Bioidentical Hormone Therapy

If you’re feeling tired, moody, foggy, or having more obvious symptoms like hot flashes, a hormone imbalance may be the reason. Whether your hormones are low due to perimenopause, menopause, or age-related hormone changes, Judy Honegger, DO, FACOG, at Rise Carmel, can help with bioidentical hormone replacement therapy. Bioidentical hormones come from natural sources and mimic your body’s hormones, restoring balance and helping you feel energized and healthy. Call the office in Carmel, California, or book an in-person or telehealth appointment online today. 

What is bioidentical hormone replacement therapy?

Hormone replacement therapy (HRT) is prescribed when hormone levels fall too low. HRT reverses symptoms and prevents ongoing health problems by restoring hormones to healthy levels.

Bioidentical HRT uses hormones with the same molecular structure as those made by your body (bioidentical). These hormones are also produced from plants (usually yams), making them a natural alternative to synthetic hormones.

When you take bioidentical HRT, your body reacts to the hormones the same way it would respond to those it produces. As a result, you may have a lower risk of side effects compared to using synthetic hormone replacement therapy.

When do women need bioidentical hormone replacement therapy?

Estrogen levels can drop for various reasons, from eating disorders and autoimmune diseases to ovarian surgery. You may need bioidentical HRT to improve hormone levels affected by any cause.

However, most women seek bioidentical HRT during perimenopause (the years before menopause) and menopause.  

During perimenopause, hormones fluctuate, causing irregular periods and, for some women, hot flashes and mood swings.

At menopause, your ovaries stop producing estrogen. The dramatic drop in estrogen levels leads to symptoms such as:

• Hot flashes and night sweats
• Mood swings
• Vaginal dryness
• Loss of sex drive
• Pain during intercourse
• Urinary incontinence
• Memory problems
• Dry, aging skin
• Hair loss
• Insomnia
• Weight gain
• Depression
• Fatigue

Although osteoporosis doesn’t cause symptoms, a woman’s risk of brittle, weak bones significantly increases after estrogen declines at menopause. Bioidentical HRT can prevent menopausal symptoms and also supports healthy bones. 

Which types of hormones are used during HRT?

Rise Carmel may suggest the following hormone treatments during HRT:

Estradiol

Estradiol is the most potent form of estrogen and plays a crucial role in maintaining optimal reproductive system, bone, and skin health, as well as mood. 

As estrogen levels naturally decline during perimenopause and menopause, estradiol can relieve symptoms like hot flashes, night sweats, vaginal dryness, and mood swings. 

Rise Carmel offers estradiol in various forms, including topical creams, patches, and pellets, depending on your preferences and treatment goals.

Progesterone

Progesterone is a hormone that’s important for regulating the menstrual cycle and balancing the effects of estrogen in your body. 

In the context of BHRT, progesterone supports the uterus and protects you against estrogen’s stimulating effects on the endometrial lining. This may reduce your risk of uterine cancer. 

Progesterone helps alleviate symptoms like sleep disturbances, anxiety, and mood swings. It’s available in oral and cream forms.

Testosterone

Testosterone, although traditionally associated with men, is also crucial for women’s health. It supports libido, energy levels, muscle strength, bone density, and mood. 

As women age, testosterone levels naturally decline, which may contribute to decreased sexual desire, fatigue, and low motivation. 

Testosterone therapy helps improve mood, energy, libido, and vitality. Bioidentical testosterone is typically administered via creams, gels, or subcutaneous pellets placed underneath your skin.

What can I expect during bioidentical HRT?

At Rise Carmel, Dr. Honegger learns about your medical history and menstrual patterns. Before prescribing bioidentical HRT, she runs blood tests to determine your existing hormone levels.

Based on your test results, Dr. Honegger prescribes the dose you need to regain hormonal balance. Then, you’ll have regular tests after starting bioidentical HRT to verify that your dose maintains healthy levels.

Bioidentical HRT is available in oral, transdermal, injectable, and pellet forms. If you decide that pellet therapy is right for you, Dr. Honegger offers the BioTE Method. The placement is quick and relatively painless. After she implants the pellet, it steadily releases hormones for several months. That means you stay healthy and re-energized without worrying about taking tablets or shots.

Do you have questions about menopause or need help with symptoms? Call Rise Carmel today or book an in-person or telehealth appointment online to learn about bioidentical hormone replacement therapy.