Bio-Identical Hormone Therapy (BHRT) is an anti-aging treatment that is used to treat hormone deficiencies and imbalances. It has been used since the late 1930s and is considered as one of the most natural ways to deliver hormones to the body because the hormones are structurally and biologically identical to the body’s own.
Why Is It Needed?
The stress that most of us feel from our daily routine is actually due to the lack of circulating cortisol in our blood stream. Cortisol is the stress hormone that is secreted from the adrenal glands atop our kidneys. When production doesn’t meet the demand our bodies need, we start to have some signs and symptoms of adrenal fatigue. These range from chronic fatigue, lack of concentration, carbohydrate cravings, anxiety attacks, inability to sleep and the inability to lose weight (especially the lower abdominal area) no matter how hard you work out to name a few.
When our bodies don’t have enough cortisol we start to “rob Peter to pay Paul.” The parent hormone to cortisol and our sex hormones is DHEA. When our adrenal glands request more DHEA to make cortisol, we have a decrease in the amount of essential sex hormones.
When we have a decrease in our sex hormones, the symptoms can be both obvious and subtle. We can start to experience mood swings, agitation, trouble sleeping, mind racing at night, carbohydrate cravings, decreased sex drive, painful sex, vaginal dryness, and more. With proper testing and a detailed history, we are able to stop and even reverse these symptoms using bio-identical hormone therapy and nutritional supplements.
How does it work?
BHRT pellets are typically inserted into the subcutaneous layer of the gluteal or abdominal muscles and function to supplement any hormonal deficiencies. The potency of the pellets are drawn on by the body over time and each BHRT treatment can last between 3-6 months based on individual needs.
Is it safe?
Dr. Dima has been administering BHRT since 1998 and in her experience, it is safe when administered and monitored by a qualified healthcare professional. Studies demonstrate the use of BHRT has slowed and even stopped certain conditions such as osteoporosis, coronary artery disease and Alzheimer’s Disease.
