Hormones are chemical substances released from various sites in the body. These chemicals regulate and control a host of functions in the body, including digestion, sleep, growth, and others. Hormone imbalance can occur due to various circumstances and can affect the quality of life of individuals affected by it. An imbalance of hormones can result in a particular body process dysfunction.

Today, hormonal imbalance is treated with the use of bioidentical hormones. Bioidentical hormones are synthetic hormones designed to be as similar as possible to hormones produced by the human body. Prescription bioidentical hormones can be pre-made by a pharmaceutical company. Other bioidentical hormones can be custom-made by pharmacists due to medical recommendations from a doctor. This process is known as compounding.

We’ve discussed more bioidentical hormones below. Stick to the end to learn everything about bioidentical hormones, their side effects, and their uses.

Uses of Bioidentical Hormones

Reduced hormonal levels can occur as a result of age or chronic inflammation in certain conditions like

Lyme Disease

In some individuals, this may cause some symptoms. The most common population group affected by reduced hormone levels is women in menopause.

The most common effect of reduced hormonal levels are:

1. Night sweats

2. Hot flashes

3. Weight gain

4. Mood changes

5. Fatigue

6. Dyspareunia: This is pain during sex.

7. Insomnia and other sleeping problems

8. Loss of interest in sexual activities

9. Impaired or fog-like thinking

10. Weakness and loss and energy

Treatment for symptoms caused by low hormone levels is bioidentical hormone replacement therapy. This is done to increase hormone levels and manage symptoms. You can visit a Decatur Medicine Clinic and discuss with your doctor to plan your therapy as you would like it.

Side Effects of Bioidentical Hormones

While bioidentical hormones have a lot of benefits, they also have some side effects. Some side effects of bioidentical hormones occur when the first dose is administered. This is usually a result of your body adjusting to new hormonal levels. Side effects usually resolve as the body readjusts to new hormonal levels.

Side effects of bioidentical hormones may include:

1. Tiredness

2. Acne

3. Increased weight gain

4. Blurry vision

5. Headaches

6. Breast Tenderness

7. Women may experience increased facial hair

8. Mood swings

9. Indigestion

10. Cramps and spotting

There may also be local irritation around the area where the hormones are applied.

How are Bioidentical Hormones Administered

Bioidentical hormones can be administered via various means. Methods for bioidentical hormone administration include pills, patches, creams, gels, shots, and implanted pellets. It is possible to try different methods under the guidance of your doctor to decide which is best for you.

How Are Doses For Bioidentical Hormones Determined

If you are set to undergo bioidentical hormone replacement therapy, your doctor will closely observe you. Selecting a bioidentical hormone dose ensures that the minimum dose required for therapy is used. Doses can be adjusted according to your needs. Your doctor might also decide that you need routine urine, saliva, and blood tests to evaluate your hormone levels and gauge therapy's effects.

Normal hormonal levels can fluctuate daily and still vary among individuals. This is mainly seen in salivary hormone levels, as it is well known that they fluctuate widely. However, you should note that the FDA recommends that hormonal levels from testing do not determine doses for bioidentical hormones.

Conditions Treated By Bioidentical Hormones Replacement Therapy

The most common use of bioidentical hormones is in managing symptoms of perimenopause and menopause. However, bioidentical hormones can be used in the treatment of other conditions like:

1. Insulin resistance

2. Thyroid and adrenal disorders

3. Fibromyalgia

4. Osteoporosis among others

What are Bioidentical Hormones Made From

Bioidentical hormones are usually derived from plant estrogens chemically similar to human hormones. Some of the hormones most commonly replicated as bioidentical hormones and used in the treatment are estrogen, testosterone, and progesterone.

You should contact your healthcare provider before and after receiving bioidentical hormones. You should also ensure that you report any symptoms or side effects you feel to your doctor, as it may be a sign of high hormone levels resulting from treatment. Call us at (217) 615-1144 or book an appointment with our doctor at Vero Clinics for best in class treatment.