Bioidentical hormones can be understood as synthetic hormones that are quite similar to the hormones that are produced by the human body. Some of the common hormones that can be matched by bioidentical hormones include testosterone, progesterone, and estrogen. Some bioidentical hormones are customized by pharmacists as ordered by doctors, while others are pre-manufactured by drug companies. They are used in treating people whose own hormone levels are out of balance or lower than normal. Below are some important things that you should know about bioidentical hormones. If you’re in the area, you can learn more in person about Fresno bioidentical hormones treatment.
Why Bioidentical Hormones are Used
As people grow older, the levels of some important hormones in the bodies are likely to go down. Some of such hormones include progesterone, estrogen, and testosterone. Unfortunately, this can lead to some unpleasant symptoms. Examples of such symptoms are those that women experience during menopause when the hormone levels are lower than normal. Some of them include Hot flashes, fatigue, loss of muscle mass, loss of energy, vaginal dryness, pain during sex, night sweats, mood swings, memory loss, foggy thinking, insomnia, and loss of interest in sex, among others.
Bioidentical hormones are effective when it comes to treating these symptoms. Treatment usually involves using bioidentical hormones to replace lost hormones through hormone replacement therapy. As the hormone levels increase, the symptoms will start to improve.
Side-Effects of Bioidentical Hormones
Bioidentical hormones are associated with a number of side-effects. Some of the side-effects occur since the patient’s body is not used to the higher levels of hormones. However, most of the side-effects can get better gradually as the body adjusts itself to the new hormonal levels. Some of the common side-effects of bioidentical hormones include:
- Tiredness
- Headaches
- Acne
- Breast tenderness
- Increased facial hair
- Blurred vision
- Indigestion
- Bloating
- Mood swings
- Weight gain
Are Bioidentical Hormones Safe?
Bioidentical hormones that have been tested and approved by the FDA are safe. This is because they have reached the strict standards set by the FDA for drugs that are safe for human use. However, the compounded hormones are made in pharmacies and they do not undergo FDA testing, meaning that their safety cannot be ascertained. As such, if you are under hormone replacement therapy, it is imperative for you to be watched closely by a doctor, to ensure that your doses are adjusted according to your symptoms and your changing hormone needs.
The Bottom Line
Overall, it is apparent that it is normal for the levels of the hormones in the body to fall as a person ages. Unfortunately, this has the effect of causing some unpleasant symptoms. The good news is that this is an issue that can be solved through hormone replacement therapy using safe bioidentical hormones. It is also clear that bioidentical hormones can come with several side-effects. However, most of the side-effects should dissipate as the body adjusts to the new hormone levels. If you are looking for a reliable primary care provider with experience in bioidentical hormones in the Fresno, CA area, Ignacio Guzman, MD of North Fresno Primary Care is an excellent choice. Feel free to contact North Fresno Primary Care for more information about the bioidentical hormones specialist and services provided.
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