Bioidentical hormone replacement therapy (BHRT) balances your hormone levels using hormones identical to the hormones naturally produced by the human body. It’s one of the most effective treatments to alleviate the symptoms of menopause and other hormonal imbalances.
But if you’re entering menopause — or you’re suffering the symptoms of some other hormonal imbalance — you might wonder, “Am I eligible for BHRT?”
We can help you find the answer. With comprehensive hormone evaluations, Dr. Brian Lamkin, and our team at The Lamkin Clinic provide personalized advice and guidance to help you make an informed decision about your healthcare.
Here’s what you need to know.
Your hormones influence nearly every function in your body including mood, brain function, sleep, libido, energy, and response to exerccise. They also affect our risk for age-related diseases including Cardiovascular Disease, Alzheimer’s, and Osteoporosis. If you have a hormonal imbalance, these functions are disrupted. And all too often, bothersome symptoms often develop.
Balancing your hormone levels with BHRT offers several potential benefits, including:
Because BHRT uses hormones identical to the hormones naturally produced by the human body, the treatment can correct a range of common symptoms and help you feel like yourself again.
Your hormone levels — and the symptoms you experience — are unique to you. While BHRT has the potential to relieve symptoms of hormonal imbalance effectively, it isn’t a one-size-fits-all solution, and not everyone is a good candidate.
To determine if you’re eligible for BHRT, Dr. Lamkin and our team do a comprehensive BHRT evaluation. At your appointment, we consider factors that include:
Hormonal imbalance gets increasingly common with age. Sex hormones decline around menopause and andropause (the male version of menopause) and trigger various unpleasant symptoms in both women and men.
Women usually experience dropping estrogen and progesterone levels between the ages of 45 and 55, and men may experience dropping testosterone levels between the ages of 40 and 55. If you are younger than these ages, BHRT may not be appropriate for you.
Dr. Lamkin evaluates your medical history to determine whether BHRT is safe for you. He considers any medications, allergies, and pre-existing medical conditions you may have. Be sure to tell us if you’ve taken any hormone replacement therapy in the past.
Next, we conduct a physical examination to assess your overall health. We may take your vital signs, including height, weight, and blood pressure. We also ask about your current symptoms to help determine whether BHRT is appropriate for you.
Along with your exam, we do a full hormonal assessment. We take a sample of your blood and check your hormone levels to determine if you have a hormonal imbalance.
Since we use BHRT to alleviate the symptoms of hormonal imbalances, you may be eligible if:
If you’re a good candidate for BHRT, Dr. Lamkin talks with you about what you can expect during treatment. It’s important to note that the potential benefits of BHRT must be weighed against the potential risks. In a review of the research, Dr. Lamkin feels that for most, the benefits far outweigh the risks and each is discussed in detail.
Have questions about the benefits of BHRT for hormonal imbalance? Book a consultation with our team at The Lamkin Clinic in Edmond, Oklahoma. Call us at 405-285-4762 or request an appointment online now.
