Bioidentical Hormone Replacement Therapy is a hormone replacement therapy that uses supplemental hormones which have the same molecular structure as hormones produced in the body. This is different from the traditional hormone replacement therapy which uses hormones that have a different molecular structure.

Using supplemental hormones with the same molecular structure as hormones produced naturally ensures better assimilation and processing of these hormones by the body. This further reduces the risk of grave side effects.

Bioidentical Hormone Replacement Therapy is used in the treatment of hormonal imbalance. This usually occurs when a person begins to approach middle age. Other than changes which occur during middle age especially in women, anyone experiencing symptoms associated with hormonal imbalance can also receive this therapy. This therapy is also employed in cases of low thyroid or adrenal dysfunction. These conditions are usually triggered by stress.

There are two major groups of hormones administered during BHRT. These are steroid hormones and peptide hormones. Steroid hormones are commonly used to balance hormones in the treatment of menopausal symptoms and also in the treatment of adrenal dysfunction. Peptide hormones are long chains of amino acids which are used in the treatment of low thyroid.

The use of BHRT requires very specialized and specific steps for proper administration. Hormonal needs are not the same across board. There is a need for proper testing to ascertain a patient's baseline hormonal levels. There is also a need to do a symptom evaluation so that the proper combination and dosage can be prescribed to perfectly fit each individual patient's needs.

It is very important to stress the need for professional guidance at this point. It is not enough that the supplemental hormone you can get is bioidentical. How you take it and in what combination matters greatly. A supplemental hormone taken orally may have a different effect than when the same supplemental hormone is applied topically. Hormones can be administered as topical creams, capsules, suppositories, sublingual drops and troches. Your practitioner should determine which suits you best. There is no alternative to working with a qualified BHRT physician.

Who Requires BHRT?

There are people who go through their period of hormonal change without experiencing disturbing symptoms. This class of people does not require therapy. We can safely say "If it ain't broke, don't fix it." As long as the body is working well, there is no need for BHRT. BHRT is meant to enhance life by helping the body work as well as it should when the lack or reduced levels of certain hormones result in some form of disharmony in the body.

If you experience any symptoms associated with hormonal imbalance, immediately consulting a BHRT physician and having some tests conducted will help you get started on the right course of treatment quickly.

Thanks to science, you can now enjoy a full life even after middle age. Problems arising from hormonal imbalance are a thing of the past with BHRT. Your first and most important task is to locate a BHRT physician. The success or failure of your treatment largely hinges on this first step. Once you have gotten this all important first step right, everything else should fall into place.