Facts about Bio-identical Hormone Replacement.
What are bio-identical hormones?
Bio-identical Hormones are hormones identical in chemical structure to those produced in your own body. They are primarily produced from soya and wild yams and converted to human bio-identical hormones.
Bio-identical hormones are used to treat menopause symptoms, and if given in the correct dose, via either transdermal, sublingual or oral route, can benefit most women.
Bio-identical hormones are a combination of Oestrogen and natural Progesterone, but Testosterone and DHEA may also be prescribed if the blood or saliva results are low or the patient is concerned about lack of energy and sex drive.
The risks of BHRT are the same as HRT, but side effects are often less with Progesterone.
Most menopause symptoms should improve within the first month, but doses of bio identical hormones may have to be adjusted if symptoms persist. At Holistic Medical Clinic we wish to work with the patient, particularly in the first 6 months of taking bio identical hormones to ensure the correct doses are reached in order to relieve symptoms.
The first six years of the menopause are important in reducing the risk of cardiovascular disease and osteoporosis, and it is of benefit to take BHRT or HRT for a minimum of six years, this being the window of opportunity.