General Information​​

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 Bioidentical Hormone Replacement Therapy (BHRT) is a personalized medical treatment designed to restore hormonal balance by using hormones that are chemically identical to those naturally produced by the body. For many women, hormonal imbalances occur due to aging, menopause, or medical conditions, leading to a wide range of symptoms such as fatigue, mood swings, hot flashes, and decreased libido. BHRT offers a natural approach to treating these imbalances and improving overall well-being.  At NPS Wellness, we offer a monthly membership for $240 that includes visits with our nurse practitioners, labs, and medications.  

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How It Works

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BHRT works by replacing the body’s deficient hormones with bioidentical hormones that are derived from plant sources, typically soy or yams. These hormones are chemically identical to the hormones your body naturally produces, such as estrogen, progesterone, testosterone, and thyroid hormones.

When a woman enters menopause or perimenopause, her body’s production of these hormones decreases, leading to symptoms such as hot flashes, night sweats, mood swings, and more. BHRT restores these hormones to their natural levels, aiming to alleviate symptoms and restore balance. The treatment is customized to meet your unique needs based on your medical history, symptoms, and hormone levels.

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Methods of Administration

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BHRT can be administered through various methods, and the choice depends on your individual health needs and lifestyle. Some common methods of administration include:

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• Topical creams and gels: These are applied directly to the skin, where they are absorbed into the bloodstream for a gradual release of hormones.

• Hormone pellets: Tiny pellets are implanted under the skin, typically in the hip area, where they slowly release hormones over time.

• Injections: Hormones are injected directly into the body, typically into muscle or under the skin for immediate hormone absorption.

• Patches: Hormone patches are applied to the skin and provide a steady release of hormones throughout the day.

• Sublingual tablets: These tablets dissolve under the tongue for fast absorption directly into the bloodstream.​​

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Benefits of BHRT

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Bioidentical Hormone Replacement Therapy offers numerous benefits, especially for women experiencing hormonal imbalances. Some of the key benefits include:

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• Relief from menopause symptoms: BHRT can reduce or eliminate common menopause symptoms, including hot flashes, night sweats, and vaginal dryness.

• Increased energy levels: Many women report feeling more energetic and less fatigued after starting BHRT.

• Enhanced mood and mental clarity: Hormonal balance can help reduce mood swings, anxiety, and depression, improving overall emotional well-being.

• Improved libido: BHRT can help restore sexual desire and improve sexual function in women experiencing a decrease in libido due to hormonal changes.

• Weight management: BHRT may aid in weight loss or help prevent weight gain by balancing hormones involved in metabolism.

• Stronger bones: Estrogen plays a crucial role in bone health, and BHRT can help maintain bone density, reducing the risk of osteoporosis.

BHRT aims to restore hormonal equilibrium, promoting better overall health, vitality, and quality of life.

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Potential Risks and Side Effects

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While BHRT can provide significant benefits, it’s important to be aware of potential risks and side effects. Some of the most common risks associated with BHRT include:

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• Hormonal imbalance: During the initial phase of treatment, some women may experience side effects like bloating, breast tenderness, or headaches as their bodies adjust to the new hormone levels.

• Increased risk of blood clots: Estrogen-based treatments, particularly when delivered orally or via pellets, can increase the risk of blood clots, which could lead to deep vein thrombosis (DVT) or pulmonary embolism.

• Breast cancer risk: Long-term use of any type of hormone therapy, including BHRT, may increase the risk of breast cancer. Women with a family history of breast cancer should discuss this risk with their healthcare provider prior to starting BHRT.

• Cardiovascular health: Some research suggests that hormone therapy may increase the risk of heart disease in certain women, particularly those with pre-existing conditions.

• Endometrial cancer: Women with an intact uterus who use estrogen therapy without progesterone may be at increased risk for endometrial (uterine) cancer.​

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Monitoring and Medical Supervision

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One of the key aspects of Bioidentical Hormone Replacement Therapy is regular monitoring and medical supervision. It is essential to work with a qualified healthcare provider who will track your progress, evaluate your symptoms, and adjust your treatment plan as needed.

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At NPS Wellness we recommend:

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• Blood tests: These will be done regularly to measure hormone levels and ensure they are within the optimal range.

• Symptom tracking: Keeping track of how you feel and any changes in symptoms will help your provider adjust the treatment to maximize its effectiveness.

• Routine exams: Regular physical exams and screenings, such as mammograms and pelvic exams, will be performed to ensure your overall health is maintained throughout the treatment

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The goal of ongoing monitoring is to ensure that BHRT remains safe and effective, helping to minimize potential side effects and achieve the best possible results.