Bioidentical hormone therapy is a form of hormone replacement therapy used to treat symptoms of hormone deficiencies and menopause. It is considered a natural hormone replacement therapy because it utilizes hormones that are biochemically identical to the human body’s own hormones. Conventional hormone replacement therapy uses synthetic hormones that are not identical to the human body and are the same for everyone. One of the benefits of bioidentical hormone therapy is that the treatment can be customized to each individual’s needs.

Some of the hormone deficiencies people may experience that require them to seek out a bioidentical hormone doctor include estrogen, progesterone, and testosterone, as well as DHEA, melatonin, and pregnenolone. Estrogen and progesterone deficiencies are commonly associated with the symptoms of menopause. Some of the symptoms of hormone deficiencies and imbalance include weight gain, loss of energy, and low sex drive, in addition to thinning hair and skin, memory issues, and mood swings. People may also experience fatigue, sleep problems, weak muscles, joint pain, and depression. Adults over the age of 35 commonly experience hormone imbalances or deficiencies and these associated symptoms. In many people, hormone production may even drop by up to two percent each year. Menopause can really aggravate these symptoms, but many men will experience this condition, as well.

Each hormone in the body accomplishes different things and replacing the loss of these hormones can really increase quality of life. Bioidentical hormone therapy targeting estrogen can relieve symptoms of menopause, reduce hot flashes, boost libido, and improve brain function. It may also protect against Alzheimer’s disease, coronary heart disease, and osteoporosis, as well as increase life expectancy and improve skin and muscle tone. Replacing testosterone can boost male and female libido and improve heart health. Replacing progesterone can protect against uterine cancer and helps the body to use fat effectively, rather than storing it. Pregnenolone is the precursor for all bioidentical hormones and it can also improve brain and heart health and possibly protect against Alzheimer’s disease. Although these hormones may protect against these disorders, it is important to recognize that they do not cure them.

Although some people may be more likely to experience the effects of low testosterone and estrogen, improving levels of other hormones such as DHEA, melatonin or even thyroid hormone and hCG. Replacing DHEA can have a positive impact on heart health, cholesterol, and arthritis. Melatonin is important in creating a healthy sleep schedule and can help reduce urination during the night and treat jet lag. It also may reduce inflammation and protect against degenerative disease.

A study found that synthetic hormone replacement therapy may be associated with an increased risk of certain disorders, such as breast cancer or stroke, in postmenopausal women. This has caused many people to seek out alternative methods, such as bioidentical hormone therapy. Some women have also experienced less bleeding and puffiness when taking natural progesterone than taking synthetic progesterone. It is important to discuss hormone therapy options with a medical professional to see what will work best.

In general, natural hormone balancing can increase your energy level, revitalize your libido and sex life, and improve your immune system. Preparation methods of bioidentical hormone therapies can differ depending on the bioidentical doctor or pharmacist that compounds the medicine. To create a specific, customized hormone therapy replacement plan, some physicians may test hormones through a person’s saliva or through other testing methods. Although these tests can be helpful in creating customized treatment, hormone levels can vary considerably and may even change daily. Bioidentical hormone therapy can really improve people’s quality of life and may have more positive effects than synthetic hormone therapy.