Upon reaching the later stages of life, every woman undergoes changes to her body and hormones due to menopause and pre-menopause. The fluctuation in hormones will often cause several symptoms that affect quality of life.

The symptoms usually subside independently but can remain for up to 10 years. Fortunately, some treatments can help you regulate your hormones. That is where hormone replacement therapy comes in. So, what is hormone replacement therapy, and what is the difference between HRT and BHRT? Read on to learn more about this.

What Is Hormonal Replacement Therapy?

Hormones control most bodily functions that keep you performing correctly. They form a communication system in the body between organs and cells. When they are interrupted or depleted, bodily functions are not going to work correctly. Hormone replacement therapy works to restore the parts of the body that may be affected.

Doctors design your treatment depending on what you are going through. HRT and BHRT are both hormone replacement therapies. They, however, differ on several fronts.

Symptoms of Menopause

Menopause comes from many changes in the body. When the hormones are affected, you may develop the following symptoms:

• Night sweats.
• Hot flashes.
• Memory loss.
• Mood changes.
• Sleep issues.
• Weight gain.
• Low libido.
• Pain during intercourse.

What Is the Difference Between HRT and BHRT?

The main difference between the two therapies is the ingredients in them. HRT uses synthetically developed compounds that mimic the hormones in your body. They are often made using the urine from pregnant horses, yams, and other synthetic hormones - among other sources.
 

BHRT is made from plant sources similar to human body hormones. It allows them to often work more efficiently than the traditional HRT.

BHRT

They can work for both men and women but are commonly used on women in menopause and premenopause. They are effective in other treatments like:

• Thyroid and adrenal disorders.
• Fibromyalgia.
• Insulin resistance.
• Osteoporosis.

BHRT stands for bio-identical hormone replacement therapy. This therapy is derived from plant chemicals, similar to human compounds of estrogen. BHRT comes in several forms, like pills, creams, patches, injections, and gels.

Before using BHRT, you should talk to your doctor to get a good idea of which form you should use. The doctor will also help you understand how much of it you need. They will help you develop a treatment plan that fits your unique symptoms.

Benefits of BHRT

Commonly, people use these therapies as they age when their hormone levels drop. The treatment works to restore the balance of the body. They are particularly popular with women going through menopause. It helps manage the significant symptoms that affect their ability to operate normally.

For more on the difference between HRT and BHRT, visit Full Life at our office in Nashville, Tennessee. Call (615) 805-5600 to book an appointment today.