Bioidentical hormone therapy, also known as BHT, has become a foundation for managing symptoms related to premenstrual syndrome (PMS) and menopause. It offers a more natural approach to hormone replacement. This form of therapy uses compounds that are identical to the ones in the body, such as estrogen, testosterone, and progesterone.
The use of BHT to manage PMS and menopause has gained attention for its potential to cut down on symptoms with a lower level of risk than traditional synthetic hormone replacements. In this article, we’ll explore how bioidentical hormone therapy helps manage PMS and menopause, including its benefits, how it works, and what considerations are involved in this treatment approach.
The Basics of PMS and Menopause
Premenstrual syndrome and menopause are both significant parts of a woman’s reproductive lifecycle, with each associated with its own hormonal changes and challenges. PSM happens during the luteal phase of the menstrual cycle and may have a variety of symptoms, such as mood swings, headaches, bloating, and irritability.
On the other hand, menopause is the end of menstrual cycles and is diagnosed a year after amenorrhea. It is often associated with symptoms like decreased libido, mood changes, night sweats, and hot flashes, mostly due to the decline in progesterone and estrogen levels.
Bioidentical Hormones Are a Natural Approach
Bioidentical hormones are derived from plant estrogens that are chemically the same as the ones produced in the human body. Estrogen, progesterone, and even testosterone are commonly replicated and used in BHT.Since these hormones are so similar to the ones in our bodies, advocates note that they are metabolized better and have fewer side effects than synthetic hormones.
How Bioidentical Hormone Therapy Helps
Alleviating Menopause Symptoms
Menopause can have a huge impact on quality of life based on its uncomfortable (and sometimes debilitating) symptoms. BHT provides progesterone and estrogen that the body isn’t producing at the same levels that it used to. This helps to balance hormone levels and cut down on menopausal symptoms like night sweats, hot flashes, vaginal dryness, and mood fluctuations.
BHT replaces those hormones so the body can stabilize its natural rhythms and lessen the severity of menopausal transitions. Many women who choose this form of therapy report a massive improvement in their daily functions and overall well-being. This relates to the treatment restoring hormonal balance and reducing the emotional and physical symptoms that often disrupt life during menopause.
Managing PMS Symptoms
In terms of PMS, bioidentical progesterone is usually utilized. This helps balance the effects of extra estrogen that can happen during the luteal phase of the menstrual cycle, reducing symptoms like bloating, mood swings, and irritability. Bioidentical progesterone can be very useful to smooth out hormone fluctuations associated with PMS symptoms.
The use of BHT is usually targeted to the second half of the menstrual cycle which is when women often experience huge shifts in hormone levels. By mimicking the natural progesterone in the body, BHT provides a gentler and more familiar way to handle these symptoms, which can lead to a more balanced emotional state on top of less physical discomfort.
Benefits of Bioidentical Hormone Therapy
The potential benefits of bioidentical hormone therapy in managing PMS and menopause include the following:
Tailored Treatments
BHT can be custom compounded to meet your individual hormone needs. This is something that cannot be done with HRT (hormone replacement therapy) formulations. This form of personalization is possible through detailed hormone level testing. It can result in a treatment plan that is specially tuned to the hormone requirements of each specific patient.
Naturalness and Safety
Many women choose to go with BHT because it is perceived as more natural. It also can be seen as safer when compared to synthetic hormones. While scientific studies are still being done, the initial research shows that BHT likely has a similar or lower risk profile than conventional hormone therapies.
Effectiveness
Lots of women who opt for BHT find that the bioidentical hormones are just as effective (or even more) in alleviating the symptoms of menopause or PMS. This might be based on the fact that it can be precisely matched with your hormonal needs as a form of therapy.
Risks and Considerations
While there are a ton of benefits to bioidentical hormone therapy, you also want to make sure you are aware of the risks and regulatory issues it holds.
Oversight and Regulation
One of the major concerns that people have with BHT, especially when it is custom compounded, is its lack of FDA approval. The lack of formal regulations means that the concentration and quality of hormones can vary. Inconsistencies can impact the effectiveness and safety of the treatment. Patients who want to try BHT should be careful to choose appropriate providers who maintain high standards and quality controls to avoid risks.
Health Risks
Like other hormone replacement treatments, BHT has health risks. These include the possibility of gallbladder disease, strokes, and blood clots. Breast cancer is another potential risk, which is also true for other forms of hormone therapy. These risks highlight the need to work with a healthcare provider to understand the potential health implications and be monitored while treatment occurs.
Need for Professional Guidance
Professional oversight is needed based on how complex hormone replacement is. Only providers with training and experience in hormonal therapist should give BHT. This ensures the therapy is right for each person’s needs and that any adverse effects are managed. Working with a professional ensures that therapy is adjusted over time based on changes to the body’s needs.
Bioidentical hormone therapy has a promising future as a treatment for people dealing with the complexities of PMS and menopause. By providing hormones that are the same as those in the human body, BHT works to restore hormonal balance with fewer side effects than the current synthetic hormones.
However, if you are considering this form of therapy, make sure you speak with healthcare professionals and weigh the benefits against any possible risks. When properly managed, BHT can improve the quality of life of women significantly as they experience the natural transitions of PMS and menopause.
Sources:
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3127562
https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/treatments/15660-bioidentical-hormones
https://www.uptodate.com/contents/treatment-of-menopausal-symptoms-with-hormone-therapy
https://www.webmd.com/menopause/what-is-bioidentical-hormone-replacement-therapy
