To start, let's walk through what hormones are and why they are so important! Hormones are the messengers of the body. They are created in endocrine glands throughout the body (think: thyroid, ovaries, testes, etc.) and travel near and far to affect metabolism, development, temperature, etc. Hormones like thyroid hormone, estrogen, progesterone and testosterone affect how much energy we have, how well we sleep, our mood, pain, weight, etc. etc.
Bio-identical hormone replacement therapy (BHRT) uses hormones that look identical to and mimic the hormones naturally made in the body. They are derived from plant products (yams, soy, etc.), while synthetic hormones are derived from animal products (ie. conjugated-equine-estrogen is derived from horse urine). Often compounded formulas of BHRT are used in order to create ideal ratios for individualized therapy.
BHRT is used to treat and support a variety of medical conditions and alleviate a variety of symptoms that are born out of hormone imbalance.
Sex hormones control much more than reproduction and fertility, causing a host of various and vague symptoms. As we age, sex hormone levels drop off- resulting in menopause and andropause- though sex hormones can also drop to suboptimal levels prior to this. With these changes can come symptoms of either hormone deficiency or dominance. For example: If progesterone levels drop, you can experience symptoms of progesterone deficiency and/or estrogen dominance. Changes to sex hormones can cause symptoms like hot flashes, fatigue, irritability, migraines/pain, low libido, irregular periods; and diseases like PCOS, PMDD, and PMS.
Thyroid hormone is the primary driver of metabolism and energy production. Low thyroid (hypothyroidism) results in symptoms fatigue, depression, constipation, dry hair and skin, brittle nails, and weight gain. There are two thyroid hormones that can be used to create optimal levels of active thyroid hormone, alleviating these symptoms.
Here's a summarized breakdown of how what some hormone changes feel like.
| Thyroid | Estrogen | Progesterone | Testosterone |
High | Anxiety, insomnia, diarrhea, weight loss, sweating, tremors. | Menstrual cramps, heavy periods, acne, fatigue, headaches, mood swings. | Bloating, fatigue, constipation, increased appetite. | Acne, facial hair, irritability, anxiety, hair loss. |
Low | Depression, fatigue, constipation, weight gain, dry skin, hair loss. | Hot flashes, vaginal dryness, weight gain, low libido, insomnia, brain fog. | Insomnia, infertility, weight gain, anxiety, irregular periods. | Fatigue, weight gain, muscle loss and weakness, low libido, brain fog. |
While hormone replacement can be crucial and necessary, there are also times where alternative strategies can be used to correct and support hormone imbalances. Other therapies that are often used here are herbal therapies, nutritional supplements and diet and lifestyle changes.
Interested in learning more about bio-identical hormone replacement therapy? Schedule a consult to discuss if BHRT can benefit you.