What are Bioidentical Hormones?
Bioidentical hormones are hormones identical, on a molecular level, to the ones naturally produced in our bodies. Hormones such as estrogen, progesterone, and testosterone are naturally occurring in the body and are commonly used as bioidentical hormones for replacement therapy or BHRT.
Hormone Imbalance in Men
Aging plays a major role in hormone imbalance in men, but there are additional factors that may contribute to decreases in the production of testosterone, including genetics, diet and lifestyle, medications, injuries, and stress.
Most male hormone imbalance stems from these four major causes: hypothyroidism, hyperthyroidism, adrenal fatigue, and andropause (or, more commonly known as male menopause).
Additional signs of male hormone imbalance include:
- Cognitive decline, memory loss
- Weight gain
- Erectile dysfunction
- Low sex drive
- Loss of muscle mass
- Depression
Hormone Imbalance in Women
One of the leading causes of hormone imbalance in women is menopause. A majority of aging women begin to experience menopause within their 40s – 50s, which is marked by a decrease in the levels of naturally occurring reproductive hormones estrogen and progesterone. With this decrease in reproductive hormone production, many women begin to experience symptoms like vaginal dryness, hot flashes/night sweats, brain fog, and mild depression.
Additional signs of hormone imbalance in women (for both menopause and other causes) include:
- Acne (face, chest, and/or upper back)
- Hair loss
- Heavy periods
- Hirsutism (excess body hair)
- Hot flashes
- Infertility
- Irregular periods
- Loss of interest in sex
