In terms of hormone replacement therapy (HRT), medical recommendations have changed over recent years. Increasing numbers of professionals are choosing bioidentical hormone replacement therapy (BHRT) as a safer and more effective alternative to traditional HRT for menopause, andropause, and other hormonal imbalances.
Dr. Edward Jacobson at Greenwich Hormones understands these differences and strives to provide his patients with the best individualized care possible, including BHRT. In this article, we will discuss why HRT is no longer recommended.
Although the term HRT is often used interchangeably to refer to any type of hormone replacement therapy, there is a difference between synthetic and bioidentical hormones. Conventional HRT may include synthetic hormones like conjugated equine estrogens (Premarin) and synthetic progestins, chemicals that are very different from the body’s own hormones.
In contrast, bioidentical hormone replacement therapy (BHRT) employs hormones that are molecularly identical to those produced by the body. This includes estradiol, estrone, and estriol for estrogen therapy, progesterone (not synthetic progestin) for women, and testosterone for both men and women.
BHRT seeks to more closely mimic the body’s natural hormonal rhythms, thereby reducing the risk of many side effects associated with traditional hormone replacement therapy (HRT). This is why HRT is no longer recommended as a primary form of therapy.
For years, HRT was prescribed for menopause symptoms like hot flashes, night sweats, and mood swings. Yet many studies, notably the Women’s Health Initiative (WHI) study, have questioned whether these synthetic hormones are safe. The known risks of synthetic HRT include the following:
Given these risks, the medical community has no longer recommended HRT and is looking for alternatives that provide similar benefits with fewer side effects.
A safer and better alternative to synthetic HRT is biologically equivalent hormone replacement therapy. Dr. Edward Jacobson at Greenwich Hormones uses BHRT because it is more similar to the body’s natural hormones, which helps many of his patients.
BHRT hormones are essentially molecularly identical to your own, so they are metabolized more efficiently with fewer unwanted side effects. For example, bioidentical estrogen and progesterone may reduce breast cancer and blood clot risk compared to synthetic HRT.
BHRT is customizable. Dr. Jacobson listens to his patients about their unique hormonal imbalances and develops individualized treatment plans. Low libido, fatigue, or other symptoms of hormonal imbalance can all be controlled with BHRT, something that is not always possible with traditional HRT.
BHRT provides better symptom relief with improvements in mood, energy, and sexual health; for low-libido men and women, BHRT may be especially effective in restoring hormone levels without the risk of erectile dysfunction or other sexual health issues.
Bioidentical hormones support a more even hormonal environment. Because BHRT targets restoring healthy hormone balances, it does not just treat the symptoms—it restores youthful hormone balance. It also reduces the risk of chronic health problems like osteoporosis, heart disease, or cognitive decline.
Ultimately, BHRT is a safer, more trusted hormonal treatment within the medical community.
Dr. Jacobson uses bioidentical hormones to treat hormonal imbalances. All procedures are performed in Connecticut, so you can drive one hour to see Dr. Jacobson in person if you live in Manhattan.
Note to California residents: Dr. Jacobson consults periodically in the state and offers remote consultations via FaceTime, Skype, or telephone if you can not meet in person.
BHRT uses bioidentical hormone therapy in conjunction with your body’s natural processes, which is a considerable benefit and why HRT is no longer recommended. Dr. Edward Jacobson treats low libido and hormonal imbalances individually, using no synthetic hormones. BHRT is not a panacea for all health issues, but it has served many patients well who needed hormone restoration without the side effects of traditional HRT.
Now that we know the dangers of synthetic hormones better and why HRT is no longer recommended, you can understand why BHRT is the preferred choice. For more information, please visit Greenwich Hormones.
BHRT may help you through menopause, andropause, or other hormone issues without the side effects of traditional HRT. For those considering hormone therapy, Dr. Jacobson is just a consultation away.
