Learn the Differences Between Traditional Hormones and Bioidentical Hormones in Sugar Land.
Aging is an inevitable aspect of life.
And along with it comes various changes in one’s physical, mental, and emotional health.
However, many of these changes have something to do with deteriorating hormones.
Declining hormonal levels can cause disruptions in one’s health and daily life. For instance, when women reach the age of 50, their ovaries start to produce less estrogen and progesterone. It is also at that age when they usually experience menopause.
At this point, adults will begin experiencing symptoms such as hot flashes, mood swings, low libido, and many more. When dealing with hormonal imbalances, hormone replacement therapy is the most recommended treatment.
It’s a method of replacing the hormones that you lack to help improve your health and overall well-being. And over time, there’s been two types of hormone therapy that have become popular: traditional hormone therapy and bioidentical hormone therapy.
Read on to learn the differences between traditional and bioidentical hormones in Sugar Land and identify which one’s more suitable for you.
Hormone imbalances can affect women and men of varying ages and manifest in physical and mental signs.
Ingredients
Traditional hormones and bioidentical hormones differ in terms of their origin and composition. Below are the following key differences between the ingredients of these two types of hormones:
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Composition
Traditional hormones originate from animal or synthetic sources. They contain conjugated estrogens derived from the urine of pregnant hormones. They also have synthetic hormones like ethinyl estradiol and medroxyprogesterone acetate.
Meanwhile, bioidentical replacement hormones are structurally similar to those naturally produced in the human body. They are derived from plant sources, such as yam or soy, and are then synthesized in the laboratory to become biologically identical to human hormones.
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Individualization
Traditional hormone therapy for women is typically mass-produced with fixed dosages and limited options for customization. Standardized doses are prescribed to patients without considering their unique hormonal needs. On the other hand, bioidentical hormone therapy can be tailored to an individual’s unique hormone requirements.
Learn more here: 5 Benefits of Hormone Therapy for Women
Benefits
Hormone replacement therapy is meant to treat the symptoms of health issues caused by hormonal imbalances. These symptoms include night sweats, hot flashes, low sex drive, bone loss, dementia, depression, high cholesterol levels, and many others. Hormone replacement therapy not only alleviates these symptoms but also supports the immune system and improves your metabolism.
Traditional hormone therapy is effective, but its risks should be considered carefully before use. Fortunately, bioidentical hormone therapy provides the same benefits without risking your health. They’re supposed to work more efficiently and safely because their composition is the same as human hormones instead of synthetic ones.
Side Effects
Traditional and bioidentical replacement hormones have potential side effects, although the specific side effects may vary. Here’s an overview of the side effects associated with each type of hormone therapy:
Side effects of traditional hormone therapy
- Increased risk of blood clots: Estrogen can increase the risk of blood clots, especially when taken orally. The risk is higher among women with pre-existing cardiovascular conditions or a history of blood clots.
- Increased risk of breast cancer: Using combined estrogen and progestin therapy in the long term may slightly heighten the risk of breast cancer.
- Risk of endometrial (uterine) cancer: Unopposed estrogen therapy in women without a hysterectomy can increase the risk of endometrial cancer. However, the addition of progestin can help reduce this risk.
- Nausea and digestive issues: Some may experience nausea, bloating, or other digestive discomforts when taking traditional hormones, particularly when initiated or at higher doses.
- Breast tenderness: HRT may cause breast tenderness or swelling, especially during the initial stages.
- Fluid retention: Some patients may experience mild fluid retention or bloating, leading to weight gain or swelling in the extremities.
Side effects of bioidentical hormone therapy
- Allergic reactions or skin irritation: Experiencing allergic reactions or skin irritation at the application site is possible when using bioidentical hormone creams, gels, or patches.
- Hormonal imbalance or Overdosing: Bioidentical hormone therapy requires monitoring and individualized dosing to prevent hormonal imbalances or overdosing, which leads to mood swings, acne, hair growth, or changes in cholesterol levels.
- Limited research and standardization: Bioidentical hormones are less extensively studied than traditional hormones.
- Potential interactions with other medications: Like traditional hormones, BHRT can interact with other medicines, so discussing all current medications and supplements with a healthcare professional to minimize potential interactions is essential.
Remember that while bioidentical replacement hormones are often touted as more natural and safer than traditional hormones, there is an ongoing debate and limited scientific consensus on their overall benefits and risks.
The decision to use conventional or bioidentical hormones should be made in consultation with a knowledgeable healthcare professional who can provide personalized guidance based on an individual’s medical history, symptoms, and treatment goals.
Try Bioidentical Hormones in Sugar Land, TX Today!
If you’ve been struggling with the frustrating symptoms of hormonal imbalances, such as fatigue, weight gain, mood swings, or decreased libido, it’s time to make a change.
Dr. Shel Wellness & Aesthetic Center is dedicated to guiding you on a transformative journey toward optimal wellness.
With our personalized approach and extensive experience in providing bioidentical hormones in Sugar Land, we can help restore balance to your body and unleash the vibrant, energetic version of yourself you’ve longed for.
Don’t let hormonal imbalances hold you back. Schedule a consultation with Dr. Shel Wellness & Aesthetic Center today. Call us at (281) 609-4439. You may also have a look at our client’s experiences with our treatment here.
