Is bioidentical hormone replacement therapy worth it?
Answer From Tatnai Burnett, M.D. No, they aren’t. According to the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and several medical specialty groups, the hormones marketed as “bioidentical” and “natural” aren’t safer than hormones used in traditional hormone therapy. There’s also no evidence that they’re any more effective.
Who is not a candidate for bioidentical hormones?
Having a medical history that includes breast cancer, high blood pressure, heart disease, stroke, or blood clots may prevent you from qualifying for BHRT. Your physician may also recommend against BHRT if you have these conditions in your family history. Some women experience side effects as a result of BHRT.
How do I get bioidentical hormones?
Some prescription forms of bioidentical hormones are premade by drug companies. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved certain types of bioidentical hormones. Other forms of bioidentical hormones are custom-made by a pharmacist based on a healthcare provider’s prescription.
Why is hormone therapy not recommended?
Known health risks include: An increased risk of endometrial cancer (only if you still have your uterus and are not taking a progestin along with estrogen). Increased risk of blood clots and stroke. Increased chance of gallbladder/gallstone problems.
Are bioidentical hormones safe after 60?
Answer. Hormone therapy can be extremely beneficial for bone health purposes for women up to the age of 60 years, and in some circumstances women may continue hormone therapy after this age, depending on their general health, family history and bone density / history of fracture.
Do bioidentical hormones make you look younger?
By supplementing your body’s natural hormone levels, HRT can help you maintain a more youthful body composition. While this effect is particularly evident in men, research suggests that women can also benefit. HRT is also known to help women maintain softer, smoother skin, resulting in a younger look.
Does insurance cover hormone pellets?
Most insurance plans do cover hormone replacement therapy or a patient experiencing symptoms of menopause, as long as it’s recommended by your primary health care provider.
What happens when you stop taking bioidentical hormones?
The most likely risk is that your menopausal symptoms return. Some research also suggests a rise in blood pressure and a slight increase in risk of heart attack or stroke in the year after stopping HRT. But overall, the risks of stopping HRT are low. And you can do it in a slow, comfortable, and safe way.
Does HRT take years off your life?
Hormone replacement therapy does not shorten lifespans, new research finds.
Should a 65 year old woman take estrogen?
Women older than 60 or 65 don’t automatically have to stop taking HRT and can consider continuing HRT beyond age 65 for persistent hot flashes, quality-of-life issues, or prevention of osteoporosis after appropriate evaluation and counseling of the benefits and risks of HRT.
Do bioidentical hormones help with sagging skin?
Bioidentical hormones have been shown to increase skin hydration and reduce skin atrophy.