Bio-Identical Hormone Replacement Therapy
Philip Borgardt, MD F.A.C.P.
Helping Men & Women Find Balance
Have questions? We have answers — Email us nowWhat is Bio-Identical Hormone Replacement Therapy?
Natural Hormone Replacement Therapy or Bio-Identical Hormone Replacement Therapy (BHRT) is the use of supplemental doses of hormones with a chemical structure identical to hormones naturally produced in the human body: Estradiol, Estriol, Progesterone and Testosterone.
Hormones are how the brain talks to your cells. When the brain tells a gland that it wants something done, the gland releases hormones into your blood. When the hormone binds to the receptor on the cell, it flips a switch and the cell does its preprogrammed job. When your glands fail to produce hormones, your usual body functions simply shut down.
Why Do We Prescribe Bio-Identical Hormone Replacement Therapy?
BHRT is prescribed to relieve the symptoms of menopause and andropause, and advocates and patients often prefer bioidentical options for a few key reasons.
- 1Exact Molecular Match: Because BHRT hormones are an exact molecular match to your body's natural estrogen, progesterone, or testosterone, the body processes them through the same metabolic pathways. Traditional synthetic hormones use animal or artificial hormones whose structure differ from the human body.
- 2Plant Derived Sources: BHRT uses processed hormones that come from plants. They are synthesized in a lab using compounds harvested from plants like yams and soy, which appeals to those looking for "natural" starting materials. Estrogen, progesterone and testosterone are the most commonly used bioidentical hormones. BHRT is prescribed to relieve the symptoms of menopause and andropause.
- 3Perceived Tolerability: Some clinical evidence and patient reports suggest that certain bioidentical forms, such as micronized progesterone, may cause fewer side effects, like bloating or mood swings, compared to synthetic progestins.
Effects of Low Hormones on Both Men and Women
Women
On average women start perimenopause around age 40 when the progesterone level begins to drop, and complete ovarian failure by age 51. Low hormones lead to atrophy of the female anatomy, hot flashes, mood swings, sleep problems, memory problems with higher rates of dementia, a 50% increased chance of osteoporosis fractures, and decreased life expectancy.
Men
In men 40% have low testosterone by age 50, and almost 100% by age 80. The lack of hormones leads to muscle loss, apathetic mood, low libido, erectile problems, abdominal fat, and decreased life expectancy.
Our Approach
Every client receives an initial consultation with Dr. Borgardt to assess their needs and expectations. Dr. Borgardt works in conjunction with the patient's primary care physician and other specialists. An individualized hormone replacement therapy treatment plan is developed based on symptoms and laboratory findings; medications are adjusted at subsequent visits to optimally alleviate symptoms.
