Bioidentical hormones are considered a natural type of hormones that are manufactured to mimic the hormones produced by the body. Oftentimes, the body isn't producing enough of a certain hormone or the hormones are out of balance. In these instances, using hormone replacement therapy can help get the body back on track. For those who choose to do this using bioidentical hormones, it's called bioidentical hormone replacement therapy (BHRT).
While this type of therapy is especially common for women going through menopause, here are three other conditions BHRT can help treat.
1. Hypothyroidism
The thyroid produces two hormones: triiodothyronine (T3) and thyroxine (T4). These hormones are responsible for regulating metabolism, as well as the body's digestive function, heart rate, and muscle control. Another hormone that plays a part in hypothyroidism is thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH), which gets produced by the pituitary gland.
When the thyroid and pituitary glands don't produce enough of these hormones, it results in an underactive thyroid. This condition is called hypothyroidism. The good news is that these thyroid hormones can be restored and balanced with bioidentical hormones.
2. Osteoporosis
About 54 million Americans either have low bone mass, which often leads to osteoporosis, or have already been diagnosed with the bone disease. Certain medical conditions or procedures can increase the risk of getting osteoporosis. Some of these conditions and procedures include:
- Multiple sclerosis
- Celiac disease
- Weight loss surgery
- Gastrectomy
- Diabetes
While this disease cannot be cured, strengthening the bones can help to slow down the disease. This is usually done through supplements such as Vitamin D and calcium. One more alternative for managing osteoporosis is with bioidentical hormone replacement therapy. This therapy can help increase the levels of estrogen, which is a hormone that helps to protect the bones.
3. Fibromyalgia
This long-term chronic disorder is associated with pain in the bones and muscles. Some of the first symptoms associated with the condition include:
- Areas of tenderness
- Fatigue
- Sleep problems
- Morning stiffness
- Numbness and tingling in the extremities
Some of the most common types of treatment for this poorly understood disorder include antidepressants, which can help with pain and fatigue or anti-seizure drugs which can also help to control the pain. Some natural forms of treatment include physical therapy and massage therapy.
One more type of treatment includes BHRT. Hormone replacement can be effective because it has recently been realized that low levels of estradiol and testosterone might be causing many of the symptoms associated with fibromyalgia.
You can discover more about BHRT by speaking with your doctor or a pharmacist.
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