BHRT. Hormone Replacement.
What is BHRT?
BHRT is a Bioidentical Hormone Replacement Therapy (BHRT) used to treat women who are going through menopause and men who are going through andropause.
Novastem uses BHRT with high standards of success, for more information on how we can help you, schedule an appointment with one of our specialists.
BHRT can be used when your hormone levels drop or become unbalanced. It is most often used to relieve symptoms of perimenopause and menopause. It may also be used to improve symptoms of cancer treatment or to treat conditions such as:
- Insulin resistance
- Adrenal and thyroid disorders
- Osteoporosis
- Fibromyalgia
Bioidentical hormones are artificial hormones derived from plant estrogens that are chemically identical to those produced by the human body. Estrogen, progesterone and testosterone are among those most commonly replicated and used in treatment. Bioidentical hormones come in several forms, which include:
- Pills
- Patches
- Creams
- Gels
- Injections
Bioidentical Hormones And Hormonal Imbalances
When we begin to experience hormonal imbalances a myriad of side effects present themselves. Dealing with these side effects can lead to a declining sense of well-being and can affect our quality of life. Here below are the recognizable side effects of hormonal imbalance:
For Both Sexes:
- Fatigue
- Constant mood swings
- Weight gain
- Insomnia
- Lack of energy
- Decreased sexual desire
In women
- Heat waves
- Vaginal dryness
- Pain during sexual intercourse
In men:
- Difficulty getting or maintaining an erection
- Decreased muscle mass
- Weight gain
- Motivation problems
- Concentration problems
If you are interested in using this therapy you can get more information on how we can help you, schedule an appointment with one of our specialists.
Why use BHRT?
Bioidentical Hormone Replacement Therapy seeks to eliminate side effects by replacing those essential hormones that our bodies require to feel healthier and healthier. Because bioidentical hormones more closely resemble the hormones that a healthy, youthful body produces, our biological processes improve and healthy levels are restored.
Bioidentical hormones are different from those used in traditional hormone replacement therapy (HRT) in that they are chemically identical to those that our bodies produce naturally and are made from plant estrogens . The hormones used in traditional HRT are made from the urine of pregnant horses and other synthetic hormones.
Proponents of bioidentical hormones claim that their products are safer because they are “natural” and their composition is identical to the hormones the body produces naturally. But most experts believe the risks of BHRT and HRT are similar. Compounded bioidentical hormones may carry even more risk. There is no credible evidence that BHRT is more effective than HRT.
BHRT. Symptoms that can be relieved by BHRT.
BHRT is typically used as people age and hormone levels decline, particularly for women who are in perimenopause or menopause. It is used to increase hormone levels that have declined and improve moderate to severe menopausal symptoms, which include:
- Hot flashes
- Night sweats
- Mood swings
- Memory loss
- Weight gain
- Sleep problems
- Loss of interest in sex or pain during sex
In addition to helping with symptoms, hormone replacement therapy can also reduce your risk of diabetes, tooth loss and cataracts. There is some evidence that it may help improve skin thickness, hydration and elasticity, and even reduce wrinkles.
For those with cancer who have undergone treatments that affect their estrogen levels, BHRT has been shown to be effective in improving their overall well-being and quality of life. In one study, people with cancer who underwent BHRT found relief from treatment-related symptoms such as migraines, incontinence, low libido and insomnia. The study also found that the rate of breast cancer recurrence was no higher than average.
For more information on how we can help you, schedule an appointment with one of our specialists.
BHRT, side effects.
Research has shown that hormone replacement therapy in general can increase the risk of certain conditions and diseases, which include:
- Blood clots
- Stroke
- Gallbladder disease
- Heart disease
- Breast cancer
There may also be side effects that accompany BHRT, particularly in the beginning as your body adjusts to the hormones. Common side effects of BHRT may include:
- Acne
- Swelling
- Weight gain
- Fatigue
- Mood swings
- Increased facial hair in women
Many people cannot take BHRT or any form of hormone replacement. Risks and possible side effects may vary among women depending on their medical history. Discuss the pros and cons with your doctor before using any hormone replacement therapy.
How do we do it at Novastem?
Over the years, numerous attempts have been made to discover medical and non-medical treatment options for this condition. In some cases, medical treatments have led to increased survival and improved quality of life, in addition to emerging options towards non-medical therapeutics.
Novastem’s goal with our treatments is to reverse the lack of functionality, eliminating pain and allowing you to enjoy 100% of daily activities and life again.
At Novastem we use mesenchymal stem cells derived from bone marrow for hormone replacement treatment, and the application of the treatment is intravenous with a possible inhalation of cell concentrate.
Novastem has the strictest acceptance protocols to treat a patient, we perform laboratory studies before each therapy.
For more information on how we can help you, schedule an appointment with one of our specialists.
References:
- American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists. Committee Opinion: Compounded Bioidentical Menopausal Hormone Therapy. (https://www.acog.org/clinical/clinical-guidance/committee-opinion/articles/2012/08/compounded-bioidentical-menopausal-hormone-therapy) 4/15/2022.
- National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine; Health and Medicine Division; Board on Health Sciences Policy; Committee on the Clinical Utility of Treating Patients with Compounded Bioidentical Hormone Replacement Therapy, Jackson, L. M., Parker, R. M., & Mattison, D. R. (Eds.). (2020). The Clinical Utility of Compounded Bioidentical Hormone Therapy: A Review of Safety, Effectiveness, and Use. National Academies Press (US).
- Liu, Y., Yuan, Y., Day, A. J., Zhang, W., John, P., Ng, D. J., & Banov, D. (2022). Safety and efficacy of compounded bioidentical hormone therapy (cBHT) in perimenopausal and postmenopausal women: a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials. Menopause (New York, N.Y.), 29(4), 465–482. https://doi.org/10.1097/GME.0000000000001937
- United States Food & Drug Administration. National Academies of Science, Engineering, and Medicine (NASEM) Study on the Clinical Utility of Treating Patients with Compounded “Bioidentical” Hormone Therapy. (https://www.fda.gov/drugs/human-drug-compounding/national-academies-science-engineering-and-medicine-nasem-study-clinical-utility-treating-patients) Accessed 4/15/2022.
Last reviewed by a Novastem Medical Professional on 04/15/2022.
For more information on how we can help you, schedule an appointment with one of our specialists
Learn more about the scientific basis of our work at Novastem here.