Frequently Asked Questions About Bio-Identical Hormone Replacement Therapy.
Bio-Identical Hormones, What Are They?
Bio-identical Hormones are hormones that have the identical molecular structure as those made naturally by our own body. This is different than the synthetic hormones made from drug companies such as Premarin, Prempro and Provera.
Bio-identical Hormones are not new. They have actually been around for years. Not everyone is familiar with them, or how to properly prescribe them. They need to be prescribed individually according to a person’s symptoms and laboratory tests. At Affinity Body Solutions we utilize saliva and blood testing, as well as a comprehensive questionnaire, and examination by a physician. The questionnaire and laboratory tests will help us to determine your specific hormonal imbalance. Once the results of the tests are obtained, a physician will prescribe Bio-Identical Hormone(s) specific for your imbalance. You will need to be monitored carefully with regular follow-up hormone testing panels every three months to ensure you are receiving the lowest possible dosage of hormones that relieve your hormone imbalance and symptoms. Once this balance is achieved yearly hormone testing panels are then done.
What Are Compounded Bio-Identical Hormones?
Compounded medications are items that are specifically made, or compounded, by a pharmacist for a specific person. Only pharmacies that specialize in compounding make the compounded Bio-Identical Hormones. They are made on a case-by-case basis for each patient. The individual ingredients that make up the compounded medication are FDA approved, although the final compounded medication is not. This is because the compounded medication is made specifically for each person and is not in a standardized form like the synthetic hormones. The FDA only approves medications that are in a standardized dosage form. Standardized dosage forms are medications that do not vary in their contents. The whole purpose of compounding a Bio-Identical Hormone is so that you receive the medication made specifically for you, and not a standardized amount that everyone else is also taking.
Why Take Bio-Identical Hormones?
First of all the Bio-Identical Hormones that will be prescribed to you will be done so according to your specific symptoms, your laboratory results, and your visit with the physician. As we age our hormone levels change. These changes will cause various symptomatic problems according to which hormones are out of balance. Some of them include; hot flashes, night sweats, memory loss, mood swings, weight gain, decreased sexual drive, depression, foggy thinking, irritability, thinning skin and more. Once you achieve a balance of your hormones, these symptoms should subside.
Can Men Have A Hormone Imbalance?
Yes, men can also experience a hormonal imbalance as they age called andropause, due to the androgen hormones (testosterone) decreasing. Andropause can start as early as age 30, but generally affects men between the ages of 50 - 80. In fact, men age 40 – 60 have approximately 10 – 20% testosterone deficiency and men 60 – 80 have between 20 – 30 % deficiency. Some of the symptoms of this include weight gain, decreased sexual drive, fatigue, loss of energy, loss of muscle mass, loss for zest of life, forgetfulness, memory loss.
So What Can Improve If I Take Bio-Identical Hormones?
- Increased Energy
- Weight Loss
- Better mental clarity
- Better ability to focus
- Improved memory
- Improved muscle tone
- Increased sexual desire
- Better mood
- Relief of anxiety or depression
- Decreased food cravings
|
