Pros and Cons of HRT vs BHRT?
Advantages & Disadvantages of HRT or BHRT?
If you’re weighing the pros and cons of synthetic HRT vs BHRT, you likely have many questions about what’s right for your particular symptoms of hormone imbalance. We’ll compare the two in our Comprehensive Guide to HRT or BHRT. Here’s what you need to know about the advantages and disadvantages of HRT or BHRT:
Pros and Cons of Hormone Pellets | Compare HRT and BHRT
What is Hormone Replacement Therapy? Are There Benefits of Hormone Replacement Therapy?
Hormone Replacement Therapy is designed to replenish hormones that are lost with age. It can help control the speed at which hormone levels decline, as well as alleviate the symptoms of hormone imbalance caused by this decline. Two types are available: Synthetic Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT) or Bioidentical Hormone Replacement Therapy (BHRT).
What is Synthetic Hormone Replacement Therapy? What is HRT? Are There Concerns over Safety of HRT?
Traditional Hormone Replacement Therapy relies on synthetic and animal-derived hormones that attempt to mimic our own natural hormones. For example, the most common synthetic HRT for women, Premarin, is a synthetic form of hormone derived from the urine of a pregnant horse. Essentially, the molecules in HRT therapy, like Premarin, are not identical to human hormones. As a result, synthetic HRT came under scrutiny in the mid-90’s, and has been the topic of much debate since then. Specifically, two studies published in 2002 and 2003 found a possible link between breast cancer and HRT, as well as heart disease and HRT. The questions surrounding the safety of synthetic HRT remain today, making it important to discuss your own specific risk with your physician before starting synthetic HRT.
HRT vs BHRT: What is Bioidentical Hormone Replacement Therapy? What is BHRT?
Bioidentical Hormone Replacement Therapy or BHRT is made from molecules that share the same structure as human hormones. They are typically derived from plants, such as yam and soy, making them a natural alternative to synthetic hormones. Because they are bioidentical, your body responds to them as a match to the hormones you have lost. Additionally, the protocols of BHRT that a patient receives are based on both a hormone consultation with his or her doctor, as well as an analysis of a comprehensive blood panel. What this means is that the hormone profile you receive with BHRT is tailored to your unique physiology and designed to address your own individual symptoms of hormone loss.
What do Hormones Do? What are the Signs You Need Hormone Replacement Therapy?
Hormones are essential for regulating most major bodily processes. By communicating with cells, they are responsible for overseeing everything from sex drive to the immune system to digestion. Hormone levels follow a natural progression through the course of our lives. Hormone production begins to increase during puberty and reaches peak levels in our 20s and 30s. In our early 40s, hormone levels begin to decline and, without medical intervention, will continue to decrease as we age. As a result, we can experience symptoms of hormone imbalance that can affect our quality of life.
What are the Symptoms of Hormone Imbalance?
Men generally present with imbalanced or low testosterone levels. As a result, they may be experiencing these hormone imbalance symptoms:
- Erectile Dysfunction (ED)
- Low sex drive
- Chronic fatigue
- Loss of muscle mass / decreased bone mass
- Increased body fat
- Mood changes
- Lower mental capacity
- Depression
- Irritability
- Brain Fog
Estrogen imbalance in women can lead to hormone imbalance symptoms in women, including:
- Fatigue
- Night Sweats
- Hot flashes
- Decreased sex drive
- Weight gain
- Insomnia or fatigue
- Loss of muscle mass
- Decreased bone mass
- Irritability
- Anxiety
- Depression
- Cold hands and feet
HRT vs BHRT: What is BioTE? How are BioTE Pellets Superior?
BioTe is a Bioidentical Hormone Optimization System that uses BHRT to get to the underlying cause of many common and debilitating symptoms that are linked to hormone imbalance. It does this through an innovative subcutaneous hormone delivery system. By placing bioidentical hormone pellets under the skin, testosterone or estrogen are released in a continuous stream into the bloodstream. Thus, the hormone imbalance is treated at its source, resulting in restored health and improved quality of life. Additionally, because of their continuity, BioTE pellets can help avoid the roller-coaster-like side effect commonly associated with hormone creams, patches and pills.
BioTE Providers: Where to find BioTE near me? Where to find BioTE in NYC?
Smooth Synergy Medical Spa is proud to be a Certified BioTE provider, offering our patients BioTE hormone therapy at our New York, NY office. Contact Smooth Synergy at 212-397-0111 to make an appointment to discuss your BioTE Medical options. As your trusted source for BioTE, we can help provide relief from hormone imbalance symptoms. And help get you started on the road to physical, mental and emotional wellness!
