Bioidentical Hormone Replacement Therapy (BHRT) helps women find relief from various symptoms relating to perimenopause, menopause as well as other hormonal imbalances. Dr. Jason Shapiro uses safe, state-of-the-art bioidentical hormone replacement treatments for women interested in preventing or reversing these age-related health issues.
Understanding the benefits of BHRT and how it can positively impact your health should be a vital part of your wellness journey. BHRT uses bioidentical hormones, namely Estrogen, Progesterone, and Testosterone, which are derived from plant hormones (phytohormones). These bioidentical hormones act just like your own estrogen, progesterone, and testosterone with the purpose of maintaining a healthy balance typically seen in younger, healthier women. By optimizing and balancing your hormone levels with BHRT, you will be able to keep your body functioning at a higher level and symptom-free.
The following list of symptoms are commonly seen in our patients experiencing hormonal imbalances:
BHRT is an effective treatment option for women experiencing symptoms related to perimenopause, menopause, and other hormonal imbalances like low testosterone or Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS) to name a few.
You can expect the following benefits from BHRT with Dr. Shapiro:
Every female hormone assessment with Dr. Shapiro begins with a quick symptom questionnaire. This will provide Dr. Shapiro with an accurate understanding of your current symptoms and will help direct his clinical focus at the time of your appointment.
The next step includes fasting blood work done in our office, at your home (with our mobile team), or at a laboratory nearest you. The blood work comprises a comprehensive evaluation of all your hormones, including various metabolic and inflammatory markers. This will help Dr. Shapiro identify your active health issues that will be a focus for optimization with BHRT.
Women who experience unexplained weight gain, lack of energy, low sex drive, poor work performance, or even noticeable skin laxity may be potential candidates.
Women with preexisting conditions like heart disease, liver disease, blood clots, or breast cancer should consult with their primary care doctor or gynecologist before considering BHRT.
With any prescribed medication, there may be a risk of side effects if the medication is not prescribed correctly. Dr. Shapiro takes the prescribing approach of “start low and go slow” in terms of optimizing and balancing female hormones. Generally speaking, bioidentical hormone therapy is very well tolerated when appropriately prescribed.
Depending on the severity of the symptoms and the degree of imbalanced hormones, BHRT works relatively quickly. Within a week, you can expect a noticeable change in how you feel which should continue as your hormones start to get balanced. Generally speaking, every person is different and as such, BHRT can take varying amounts of time to reach the goal of resolving all related symptoms. Dr. Shapiro’s programs are designed to work quickly, with the majority of the symptoms improved within 90 days.
