Have you been feeling unbalanced lately? Maybe you've had some unexplainable weight gain, random moodiness, or issues with your sleep and libido. Your hormones might be to blame. However, there are ways to treat these hormone imbalances, including bioidentical hormone replacement therapy. So, if you're suffering from the effects of menopause, thyroid problems, or a cancer treatment that affected your hormone levels, you may be considering this therapy. Here's what you should know about it: 

The Benefits

If your hormones are imbalanced, your body may not be making enough of something, causing you to experience some unpleasant symptoms. Bioidentical hormone replacement therapy will literally replace your lacking hormones with man-made hormones, causing you to be more balanced. This kind of therapy can improve hot flashes, sleeping problems, memory loss, vaginal dryness, libido, moodiness, and even more. There's even evidence that this therapy can help you avoid diabetes and tooth loss, as well as improve the appearance of your skin. The therapy also can come in many different forms, such as pills, patches, or injections, so you can choose the form you prefer.

The Differences From Other Hormone Therapies

There are different hormone replacement therapies out there, but bioidentical hormone replacement therapy is a little different. The hormones are chemically identical to the actual hormones your body makes. They are made from plants, such as yams or soybeans, as opposed to synthetic hormones which are made out of horse urine and other animal products. If you prefer the idea of something more natural going into your body, this kind of therapy may appeal to you. 

The Potential Side Effects

Despite the fact that your body needs these hormones, it will need time to adjust to them. You can expect an adjustment period of a few weeks before things stabilize a little more. Some people report having acne, bloating, fatigue, and some women even report tender breasts and more facial hair. You will want to be aware of this adjustment period; if you start hormone therapy but feel like it isn't working, give it time. Your body needs a few weeks to adjust. 

The Risks

As with any medical intervention, there are some risks involved with any hormone therapy. You may be more prone to blood clots, gallbladder disease, and strokes. If you are considering bioidentical hormone replacement therapy, it's crucial that you work closely with your doctor to determine what kind of dosage and treatment is best for you. They can go over your history and symptoms to determine what risks are worth taking. 

If you are considering bioidentical hormone replacement therapy, get more information by talking to your doctor today. 

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