Biomimetic Hormones | Natural Hormone Replacement Therapy

Hormone replacement therapy is has been researched intensely in the field of medical science. Researchers have discovered some ways to provide relief from the symptoms of menopause and andropause. However, not enough research has been done in North America on the subject of bioidentical hormones, but women here and in Europe are now turning to bioidentical hormones in the millions.  For over 55 years in Europe, women have been using bioidentical hormones and it is only in the last ten or so years that women here have been demanding this more natural approach to menopause.

It used to be very difficult in the United States to find doctors who understood menopause and andropause and could provide prescriptions to bioidentical hormones.  It is now much easier in the U.S. to find a bioidentical doctor.  However, in Canada, it is still very difficult to find a doctor to prescribe bioidentical hormones.

Since hormonal imbalance is one of the first consequences of menopause and andropause, supplementation of hormones is known to give relief from the symptoms. Reently, television hosts such as Oprah and Dr. Phil have presented the subject of bioidentical hormones to millions of viewers in North America and the demand for the services of these doctors has increased dramatically.  Oprah and Dr. Phil’s wife are both using bioidentical hormones.  Other celebrities such as Suzanne Somers who has written numerous books on bioidentical hormones are also using them.

Bioidentical hormones are used for supplementing decreased levels of certain hormones in hormone replacement therapy. Both estrogen and progesterone must be used biomimetically.  For example, hormones such as estrogen and progesterone play a vital role in the smooth functioning of many bodily processes. Any imbalance that leads to either decrease or, in cases such as that of estrogen, increase of hormones, leads to many potential diseases of aging. Hormonal imbalance also causes accelerated aging process.

Bioidentical hormones are introduced in the body in a systematic manner and they work biomimetically, ensuring improved overall health. Natural bioidentical hormones work in tandem with the natural biological process and mimic the natural rise and fall in levels, something that is characteristic of all hormones. This is what is meant by the biomimetical dosing of bioidentical hormones.

Natural bioidentical hormones are obtained from plant sources such as soy bean extract and yam compounds.  They are then processed in a laboratory. A doctor will usually conduct a hormone tests to determine the various levels of different hormones in your body before prescribing bioidentical hormone replacement therapy. The hormone levels are then checked after a particular period of time. Based on regular checking of your hormone levels after starting to supplement with natural hormones, certain adjustments can be made to your individual prescription.

Bioidentical hormones are also taken by men and they are usually prescribed testosterone and natural progesterone to balance their hormones as they age.

Your doctor will prescribe your bioidentical hormones prescription in one of several different formats which are either in cream, pills, pellets, lozenges or patches. The best way to take bioidentical hormones is to take them biomimetically, mimicking the natural biological rhythms in your body in the cream format.

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Andropause is the male equivalent of menopause and is caused by low testosterone levels. Almost all men, once they are into their 40s experience some or the other symptoms of andropause. In fact, research statistics estimate that almost 95% of all men by the time they reach their 50s, experience the symptoms of andropause.

Some of the top andropause symptoms include: decreased sex drive, irritability, depression, decreased bone density and muscle loss. There are many men who also experience other symptoms such as insomnia and weight gain. All these symptoms are a direct result of the lowering of the levels of testosterone, increased estrogen levels and decreased progesterone. This also affects the production of other important hormones such as estrogen and progesterone. Decrease in the levels of these hormones results in typical symptoms such as night sweats, erectile dysfunction and memory loss. Decreased libido is a direct result of the lowering of testosterone levels, one of the reasons for the onset of andropause. In fact, poor memory is one of the most common symptoms of the onset of andropause in men. Aches and pains are also common symptoms. In some instances, certain other symptoms such as loss of height and fatigue are also seen.

Fortunately for all those men who are suffering from the symptoms of andropause, relief is available in the form of natural bioidentical hormone replacement therapy. Recent research points out to the effectiveness of bioidentical hormones in alleviating the symptoms of andropause. In fact, bioidentical hormone replacement therapy using natural bioidentical hormones is known to improve a person’s overall sense of well being, health apart from increasing muscle mass and sex drive. Natural bioidentical hormones are created using botanical ingredients from plant sources and are therefore considered absolutely safe. Male hormone therapy is also known to reduce depression, mood fluctuations and irritability to a very large extent. The therapy is also useful in reducing the risk of development of certain medical conditions including, diabetes, heart disease, arthritis and hypertension.

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