Bio-identical Hormone Replacement Therapy

The levels of hormones like estrogen, progesterone, testosterone, and cortisol can begin to decline when many men and women are in their mid-thirties. These changes can cause a wide range of symptoms, including:

• Hot flashes
• Night sweats
• Hair loss
• Difficulty sleeping
• Tiredness and chronic fatigue
• Changes in mood
• Memory loss
• Loss of libido
• Sexual dysfunction
• Feelings of anxiety and depression
• Weight gain
• High cholesterol
• High blood pressure
• Bone demineralization

Bio-identical hormone replacement therapy (BHRT) can relieve these symptoms by carefully monitoring and increasing when necessary the level of estrogen, progesterone, testosterone, and/or DHEA hormones in the body.

Many people are familiar with synthetic hormones marketed by pharmaceutical companies. These include Premarin, Prempro, Provera, etc. These compounds are synthetically manufactured and, therefore, are slightly different from the hormones that naturally occur in the body. These artificial, prescription hormones are made to function similarly to a patient’s own natural hormones.

However, in many cases, the body interprets synthetic hormones as foreign toxins because it cannot metabolize the chemical makeup of the hormone. The use of synthetic hormones may lead to a variety of unwanted side effects ranging from bloating, mood swings, and water retention, to more serious conditions such as cancer and heart disease.

Bio-identical hormones, on the other hand, are manufactured to have the exact same molecular structure as the hormones made by the human body. Because these compounds are natural, they are metabolized along the same metabolic pathways as the hormones naturally produced by our bodies. It is believed that fewer side effects are another benefit of mimicking natural hormone metabolism.

At North Dallas Wellness Center, we utilize an individualized approach to hormone replacement therapy.

To determine if a patient is a candidate for bio-identical hormone replacement therapy (BHRT), they will undergo a complete evaluation and testing, including lab testing of current hormone levels (commonly called a “hormone panel”). When necessary, a precise dosage of bio-identical estrogen, progesterone, and testosterone will be prescribed. In some cases, transdermal cream therapy is the optimal choice.

Every patient will be monitored carefully and have hormone levels checked every few months in order to provide symptom relief with the lowest possible dosage of bio-identical hormones.

In addition to prescribing bio-identical hormones, Dr. David Fein also works with patients to make dietary and lifestyle changes that support an optimal hormonal balance.