NASHVILLE HORMONE & INTEGRATIVE MEDICINE
Bioidentical hormones
What are bioidentical hormones?
Bioidentical hormones are hormones that are identical in structure and function to the hormones made naturally by the ovaries and testes (estrogen, progesterone, and testosterone). Hormone levels decline with age, and despite popular belief, it’s not age that causes hormonal decline but the opposite: hormonal decline causes aging. By maintaining youthful hormonal levels, patients can reduce the risk of developing disease of aging and improve their quality of life. Bioidentical hormones are natural, topical hormones derived from plants, not from chemicals or animals.
Are bioidentical hormones safe?
Bioidentical hormones are very safe unlike conventional hormones taken orally, which are associated with many health hazards. Medical literature indicates that bioidentical hormone replacement therapy (BHRT) is not only safe, but can actually reduce risks of developing disease including cancer.
BHRT is administered topically in a cream form that’s applied to the skin. The cream is made by a compounding pharmacist who has special knowledge and training in this area of study. A simple saliva test is used to monitor the tissue levels of bioidentical hormones when administered topically.
Who is a good candidate for bioidentical hormones?
Women experiencing symptoms of menopause (hot flashes, night sweats, anxiety, irritability) and men experiencing symptoms of andropause or male menopause (fatigue, weakness, depression, and sexual problems) may find relief through the use of bioidentical hormones.
What kind of doctor is qualified to treat patients with BHRT?
Proper hormone balancing requires knowledge and a special expertise which can only be obtained from advanced training. Patients should take special care to choose a doctor who is Fellowship trained and board-certified in anti-aging, functional, and regenerative medicine. Established experience in the field is critical. Dr. Monaco at Nashville Hormone & Integrative Medicine Center meets all of these criteria and has been practicing in regenerative medicine for over 20 years.
What diseases may be prevented by bioidentical hormone replacement therapy?
BHRT can reduce the patient’s risk of developing disease of age, including high blood pressure, high cholesterol, diabetes, heart disease, Alzheimer’s disease, cancer, and more. In addition, BHRT can help patients feel younger, increasing sex drive and stamina and reducing the symptoms of menopause or andropause (male menopause).
