Our hormones control everything from stress and energy levels to sleep and sex drive. Imbalanced hormones can make us gain weight, feel brain fog, and dampen our mood. During menopause, it’s common to experience many symptoms of hormonal imbalance.

At Infinity Medical Aesthetics & Wellness in Kalispell, MT, Dr. Shane Hill is pleased to offer bioidentical hormone replacement therapy (BHRT) by BioTE® Medical.

Keep reading to learn more about BHRT and its safety for treating hormonal imbalances during and after menopause.

How does bioidentical hormone replacement therapy (BHRT) work?

During and after menopause, estrogen, progesterone, testosterone, and other hormones in your body become depleted. Bioidentical hormone replacement therapy (BHRT) is designed to restore your body’s natural hormonal balance by replacing those depleted hormones.

The hormones used in BHRT are identical to your body’s own on a molecular level, but they are synthetic. They typically come in the form of a pellet inserted under the skin but can also be delivered via oral capsules or a cream.

Pellets are the most common form of BHRT, and they dissolve under the skin over 3 – 6 months. You may need to come in multiple times a year to have your hormone levels tested and see if you need a replacement pellet.

What symptoms can BHRT resolve?

As estrogen levels, in particular, fall during menopause, it can cause both mental and physical symptoms. By replacing it, BHRT can help reduce the effects of:

• Fatigue

• Irregular menstruation during the first parts of menopause

• Weight fluctuation

• Night sweats and hot flashes

• Mood swings

• Low libido

• Vaginal dryness and itching

• Pain during sex

• Bone loss that can lead to osteoporosis

Studies have shown that BHRT can also reduce your risk for heart disease, Alzheimer’s, and other chronic conditions.

Is BHRT safe for women going through menopause?

Most menopausal patients have a good experience with BHRT and find it improves their mood and energy, and allows them to reclaim parts of their life that they previously thought had been slipping away.

Dr. Hill will monitor your progress and ensure your therapy has the desired effect or investigate any side effects. But in general, BHRT is safe for most women.

It’s important to remember that bioidentical hormone replacement is not meant to be permanent, and the goal is to use the least amount possible for the shortest period of time.

There are potential dangers for women undergoing BHRT, which makes it particularly important to develop a good relationship with a physician like Dr. Hill. Long terms risks include an increased risk of:

• Blood clots

• Gallbladder disease

• Stroke

• Breast cancer

Who should not use bioidentical hormone replacement therapy?

Patients with a medical history that includes any of the following may not be good candidates for BHRT:

• Breast cancer

• A history of strokes

• Blood-clotting disorders

• Heart or cardiovascular issues

BHRT can also cause weight gain, bloating, breast tenderness, fatigue, and skin changes as your body adjusts to new hormone levels.

Get bioidentical hormone replacement therapy in Kalispell, MT

At Infinity Medical Aesthetics & Wellness, Dr. Shane Hill customizes each hormone treatment for optimal wellness and minimal side effects. BHRT by BioTE Medical often begins working within a month, though some patients start to feel better in a week.

Schedule a consultation with Dr. Hill at his office in Kalispell, MT, on U.S. 93 just south of Stillwater River to learn more.