If you are a woman in your late 30s or early 40s, there's a good chance you've been experiencing some changes in your body. You may have noticed that you're not sleeping as well as you used to or that you're gaining weight even though you're eating and exercising the same as always.

As women age, they may start to experience a decline in hormone production, which can lead to a variety of uncomfortable symptoms like hot flashes, night sweats, weight gain, and more. These changes are often attributed to declining hormone levels, but bioidentical hormone replacement therapy (BHRT) can help.

What Is BHRT?

BHRT is a form of hormone therapy that uses hormones identical to the ones your body naturally produces, making BHRT incredibly effective in treating hormonal imbalances and minimizing the symptoms that come along with them. Additionally, because the hormones used in BHRT are identical to those produced by your body, they are much less likely to cause negative side effects than other types of hormone therapy options. 

BHRT hormones are derived from plant sources, which means they are natural and have fewer side effects than synthetic hormones. You can take BHRT in a number of ways, including creams, patches, pills, and vaginal inserts.

How Can BHRT Help?

If you are experiencing any of the following symptoms, BHRT may be right for you:

• Hot flashes
• Sleep disturbances
• Mood swings
• Night sweats
• Vaginal dryness
• Weight gain
• Low libido
• Fatigue 

For many women, BHRT can be an effective treatment for these symptoms, and many feel like themselves again after starting BHRT. In addition, BHRT can also help alleviate depression and anxiety. 

Which Is Better: HRT or BHRT?

HRT, or traditional hormone replacement therapy, uses synthetic hormones to replace the ones your body is no longer producing. While HRT can be effective, it also comes with a number of risks, including an increased risk of blood clots, strokes, and breast cancer.

BHRT, on the other hand, uses all-natural hormones and may be safer than HRT. The Cleveland Clinic states that taking bioidentical hormones can help people who experience symptoms of low or unbalanced hormones that often accompany the onset of perimenopause or menopause.

Bioidentical hormone replacement therapy is an incredibly effective way to relieve the symptoms of hormonal imbalances in women. If you think you may be a good candidate for BHRT, talk to your doctor about getting started on a treatment plan. With the help of BHRT, you can enjoy relief from your symptoms and get back to living your life to the fullest. 

For more information, contact a local clinic, like Southern Integrative & Environmental Medical.