Hormone fluctuations that people experience during menopause or andropause can cause physical and emotional changes such as mood swings, insomnia, lethargy, brain fog, lack of energy, dry skin, hair loss, and more. Whether you’re a man or a woman, these symptoms can affect your lifestyle and even your productivity.
Fortunately, there is a therapeutic treatment that helps to balance out your hormone levels and thereby alleviate the symptoms, and it’s called hormone replacement therapy. This therapy comes in either traditional or bioidentical forms, so let’s talk about the differences and similarities of these treatments and where you can go to receive this specialized therapy – and start feeling revitalized and renewed.
Traditional Hormone Replacement Therapy
The conventional method of hormone replacement therapy uses synthetic hormones that mimic natural human hormones. They are mass-produced and not customizable, so this is a one-size-fits-all approach to treatment.
Most doctors still employ this traditional method of hormone replacement therapy because it is easy. However, a patient who is receiving traditional hormone replacement therapy may go through a lengthy process of trial-and-error before finding the right dosage that works to reduce their symptoms.
Bioidentical Hormone Replacement Therapy
Bioidentical hormone replacement therapy (BHRT) involves the use of plant-based hormones that mimic human hormones, and the treatment is compounded to customize the dosage for the individual patient. Compounding involves mixing and combining one or more medicines in order to provide the patient with a specific dosage of necessary ingredients.
If you are interested in receiving bioidentical hormone replacement therapy, your healthcare provider will first conduct tests to measure your various hormone levels – such as estrogen for women and testosterone for men. Then, your specialist will select the formulation according to your needs and preference and create the proper dosage that will alleviate your symptoms – with the fewest side effects possible.
Customized Medicine for Getting Back to Feeling Normal
Bioidentical hormone replacement therapy comes in pill, cream, patch, gel, pellet, or injection form. It is an excellent treatment that is created only for you, and it is known for its minimal side effects and reduced health risks while giving you back the spring in your step.
Unlike traditional hormone replacement therapy, BHRT can be modified to have lower levels of progesterone. Healthcare providers who offer bioidentical hormone replacement therapy usually take their time with their patients and educate them on the benefits, risks, and precautions while on BHRT.
Hormone Therapy in Mankato, Minnesota
Bioidentical hormone therapy is one of the regenerative medicine treatments we offer here at Between the Bridges Healing Center. Our health and wellness physician, Dr. Jeffrey Kotulski, will perform a comprehensive evaluation of your condition in order to determine which treatment might be best for you. He will explain your options so that you can make a decision you’re most comfortable with.
If you have any questions or would like to schedule a consultation with Dr. Kotulski, call our friendly staff today at (507) 388-7488 or fill out our easy-to-use online request form. We look forward to being your healthcare partner!
