The introduction of bioidentical hormone therapy or BHT in recent years has been largely due to these hormones being prescribed for people with symptoms of hormonal changes in the body, and are particularly frequent in the postmenopausal and andropausal stages.
Bioidentical hormones are different from conventional hormone therapies because they have a molecule that is accurately similar to human hormones.
However, even though there are definite advantages that can be received from BHT, the general population is still skeptical, and several myths surrounding this treatment should be discussed.
This article will focus on bioidentical hormone therapy, define the treatment process, and clarify some of the most common false theories.
An Insight Into The Process of Bioidentical Hormone Therapy
Bioidentical HRT is a treatment that is actually therapy in which hormones that are identical to the ones produced in the body naturally are taken.
The same hormones are used to help people who show some of the symptoms of hormonal fluctuations which are low energy, emotional changes, and sexual dysfunction.
To get started, the healthcare provider has to order a few tests – blood tests and an analysis of other components – to learn about the client’s exact hormonal requirement.
The outcome of the test leads to the creation of an individualized plan of therapy, which can involve creams, gels, patches, or tablets containing bioidentical hormones. The therapy is closely supervised, with subsequent control of the schedule to state the efficacy and safety levels.
It is not comparable to general hormone therapy as Bioidentical Hormone Therapy considers the individual and aims at balanced hormones besides specific medical conditions.This makes BHT a very individual approach, a complex and individual therapy that, when adequately supervised may offer long-term treatments.
Decoding the Common Myths About Bioidentical Hormone Therapy
Here are the common myths about Bioidentical hormone therapy.
Bioidentical Hormone Therapy is Entirely Natural
Two potential myths that people have where bioidentical hormone therapy is concerned are that it is all-natural. However, contrary to what some people believe, BHT uses natural hormones that are not sourced naturally; they are synthesized.
Much of the bioidentical hormones are manufactured in laboratories to balance purity and optimum efficacy. This makes it possible to obtain the kind of hormones that will satisfy all the medical requirements.
Bioidentical hormones are more akin to hormones that are produced in the human body; this means that they conform more naturally to the different systems of the body or offer better symptom alleviation than synthetic hormones.
However, it means that the structure of the hormone is natural and not the source from which it emanates.
Bioidentical Hormone Therapy is Risk-Free
Another myth is that using bioidentical hormones is harmless. Any treatment, including this method, is not without risk factors, but they may be kept to a minimum whenever the treatment is administered and supervised properly.
Patients should engage professional physicians who evaluate the general health of the patients and advise them on the best dosage. BHT is supposed to be less disruptive, but efficacy is certain to differ from one body to another.
When tightly monitored according to BHT’s protocol and following all standard procedures regarding professional practice, BHT is a secure and efficient choice for many clients.
Bioidentical Hormone Therapy Is Always FDA-Approved
Although the FDA has approved some Bioidentical hormone drugs, such as specific grades of estradiol and progesterone, it has not approved most others, especially the compounded ones.
Bioidentical hormones are prepared through patient-specific personalizations conducted in specialized pharmacies. That said, with proper BHT sourcing by a competent supplier from an appropriate pharmacy, they can bring impressive qualities.
FDA-approved bioidentical hormone products go through rigorous testing for safety and efficacy, providing patients with a standardized treatment option they can trust.
Bioidentical Hormone Therapy Works Same For Everyone
Expectations for BHT should involve time-dependent curves and the potential for variable symptom improvement needing a polyvalent approach on an individual patient basis.
Some can start noticing changes in several weeks while others might need some changes done before settling into the best diet plan.
This individualized response is one of the possible beneficial factors or features of BHT because practitioners can orient the therapy integrally for every patient, thereby indicating the greatest potential of the therapy and the subject’s well-being.
Compounded Bioidentical Hormones Are Superior
One misconception is that bioidentical hormones mixed into a mixture or compound are automatically more effective and beneficial in therapy than other forms of hormones. Whereas compounded hormones are often made to order, this does not necessarily make them superior.
Often, the decision between compounded and FDA-approved bioidentical hormones depends on the specific needs of a particular patient. The bioidentical hormone can be compounded to provide special doses or blends that cannot be purchased over the counter.
Bioidentical Hormone Therapy Provides Instant Relief
Some people take bioidentical hormone therapy to rumors that it will cure hormonal complaints quickly, but this is often not so. In addition, the regulation of hormones in the body is gradual; thus, BHT has a gradual outcome.
It also takes some weeks for patients to start to see changes in their energy or mood, or even their sleep habits, while other things like better muscle tone or alteration in distribution of fatty tissue may take longer.
This means that constant usage and constant observation are the key to getting the most out of the plan.
A patient needs to be set with expectations of how long and how frequently they must attend the session to achieve the desired results so they can have the patience to go through the process to get the best results.
Bioidentical Hormone Therapy Is Only For Women
While bioidentical hormone therapy is mostly used for treating menopausal disorders in women, the therapy has some benefits in men.
Some of the testicular signs that men may present to complementary and alternative medicine include fatigue, low sex drive, and loss of muscles; these could be treated by supplementing bioidentical hormones.
BHT may also be used to support people who have thyroid or adrenal problems, thus allowing the treatment to be applicable for hormonal imbalances in both masculine and feminine.
In this way, myth elimination will help both men and women to consider BHT as a potential treatment option for all their hormonal health problems.
Final Thoughts
Bioidentical hormone therapy is specific and efficient for treating hormonal disorders, yet myths surround it. The information provided enables individuals to demystify these myths and embrace BHT as a safer and more constructive way of attaining a healthier and balanced lifestyle.