their saliva in plastic tubes in order to measure hormones like cortisol, estrogens, progesterone, and androgens. This is a non-invasive form of collection and is ideal for patients because it allows them to collect their sample in the privacy of their home.
Steroid hormones in the bloodstream are mostly (95-99%) bound to carrier proteins and in this form they are unavailable to perform their function. Only the unbound hormones freely diffuse into tissues, including the salivary gland. Hormone levels in saliva therefore represent the quantity of the hormone that is currently available to actively exert specific effects on the body. Because of this, salivary hormone levels relate to specific symptoms of hormone excesses or deficiencies.
Some hormones such as thyroid and sleep hormones can be tested accurately in blood and urine specimens.
How do I know if BHRT is for me?
Some of the most common causes of hormone imbalance include menopause, andropause, pregnancy, stress, sleep disturbance, and obesity. Some signs that show you may suffer from hormonal imbalance include: decreased sex drive, difficulty falling or staying asleep, hot flashes, weight gain or inability to lose weight, anxiety, palpitations, headaches, poor concentration, adult acne, hair loss or thinning, itchy dry skin, vaginal dryness, painful sex, menstrual irregularities, erectile dysfunction, muscle weakness, depression, and low energy.
BHRT should not be prescribed in person’s with certain medical conditions such as breast cancer, endometrial cancer, thromboembolic disease, liver disease, pregnancy or breastfeeding, endometriosis, prostate cancer among others.
Why test both hormones with neurotransmitters?
In the neurological system, hormones are synergistic with neurotransmitters—modulating their production, signaling and metabolism. Because of this complex interplay, testing hormones and neurotransmitters together is an ideal way to generate a more precise clinical assessment.
This combined testing gives practitioners a diagnostic edge over the traditional psychological inventory and offers the advantage of zeroing in on which therapies are best suited for individual patients—cutting down on the time-consuming process of trial-and-error in identifying treatment options.
How much does Bio-identical Hormone Replacement cost?
Learn more about neurotransmitter testing by clicking here.
How do I get started?
Schedule a free consultation with Dr. Albright at Elysian Beauty and Wellness. She will take the time to learn about you, your medical history, and your symptoms to determine a comprehensive and personalized approach to testing and supportive medical care.