The Risks of Bioidentical Hormone Replacement Therapy

Most women and health professionals are concerned about the potential risks of breast cancer in women receiving hormone therapy. However, the risk is much lower than many believe. Women who take estrogen-only HRT (women who have had a hysterectomy) are not at greater risk of breast cancer.4 The recent epidemiological study did not confirm any additional risks with transdermal estrogen and micronized progesterone.9Breast tenderness, swelling, and weight gain are the most commonly reported side effects of bioidentical hormone replacement therapy (BHRT). If you are experiencing Knee Pain Treatment in Murfreesboro TN, it is important to consult with your doctor to determine if BHRT is the right choice for you. If your uterus has not been removed, your doctor will usually prescribe estrogen along with progesterone or progestin (a drug similar to progesterone).

This is because estrogen alone, when not balanced by progesterone, can stimulate the growth of the uterine lining, increasing the risk of endometrial cancer. If your uterus has been removed (hysterectomy), you may not need to take progestin. Due to the advantage of the body's interaction with natural bioidentical hormones, most patients will experience fewer side effects than with traditional hormone replacement therapy. Some patients may experience minor changes such as breast tenderness, swelling, feeling tired, or changes in menstrual cycles. However, since bioidentical hormones often come with protective elements of the hormone, they are associated with minimal or no side effects.

For best results, hormone therapy should be tailored to each individual and reevaluated from time to time to ensure that the benefits outweigh the risks. It is important to note that these hormone preparations do not undergo the same tests for safety, efficacy, or dosage consistency as regulated HRT. Bioidentical hormone replacement therapy is a natural treatment designed to replace hormones that the body has exhausted. Gerace inserts a granule of bioidentical hormones into the layer of fat under the skin on the upper part of the buttocks. Taking certain hormones that the body no longer produces can help improve overall health and well-being. Research has shown that bioidentical hormones tend to have minimal side effects and effective results.

Often, when hormones are mixed, a sample of the patient's saliva is taken to assess current hormone levels and determine which combination of hormones is most appropriate. What is most concerning is that these composite hormones often have unsubstantiated claims, lack scientific data on safety and efficacy, and lack quality control around them. Bioidentical hormone therapy is becoming a more popular alternative to traditional hormone replacement. You and your doctor should consider all of these risks when deciding if hormone therapy might be an option for you. It won't lead to reversing the aging process, but it will ensure maintaining adequate levels of hormones to reduce symptoms and decrease risks associated with aging.

Hormones are “made up” in special pharmacies, so they are custom-made to produce tablets, pills and creams, in combined doses or in preparations that are not routinely available. However, it is important to see a specialist like Dawn Philp, FNP from EC Medical Group who is trained and experienced in diagnosing, treating, monitoring and adjusting hormone levels in both men and women. To determine if hormone therapy is a good treatment option for you, talk to your doctor about your individual symptoms and health risks.