Bioidentical Hormone Replacement Therapy For Women
Many of the common symptoms and conditions associated with menopause are widely known and discussed, but there are many that are overlooked. In our practice, we have seen patients misdiagnosed with other illnesses that are actually the result of a decline in hormone levels. Our BHRT program for women focuses on the unique needs of women who are suffering from the common as well as the less common symptoms of menopause. The Program includes bioidentical hormone replacement including progesterone, estrogen and testosterone when clinically indicated combined with nutritional guidence, nutritional supplementation recommendations and an optional exercise component.
Depending on lab results and patient goals, the program may also include growth hormone and/or hcg (human chorionic gonadotropin). If you can identify with some of the symptoms below, you are a candidate for laboratory testing to determine if BHRT is right for you.
Symptoms of Menopause
- Hot flashes
- Night sweats
- Vaginal dryness
- Mood swings
- Fatigue/loss of energy
- Irritability
- Depression
- Decrease in sexual libido/interest/desire
- Hair growth on face
- Painful intercourse
- Urinary tract infections
- Weird dreams
- Vaginal itching
- Lower back pain
- Bloated Flatulence/gas
- Indigestion
- Osteoporosis
- Aching ankles, knees, wrists, shoulders, heels
- Hair loss
- Frequent urination
- Snoring
- Sore breasts
- Palpitations
- Varicose veins
- Urinary leakage
- Dizzy spells/vertigo
- Panic attacks
- Skin feeling crawly
- Migraine headaches
- Memory lapses
- Anxiety
- Weight gain
Our BHRT program for women is designed to help women elim-inate many of these symptoms and recapture the energy level, vitaility, and attributes of their earlier years.
What are the benefits of BHRT for women?
Our BHRT program for women provides many benefits for women with hormonal imbalances including:
- Restored hormone balance and relief of related symptoms
- Elimination of hot flashes
- Improved libido
- Improved heart health
- Increased bone production and prevention of osteoporosis
- Enhanced energy
- Reduced wrinkles and improved skin tone
- Improved mental sharpness and better memory
What are Bioidentical Hormones? Bioidentical hormones, also known as natural hormones, are substances that have the same chemical structure as the hormones that are produced by the human body, and they also create the same physiologic response. Hormones are NOT drugs. They are naturally occurring substances that are found in all humans since the time of conception. BHRT replaces hormones at a “physiologic” level that is not harmful to the body. Physiologic levels never exceed what the individual has already been accustomed to in his or her younger years.
Are Bioidentical Hormones FDA Approved? We use FDA approved bioidentical hormones (natural hormones) whenever possible; however, when a dosage or strength that the patient requires is not commercially available, we use a compounding pharmacy to prepare an individualized prescription. Compounding pharmacists must comply with the regulation of the state boards of pharmacy, and they have access to the highest grade bulk ingredients as well as state-of-the art equipment used to accurately prepare hormone preparations. Close monitoring of the patient by PWC helps to promote maximum benefits and safety.
What does the literature say?
In the final analysis of the estrogen only arm of the WHI; there was no increased risk of breast cancer or heart disease. There was a 35% decrease in hip fractures, 35% decrease in diabetes and a 60% decrease in urinary sepsis. This leads to a significant decrease in all causes of mortality. J Gen Internal Medicine 2004;19(7): 791-804
“Estradiol and progesterone demonstrated no increased risk of breast cancer. Synthetic estrogen (Premarin® ) and synthetic progestins (medroxyprogesterone and noresterone) all dramatically increased the risk of breast cancer. This was a ten-year study of over 100,000 women, the largest and longest study to date comparing natural hormones to synthetic hormones”. Breast Cancer Res Treat 2007;101:125-134
“Estrogen therapy alters the biology of the inner vessels (of the heart). HRT protects through vasodilation, anti-inflammatory and anti-proliferative effects. HRT provides significant coronary artery benefits.” N England J Medicine 2000;343(8):572-574.
“Breast cancer is the strongest factor limiting postmenopausal hormone use. The most powerful study to date definitively demonstrated that estrogen does not cause an increase risk for cancer. The increased risk was associated only with taking the progestin (Provera®) and not estrogen.” JAMA 2004;291(24): 2947-2958.
“Estrogen deficiency greatly increases mortality from cardiovascular disease and osteoporosis. Over 90% of women will die from cardiovascular disease which estrogen can prevent”. Over 40 years of study have well documented the cardiovascular protective effects of estrogen”. Obstet Gynecol 1996 Jan;87(1):6-12
Ready to get started?
Use one of the options below.
- If between the hours of 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM Monday through Friday, feel free to call us now on (703) 822-5003 and our Clinical Intake Coordinator will answer any question you have and get you started.
- Fill the contact form below and we will get back to you within 24 hours except weekends.
- If you know this is the program for you, then Click here to begin the online enrollment process