Who is a Candidate for BHRT?

You’re not alone if you’re suffering from symptoms of menopause that make you feel unable to function normally. Up to 75% of all women experience hot flashes, episodes that cause sudden increases in body temperature without warning. For many women, these symptoms are often accompanied by mood swings, headaches, vaginal dryness, and fatigue that can suddenly make any day a “bad day.” 

Menopause marks the end of menstrual periods. As a result of this change, your ovaries produce less estrogen and progesterone, which were necessary to regulate your menstrual cycle. However, these hormones also contribute to the normal operation of many other bodily functions. As levels of these hormones decrease, your body reacts to this imbalance with many of the symptoms associated with menopause. 

While some women transition through menopause with minor disruption, many women endure years of severe physical and emotional effects as their bodies adapt to this new phase of life. Bioidentical hormone replacement therapy (BHRT) is a treatment option that can ease symptoms in some women by returning hormones to balanced levels.

The BHRT specialists at Ovation Wellness in Madison, Mississippi, provide expert administration of BHRT for the relief of common menopausal symptoms. Our staff has the knowledge and experience necessary to determine whether BHRT is appropriate for your symptoms based on factors such as your medical history, current condition, and treatment goals. 

Understanding BHRT

Bioidentical hormones are natural compounds that have the same molecular structure and are chemically identical to the hormones your body produces naturally. These hormones aren’t found in nature but are made from plant components. Traditional hormone replacement therapy uses substances that contain urine from pregnant horses and synthetic hormones. 

BHRT can be administered via creams, gels, patches, injections, lozenges, and implanted pellets. The staff at Ovation Wellness specializes in the administration of bioidentical hormone pellets, which are implanted in your skin, usually near your buttocks. 

Bioidentical hormone pellets are about as big as a grain of rice. They work by releasing a consistent level of hormones over several months. This constant flow of low levels of hormones helps to keep your body balanced in a state similar to having your natural hormones. 

Good candidates for BHRT

BHRT is worth considering if you’re experiencing severe menopausal symptoms that are interfering with your daily life. Your physician determines whether you’re a good candidate for BHRT after a thorough examination, medical history, and consultation regarding your expectations and goals.

You may be considered a good candidate for BHRT if you meet any of the following criteria:

• Severe menopausal symptoms that include sleep problems, headaches, painful intercourse, night sweats, mood changes, or memory loss, among other conditions
• A family history of colon cancer or osteoporosis (since hormone replacement therapy helps reduce the risks of these conditions)
• Menopause before age 40 or surgical menopause by removal of your ovaries by age 45
• Menopause before age 45 as the result of chemotherapy
• No satisfactory relief from other recommended treatments and lifestyle strategies

When to consider alternatives 

Only a medical professional can help you determine whether the risks outweigh the benefits of BHRT or any other medical treatment. You may not be a good candidate for BHRT if you have mild menopausal symptoms or issues that occur only occasionally.

Hormone replacement therapy is associated with a higher risk of blood clots, heart disease, stroke, and liver disease. Using BHRT in pellet form may reduce the risk of developing some conditions, such as liver disease, stroke, and deep vein thrombosis (DVT), which are associated with oral forms of hormone replacement therapy.

Having a medical history that includes breast cancer, high blood pressure, heart disease, stroke, or blood clots may prevent you from qualifying for BHRT. Your physician may also recommend against BHRT if you have these conditions in your family history.

Some women experience side effects as a result of BHRT. Common reactions can include headaches, mood swings, blurred vision, acne, and fatigue. While these issues may improve as your body adjusts to the increased level of hormones, you may have to discontinue BHRT if they don’t go away or the effects are unmanageable. 

The staff at Ovation Wellness is dedicated to helping you find the solutions that can improve your quality of life during menopause. Find out whether BHRT can make a difference in your struggle to regain control over your body. Call our office to schedule a consultation today.