Hormones are powerful substances produced naturally by your body. These substances play a vital role in your body’s ability to function normally. A hormonal imbalance can greatly alter your overall health. The hormone produced by your thyroid gland, for instance, helps maintain your metabolic rate, heart and digestive function, and bone health. When your thyroid doesn’t produce the correct amount of hormone, you may experience changes in heart rate and other concerning symptoms.
For women, estrogen and progestin are hormones that trigger reproductive processes and sexual desire. Estrogen is also known to protect heart and bone health in women. For men, testosterone plays a significant role in developing sexual characteristics, but also maintains bone density and helps men burn fat more efficiently.
Bioidentical hormones are made or synthesized from certain components in yams and soy. They have a molecular structure identical to the hormones men and women make naturally in their bodies – thus the name, which is a shortened form of “biologically identical.” This means they act the same in your system as naturally-produced hormones would.
One advantage of bioidentical hormones is that compound formulas can be created specifically for the patient, using the dosage that matches your needs. Other hormone replacement therapy regimens use a hit-and-miss type approach for calculating what dose is best for you, starting with a standard dose that’s increased or decreased in reaction to how you feel after a few weeks.
Bioidentical hormones are also manufactured in a variety of forms that may provide protection against certain medical concerns. For instance, oral estrogen replacement is processed first through the liver. This stimulates proteins that are often associated with increased risk of heart disease and stroke, such as C-reactive protein. When delivered via transdermal pellets or patches, estrogen doesn’t cause the same concerns since it’s not processed first by the liver.
Hormones are powerful chemicals that can drastically affect your health and should be taken under proper supervision. Many bioidentical hormones are FDA-approved and available through prescription. When managed by qualified physicians such as the doctors at The Ash Center, bioidentical hormone replacement therapy can help restore the balance your body and mind need to function optimally.
Feel free to email us regarding any scheduling or general questions!