Bioidentical hormones are defined as man-made hormones that are chemically identical to the hormones produced by the human body. These are then used as treatment for women whose own hormones are low or out of balance.
WHY ARE BIOIDENTICAL HORMONES USED?
As women age, the levels of some key hormones in the body go down. These include estrogen and progesterone. This can lead to certain symptoms. Some are very common to women who are past the age of having periods (menopause). Some common effects of low hormones include:
Hot flashes
Night sweats
Vaginal dryness
Loss of interest in sex
Pain during sex
Problems sleeping
Loss of energy
Fatigue Loss of muscle mass
Weight gain
Foggy thinking
Mood changes
Memory loss
The treatment is to replace the hormones that have been lost with the hormone therapy. As a result, hormone levels will increase and symptoms will improve. Currently, national societies and expert recommendations state that the risks and benefits of conventional and bioidentical hormones should be considered equal.