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Bioidentical Hormone Replacement Therapy (BHRT)

Table of Contents

BHRT

Bioidentical Hormone Replacement Therapy (BHRT) uses lab-made hormones structurally identical to those produced by the human body, primarily to address hormonal imbalances during perimenopause, menopause, or andropause. Common hormones include estradiol, estrone, estriol, progesterone, testosterone, and DHEA, delivered via customized compounded forms.

Causes and Symptoms

Established in 2003 and located within The Racquet Club, Sukhumvit 49/9, MedConsult Clinic is an international general practice clinic grounded in the principles of accessibility, affordability, and high-quality medical care. Under the close supervision of Dr. Donna Robinson, the clinic’s professional team of doctors and nurses provides comprehensive healthcare services to a diverse community of patients.

Hormonal declines cause BHRT candidacy, such as estrogen drop in menopause leading to hot flashes, night sweats, mood swings, vaginal dryness, sleep issues, brain fog, and weight gain. In men, low testosterone triggers fatigue, low libido, erectile dysfunction, and depression. Stress, thyroid issues, or adrenal fatigue exacerbate imbalances.

Treatment Methods

BHRT involves personalized dosing based on blood or saliva tests, starting low (e.g., topical estrogen ≤0.5 mg, progesterone <20 mg). Delivery options include topical creams/gels (most common at 71%), oral capsules, injections for steady absorption, pellets lasting 3-6 months, vaginal suppositories, or patches. Physicians adjust via follow-ups every 3-6 months.

Patient Eligibility and Duration

Ideal candidates include women aged 40-70 with moderate-severe symptoms and no contraindications like breast cancer history, blood clots, or stroke. Treatment duration varies: short-term for symptoms or ongoing with monitoring; pellets last 3-4 months for women, 5-6 for men. Regular labs ensure optimization.

Results and Research Evidence

BHRT reduces mood symptoms significantly: 25% drop in emotional lability/irritability, 22% in anxiety within 3-6 months per a cohort of 296 women. Vasomotor relief shows trends like 14% fewer night sweats. A BMC Women’s Health study (PMC3131235) confirms compounded BHRT effectiveness for mood, calling for larger trials on vasomotor symptoms, heart risks, and cancer. Patients report better sleep, energy, and libido.

Risks and Side Effects

Potential risks mirror HRT: blood clots, stroke, heart disease (higher if started >10 years post-menopause), uterine cancer without progesterone, and breast cancer after 5+ years. Side effects include bloating, headaches, acne, tender breasts, or mood changes, often resolving with dose tweaks. No myocardial infarctions or breast cancers occurred in 117 person-years of one study follow-up. FDA-approved forms preferred over compounded due to consistency concerns.
  • By MedConsult Team