Hormonal imbalance can be more than just an inconvenience. Some people who suffer from this condition have to deal with changes in appearance and disposition, and higher risks of developing certain diseases. Hormone replacement therapy (HRT) is a treatment that aims to restore the hormonal balance by supplying the hormones that the body needs. The hormones used in this therapy can either by synthetic or bioidentical.
Each person has a different hormonal composition and reaction to hormonal changes. There is no direct way of knowing if synthetic hormones are safe for you, but it is important to consider the risks and benefits of using a certain type of hormone before undergoing hormone replacement therapy.
Synthetic Hormones
Synthetic hormones are derived from animal and plant sources and made in the laboratory. Now, before anything else, we know that hormones act as the body’s messengers; they bond with target tissue cells to relay a message or a task. Hormones have a molecular configuration that acts like a key to the lock in their target cells. Synthetic hormones have the same function as the human hormones that they are trying to replace. However, they do not possess the same molecular configuration as those found naturally in the human body. Because of this, the body is unable to process synthetic hormones.
In a study conducted by Women’s Health Initiative in 2002, they found that the side effects of synthetic hormone replacement therapy far outweighed its benefits. Among the negative effects of the use of synthetic hormones are blood clots, hypertension, cardiovascular diseases, stroke, and breast cancer.
A Safer Alternative: Bioidentical Hormones
The hormone replacement therapy offered by Genemedics makes use of bioidentical hormones. Like synthetic hormones, bioidentical hormones are made in the laboratory by a biochemist. But unlike synthetic hormones which can come from plant and animal sources, bioidentical hormones are derived solely from plants. More than their origins, however, the biggest difference between synthetic and bioidentical hormones can be found in their structure and how each is processed by the body. Bioidentical hormones replicate the hormones naturally found in the body. Because they share the same structure and composition, the body cannot distinguish naturally occurring from bioidentical hormones and both are metabolized properly.
Aside from using bioidentical hormones, the HRT programs offered by Genemedics also include personalized nutrition and exercise plans and supplement regimens. These additional services address the effects of hormonal imbalance not only in the patient’s body but also in their self-image and disposition. Our clinic believes that with this holistic approach, we have a better chance of helping our patients become healthier and happier individuals.
More Information
Always remember that hormone replacement therapy should be customized to address the conditions of the client. One size does not fit all; a specific program that drastically improved one person’s condition may do absolutely nothing to help solve another’s. The best way to find out if you are a candidate for bioidentical hormone replacement therapy is to consult with a physician whose expertise lies on anti-aging and regenerative medicine. Call our clinic at 800-277-4041 or email [email protected] to schedule a consultation with our doctors and to know more about your options for addressing hormonal imbalance.
