More Info...
Unsure about BHRT and hormones in general, below is information and studies to help you make your decision easier.
Hormone levels for both men and women will naturally decline and can start as early as our early 30's.
Testosterone, estrogen, and progesterone (women mainly) all decline leading to health conditions and physical symptoms. These hormone deficiencies can increase the risk of age-related diseases such as cancer, heart disease, osteoporosis, stroke and senility.
BHRT- Bioidentical Hormone Replacement uses ingredients that are molecularly identical to those produced by the human body and are plant-based, typically derived from soy or yam.
Everyone's treatment plan is customized based on medical history, symptoms, and labs. At Better You we have multiple therapy modalities: Oral, Cream-based, or pellet therapy.
FAQ
For Women:
Are Bioidentical Hormones Safer Than Traditional (Synthetic) Hormones?
Yes, numerous studies indicate that bioidentical hormones differ significantly from synthetic hormones in terms of side effects. As a result, bioidentical hormone replacement therapy (BHRT) has become an increasingly popular alternative to conventional synthetic hormone therapy. This shift is partly attributed to findings from the U.S. government–sponsored Women’s Health Initiative study in 2002, which reported that traditional synthetic hormone therapy increased women’s risk of breast cancer, heart attack, blood clots, and stroke—risks that have not been observed with bioidentical hormones.
A substantial body of research supports the safety of natural bioidentical hormones and suggests they may help reduce baseline risks for breast cancer, cardiovascular disease, and osteoporosis. Additional studies indicate that bioidentical hormones have beneficial effects on blood vessel health and may lower the risk of dementia.
Furthermore, research on both bioidentical estrogens and progesterone shows no association with an increased risk of blood clots.
Are BHRT Pellet Therapy Safe?
Yes, the minimally invasive 15 minute procedure to implant the pellets is carried out through a 3-5 millimeter incision and there is very little trauma to the tissue while implanting the pellets. Most patients state that the area of placement is mildly sore for several days following implantation. This small inconvenience from the implantation is quickly forgotten during the 3-4 months that the testosterone/Estradiol is active. Patients enjoy the benefit of guaranteed compliance and the steady optimal testosterone levels.
Most women Love pellets as it is hands off and does not require daily application/intake unlike the oral or cream-based products.
Con: Once implanted they cannot be removed but they will dissolve overtime.
Does Testosterone cause Heart Disease?
No. Several newspapers in early 2014 cited a flawed study that was retrospective, poorly designed, and implied negative cardiovascular effects from testosterone treatment. This could not be further from the truth. There are numerous studies documenting the beneficial cardiovascular effects from testosterone optimization.
Does BHRT Increase the Risk of Breast Cancer?
Studies have demonstrated the beneficial effects of bioidentical estrogen and progesterone. There is an approximately 30% decreased risk of breast cancer in women that begin treatment with bioidentical estrogen and progesterone at menopause and remain on the treatment long term.
Research Articles
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Benefits of hormone therapy for menopause symptoms outweigh risks, study finds : Shots - Health News : NPR
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HHS Advances Women’s Health, Removes Misleading FDA Warnings on Hormone Replacement Therapy | FDA
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A critique of the Women's Health Initiative hormone therapy study - PubMed Debunks the WHI study of 2002
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Could transdermal estradiol + progesterone be a safer postmenopausal HRT? A review - PubMed
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A Personal Prospective on Testosterone Therapy in Women—What We Know in 2022 - PMC
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Postmenopausal estrogen-containing hormone therapy and the risk of breast cancer - PubMed Study shows synthetic estrogen Premarin and progestin (synthetic progesterone) increase breast cancer, not estrogen alone or with methyltestosterone
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Hormonal Protection against Colon Cancer in Women Aged 50 and Over More Efficient than Screening Colonoscopy Study shows estrogen use protective against colon cancer.
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