If you are experiencing significant symptoms of menopause that include hot flashes, vaginal dryness, and sleeplessness, then you may want to speak to your OBGYN about hormone replacement therapy. However, instead of the traditional type of therapy, bioidentical hormones may be a better choice. Keep reading to learn about these hormones, what they are, and whether or not they have any side effects.
What Are Bioidentical Hormones?
Hormone replacement therapy has traditionally been completed with the use of natural hormones. In this way, the body is receiving chemicals that are identical to the ones it produces on its own and this allows the hormones to basically replace the ones that are no longer produced. And, with the hormones, the symptoms of menopause are reduced substantially.
Bioidentical hormones are not identical to the ones that body produces. They are chemically the same with an identical molecular structure though. And the hormones are formed in the laboratory instead of being synthesized through a natural source.
While the bioidentical hormones are created in a lab, they are considered natural when it comes to their therapeutic use to minimize the effects of menopause. And, since they are created in a lab, the synthesized hormones are created so they are easier for the body to absorb. The hormones are called either estrone or estriol when it comes to ones that are similar to estrogen. Progesterone bioidenticals are still referred to as progesterone though.
What Are The Side Effects Of The Medication?
Many women experience a reduction in menopause symptoms with bioidenticals in the same way they would if they were taking natural hormones. And, the bioidenticals are often considered advantageous over traditional hormone replacement therapy due to the many different products that are offered that contain them. Creams, pills, vaginal ring inserts, and patches are all available.
While the drugs are available for women, it is not clear if they are safer than traditional or natural types of hormone replacement therapy. However, their use is approved by the FDA.
There are some side effects and risks that you should be aware. Bioidenticals increase your risk of developing blood clots and experiencing a stroke. Heart disease and breast cancer risks may increase with their use as well.
Also, when using the products, you may experience some weight gain, fatigue, acne, spotting, cramping, moodiness, and breast tenderness.
If you think that bioidentical hormone treatment is something that you want to try, then speak with an OBGYN, such as at Bayview OB GYN Women's Care Florida, about the use of the products and how they may affect you.
