Have you been feeling ‘out of sorts’ lately? Are you easily irritated, feel tired all the time, or have difficulty sleeping? These physical and psychological changes could be caused by hormone imbalance. Fortunately, hormone replacement therapy can be a major help. But what is hormone replacement therapy?
At Best Self Medical Arts, we use bioidentical hormone therapy (BHRT) to treat men and women experiencing symptoms of hormone imbalance. We offer our patients a customized hormone restoration program to replenish hormones and optimize health.
Hormones And Your Health
Hormones are critical to the lifelong health of both men and women, as they assist with cell function throughout the body. Hormones affect the brain, skin, metabolism, bones, muscles, reproductive organs, and heart, so even the slightest imbalance can lead to health issues.
Mood swings, low libido, hot flashes, and weight gain are common signs of hormone imbalance in women, while men may experience side-effects such as erectile dysfunction, muscle loss, and fatigue. If you are experiencing symptoms of hormone fluctuations, hormone replacement therapy can make you feel your best again.
What Is Hormone Replacement Therapy?
Hormone replacement therapy is a treatment that is designed to restore balance to the hormones in the body by supplementing natural hormones. Hormone imbalance in women is often the result of life events such as pregnancy or menopause, while hormone changes in men may be due to factors such as stress and illness.
Hormone imbalance occurs when there is an increase or decrease in hormones in the body. Women typically experience a decrease in estrogen, while men tend to have low testosterone.
Hormone Replacement Therapy Consultations Available
Bioidentical Hormone Replacement Therapy
Bioidentical hormones are derived from plant sources and have the exact chemical and molecular structure as the hormones in the body, which is why they are referred to as ‘bioidentical.’ Because of this, BHRT has fewer side-effects and risks than traditional hormone therapies that use synthetic or animal-derived hormones.
Some bioidentical hormones are FDA approved drugs, while others are precisely compounded by a pharmacist based on the strength and dosage prescribed by the patient’s physician.
Bioidentical hormones are available in various forms including pills, patches, gels, and creams.
Benefits of BHRT
BHRT is very beneficial for women going through the stages of perimenopause and menopause, as it relieves associated symptoms such as vaginal dryness, night sweats, and hot flashes.
Men also experience a natural decrease in hormones as they age, and this can lead to symptoms such as muscle loss, sleep disturbances, erectile dysfunction, and irritability. BHRT can ease these symptoms.
BHRT also helps to improve memory, mood, and concentration. Bioidentical hormones are commonly taken in oral form but are also available as patches, gels, and creams.
Take the Next Step
Would you like to learn more about hormone replacement therapy, schedule your in-person consultation with Dr. Cheryl Geer by completing the form below, or by calling Best Self Medical Arts, Westlake Village, CA at (818)318-1200. We look forward to working with you!