What You Should Know About Bioidentical Hormones

Since hormones play such an important part in controlling many bodily functions, it’s no surprise that women experience physical changes during menopause. While menopause affects each woman uniquely, most experience some symptoms as a result of the decline in estrogen and progesterone that occurs when your periods end.

Up to 75% of women report experiencing hot flashes, sudden increases in body temperature that occur without warning. These symptoms can result in effects that range from minor discomfort to severe physical and emotional disruptions. 

Many women achieve relief of menopausal symptoms with bioidentical hormone replacement therapy (BHRT), man-made hormones that are very similar to the hormones that occur naturally in your body. Bioidentical hormones work by returning fluctuating natural hormones to balanced levels. 

At Ovation Wellness in Madison, Mississippi, our BHRT specialists have the expertise necessary to administer bioidentical hormones safely and effectively to relieve common symptoms of menopause. After a comprehensive examination and medical history, your provider determines whether you are an appropriate candidate for BHRT based on factors such as your current condition, medical history, and treatment goals. 

Bioidentical vs. traditional replacement hormones

Bioidentical hormones are man-made compounds that use natural plant estrogens. The term “bioidentical” describes the fact that these hormones have the same clinical structures as those that are naturally produced in your body. 

Bioidentical hormones differ from traditional replacement hormones, which are pharmaceutical forms of synthetic hormones. These compounds typically contain urine from pregnant horses and other synthetic hormones.

Candidates for bioidentical hormones

You may be a candidate for bioidentical hormones if other recommended treatments and lifestyle strategies to deliver relief from menopausal symptoms have failed. 

You may benefit from bioidentical hormones if you have severe menopausal symptoms that are interfering with your ability to function normally. These symptoms can include headaches, sleep problems, hot flashes, night sweats, painful intercourse, mood changes, or memory loss.

You may also benefit from bioidentical hormones if you started menopause earlier than age 40. Women who experience menopause due to the removal of ovaries or chemotherapy by age 45 are also candidates for bioidentical hormones. 

Since bioidentical hormones can reduce the risk of colon cancer and osteoporosis, this treatment may be beneficial if you have a family history of one of these conditions. However, having a medical history that includes high blood pressure, breast cancer, stroke, heart disease, or blood clots may prevent you from qualifying for BHRT.

Benefits of bioidentical hormone pellets

Bioidentical hormones can be delivered via gels, creams, patches, injections, or lozenges.  At Ovation Wellness, our staff specializes in the use of bioidentical hormone pellets. 

Bioidentical hormone pellets, which are about the size of a grain of rice, work by releasing a steady low level of bioidentical hormones into your bloodstream over several months. Gradually delivering the hormones ensures that your hormone levels remain consistently balanced, just as they would be with your natural hormones. 

Precise placement of the pellets in your fatty tissues helps the pellets form a network of blood vessels that retrieve the hormone from the pellet source and deliver it throughout your body. This allows your body to receive the appropriate level of bioidentical hormones, depending on whether you are stressed or relaxed.  

Insertion of bioidentical hormone pellets

Bioidentical hormone pellets are implanted in an in-office procedure that takes about 15 minutes. Local anesthesia is administered before a small incision is made in the skin on your buttocks or near your hip. About 10 pellets are typically implanted at one time. 

You may experience temporary, minor bruising after the procedure. After insertion of bioidentical hormone pellets, you may have to avoid baths and water sports for several days. 

It can take about two to three weeks after the insertion of bioidentical hormone pellets to start feeling improvement of menopausal symptoms. Bioidentical hormone pellets are replaced every 3-4 months. 

Find out more about bioidentical hormones and whether they may be an appropriate treatment for your symptoms. Call Ovation Wellness today to schedule a medical consultation.