Bioidentical Hormone Replacement Therapy Side Effects

Hormone imbalance can cause unwanted symptoms that interfere with daily life. Bioidentical hormone replacement therapy, or BHRT, is one care option to consider to bring your body’s hormone levels back to normal. Keep reading to learn about possible bioidentical hormone replacement therapy side effects so that you can better understand this treatment and if it’s right for you.

What is Bioidentical Hormone Replacement Therapy?

Bioidentical hormone replacement therapy is a treatment for restoring unbalanced hormone levels. BHRT consists of using bioidentical hormones to boost low hormone levels. These hormones are lab produced and, as opposed to traditional hormone replacement therapy, are chemically identical to the ones in the human body. For this reason, they also typically absorb and process more efficiently than other hormone replacement treatments. Bioidentical hormones can be taken in various forms, including pills, patches, gels, creams, and injections.

Does BHRT Cause Side Effects?

Like almost all medications and therapies, there are potential side effects that come with bioidentical hormone replacement therapy. Patients using hormone therapy are typically watched very closely by their doctors. The amount of time the therapy takes to work varies, but the goal is to relieve symptoms of imbalanced hormones with the lowest dose possible for the shortest amount of time. Side effects of BHRT may include:

• Weight gain or weight loss
• Fatigue
• Bloating
• Mood swings
• Blurred vision
• Hot flashes
• Night sweats
• Difficulty sleeping
• Headaches
• Memory problems

In most cases, the side effects of BHRT are mild and improve after your body has adjusted to the new hormone levels. They are more common after the first dose since your body has not yet adjusted. Side effects may also depend on what type of hormone you’re taking and in what dose.

Who Can Use Bioidentical Hormone Replacement Therapy?

BHRT is typically used to ease the symptoms of menopause and other conditions that cause low or unbalanced hormones. It’s used by both men and women but is slightly more common among women. Many people can benefit from bioidentical hormone replacement therapy, but using it is a decision that needs to be made with your healthcare provider after carefully weighing its risks and benefits.

BHRT’s risks and potential side effects vary depending on your personal health history, so it’s important to discuss treatment with your doctor before you begin. The same goes for any type of hormone therapy. If you currently have or have had the following health conditions or are at high risk for them, hormone therapy may not be the best option for you:

• Blood clotting disorders
• Breast cancer
• Heart or cardiovascular disease
• Stroke

Bioidentical Hormone Replacement Therapy Options in Greenwood, IN

Are you thinking about getting bioidentical hormone replacement therapy in Greenwood, Indiana? The specialists at Supro Direct Concierge Medicine can help you determine if it’s the right treatment option for you. We treat both men and women who are struggling with the effects of imbalanced hormones. Contact us for more information about our hormone optimization services, or call our office to schedule an appointment.