There is no single recommendation for how long you should continue with BHRT. While some providers suggest short-term use at low doses, current research doesn't. While some providers suggest short-term use at low doses, current research doesn't support a specific time limit for treatment. On the contrary, the decision to continue or, eventually, discontinue BHRT is a very personal one and must be made in collaboration with a knowledgeable provider.
For women, the increased risk of breast cancer, heart attack and stroke makes it advisable to limit the use of BHRT to 2 or 3 years, while some men may continue treatment for much longer. Decisions about the length of treatment will depend on your specific symptoms, your response to hormone replacement therapy, and any side effects of hormone replacement. Take, for example, the testimony of people who embarked on the BHRT when they were between 40 and 50 years old, like me. The intention is not just to endure a few years of treatment; rather, it is a commitment to promote long-term well-being. Personally, I imagine incorporating BHRT into my health regimen until the end of my days, a sentiment echoed by many of my patients.
The amount of time it takes for bioidentical hormones to work varies. Some people may feel mild relief within a few weeks. Most of the time, it takes about three months to feel the full effect of any type of hormone therapy.Every woman's experience and symptom profile is different, so a doctor may prescribe estrogen, progesterone, DHEA, or a combination of any of these hormones to meet individual needs. The length of treatment is personal and depends on how the patient responds to treatment.
Hormone replacement therapy is considered long-lasting if a person continues treatment for more than five years. Long-term hormone replacement therapy has some health benefits, but it's only appropriate for women if there are certain health conditions. The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG) and the Menopause Society now agree that there is no maximum duration for the use of MHT. Decisions about how long to continue hormone therapy now depend on individual health factors, symptoms and personal goals.
Simply put, you can continue menopausal hormone therapy for as long as it works for you. Are you wondering how long you can safely continue hormone replacement therapy (HRT)? In this powerful post, Dr. Couri reviews the latest scientific and expert guidelines that reveal that there is no established time limit for HRT. Learn how long-term therapy can improve heart health, bone strength, brain function, and mood, and more safely and effectively, if customized for you.
Bioidentical hormones are processed hormones designed to mimic the hormones produced by glands in the body. Other forms of bioidentical hormones are tailor-made by a pharmacist based on a prescription from a healthcare professional. Bioidentical hormones are used to help people manage menopausal symptoms or other hormonal imbalances. Current guidelines from the Menopause Society (formerly the North American Menopause Society) state that there is no fixed time limit for continuing hormone replacement therapy.
As hormones decline during menopause, bioidentical estrogens can help maintain this protection against possible blockage in the heart or blood vessels. You should weigh with your healthcare provider the advantages and disadvantages, even of bioidentical hormones approved by the FDA. Many health care providers who use bioidentical hormones say they are safer than traditional hormone therapy treatments. Bioidentical hormones have been the subject of controversy and many aren't approved by the FDA, but that doesn't mean your healthcare provider will rule them out as a treatment option.
In some cases, your healthcare provider may recommend that you not use bioidentical hormones and opt for a more traditional hormone replacement therapy option. Bioidentical plant-based hormones are chemically identical to the hormones that the body produces on its own, so hormonal hormone therapy is a natural option for treating symptoms during the transition to menopause. While personalized hormone combinations often include mixtures of the same ingredients found in FDA-approved bioidentical hormones, some include additional hormones. Bioidentical hormones are artificial hormones similar to the hormones produced by the human body.
He has more than 25 years of experience and creates personalized treatment plans using bioidentical hormone replacement therapy for women who have symptoms associated with menopause and men with low levels of testosterone and other symptoms of andropause. Bioidentical composite hormones are being advertised as a safer, more effective, natural and individualized alternative to conventional hormone therapy. In addition, the lack of FDA oversight of compound hormones creates additional risks with respect to the purity and safety of bioidentical composite hormones.
