BHRT
BHRT stands for Bio-Identical Hormone Replacement Therapy and is an advancement in the treatment of symptoms associated with hormonal declines. Common complaints of patients with hormonal imbalance or decline can include fatigue, hot flashes, sleep disturbance, decreased libido, irritability and mood disturbance, and weight gain.
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Bio-identical hormones have a molecular structure that is identical to hormones naturally produced by the human body and are intended to replace those hormones when levels decline due to aging, disease, or surgery.*
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GOALS OF HORMONE REPLACEMENT THERAPY
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Alleviate the symptoms caused by the natural decrease in production of hormones by the body
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Offer the protective benefits, which were originally provided by naturally occurring hormones
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Re-establish hormonal balance
Dr. Bobb and Arlie, CNP take a very thorough and comprehensive approach to hormone evaluation and replacement individually evaluating not only estrogen, progesterone and androgen levels; but also looks closely at cortisol, thyroid, DHEA, and overall wellness ultimately aiming to provide individualized treatment plans and recommendations that minimize symptoms while optimizing hormonal balance and safety. The precise components of each person's therapy need to be determined after physical examination, medical history, and laboratory testing are considered. Close monitoring is essential to ensure that appropriate dosage adjustments are made.
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What is Hormone Replacement Therapy?
As we age, reproductive hormone levels decrease over time. Our hormone levels peak in our late teens or early 20s and, for many of us, this is the time when we feel our best. As levels drop, we may feel symptoms associated with this such as fatigue, irritability, sleeping issues, loss of sex drive, decreased sexual performance, decreased muscle mass and increased fat mass. Weight gain may occur, as well as loss of strength. Women may have hot flashes and menstrual irregularities. Hormone replacement therapy is used to safely restore our hormone levels to what they were when we were younger.
For men, testosterone therapy can dramatically improve a man's quality of life. Recent studies have shown a link between low testosterone and shorter life expectancy. When a man goes on testosterone, we see his fat mass go down while muscle mass goes up. Treating low T can strengthen a man's bones and help prevent osteoporosis. Some evidence suggests that treatment can also aid blood sugar control, which is important for the prevention and control of diabetes. Testosterone is tied to heart health, as lower testosterone levels have been linked to higher risk of cardiovascular problems. Testosterone replacement can renew a man's interest in sex as well as his ability to maintain an erection and can restore the "wow" factor to his orgasms. Besides its sexual benefits, TRT can improve a man's mood and energy level while reducing irritability and anger. Treatment options include intramuscular injections, topical creams, topical gels or dermal patches. We can also provide medications like HCG or Clomid if fertility or maintenance of testicular size is desired. Additional medications like estrogen blockers (Tamoxifen or Arimidex) or 5-alpha reductase blockers (finasteride) can be added on to meet your specific needs.
For women, adult female hormone levels begin to decrease around age 30 causing uncomfortable symptoms such as weight gain, loss of muscle mass, hot flashes, and fatigue. Bioidentical hormone replacement therapy (BHRT) has been known to counteract many of the issues related to menopause. Benefits of BHRT include improved quality of sleep, decreased moodiness, increased libido, heightened energy levels, quickened metabolism, greater sexual function, and decreased risk of developing osteoporosis. Our staff includes a clinical pharmacist who will compound a BHRT cream specifically for you. Most custom preparations contain a combination of estradiol, testosterone and progresterone.