Because of the advances in research, the stigma around HRT use for treating women and men with hormone imbalances is quickly disappearing. There has been significant growth around the world in the use of HRT as well as growth in research. Scientists and researchers continue to find more reasons why hormone optimization is essential in preventing disease, strengthening immunity, and the treatment of symptoms.

‍
Although HRT is not entirely risk-free, it remains the most effective solution for the relief of menopausal symptoms. It is also effective for the prevention of osteoporosis, hypogonadism, and andropause in men.

Before we get into the benefits of bio-identical hormone replacement therapy (BHRT), let’s take a quick look at how it compares to traditional HRT. Bioidentical hormones are chemically identical to those your body produces naturally and are made from plant estrogens. The hormones used in traditional HRT are synthetic. They are similar but not identical to the hormones your body produces and are typically made from pregnant horses’ urine and other synthetic hormone sources.

Anyone who has a hormone imbalance can benefit from bioidentical hormone therapy. That includes both men and women. If you suffer from the symptoms of a hormone imbalance, the most logical thing to do is to add hormones back to the system to get them back into balance again.

‍
Bioidentical hormones are formulated from natural plant sources, like yams, and exactly match the molecular structure of natural hormones present in your body. As such, these hormones are able to bind to your body’s hormone receptors in the same way as the hormones produced naturally by your body. The dosage can be custom-tailored to each individual’s unique body to achieve optimal levels.

‍

It’s a common misconception that only women going through symptoms of menopause can benefit from BHRT. However, women of all ages can suffer from imbalanced hormones. These symptoms can range from mild to severe and disrupt your life and your health.

‍
BHRT can help women who have hormone imbalances caused by menopause, PMS, estrogen dominance, low libido, organ dysfunction (thyroid), or organ removal (ovaries). For women who are struggling to make it through peri-menopause or menopause and keep a semblance of their sanity, BHRT can help:

• Increase energy and decrease fatigue
• Relieve hot flashes
• Eliminate night sweats
• Improve sleep
• Ease vaginal dryness and itching
• Make sex less painful
• Increase libido
• Assist with mental focus and memory
• Settle mood swings
• Aid in depression
• Lose or maintain weight

BHRT can even affect your health in positive ways after menopause, as studies have shown it helps prevent fractures caused by osteoporosis (thinning bones), makes some women less likely to have heart disease, and lowers your chances of breast cancer Alzheimer’s, and dementia.

Many men think that hormone shifts, drops, and imbalances don’t happen to them – that’s just something that middle-aged women go through. It’s not something they think they have to worry about. But it is.

‍
Testosterone hormone levels start dropping by 1% each year as early as your 30th birthday. By the time you are a middle-aged man, you may go through male menopause, aka andropause. Also, some men have unnaturally low levels of testosterone. For example, hypogonadism, a dysfunction of the testicles, can cause unnaturally low levels of testosterone.

‍
There are many benefits of BHRT. It offers both better quality of life and improved health with the right treatment plan. Men who have undergone BHRT report benefits including:

• Reduced body fat
• Weight loss
• Increased energy
• Lower anxiety
• Increased muscle mass and strength
• Boosted sexual performance and desire
• Improved memory and mental clarity
• Increased libido

For Men, as with women, BHRT can also assist in the prevention of heart disease, osteoporosis, Alzheimer’s, dementia, and prostate cancer. When appropriately prescribed and given to the right individual for the right reason, BHRT is an effective treatment for many hormonal imbalances.

At GenLife, we take care to do in-depth assessments and comprehensive wellness diagnostics. This helps Dr Mahl determine whether or not BHRT is the best way to help you address the side effects resulting from menopause or other hormone shifts.

‍
If you are a good candidate, Dr Mahl will choose the delivery method that is best suited to what your body needs.