Bioidentical Hormone Replacement Therapy (BHRT)

If you are experiencing premenopausal or menopausal symptoms, Fatigue,  and are concerned about osteoporosis or would like to restore and optimize your hormonal levels contact our office for a free consultation. Dr. Gharakhani specializes in bioidentical hormone replacement therapy (BHRT). With simple blood tests Dr. Gharakhani will design a treatment plan to optimize your hormone levels to help you feel and age better. Even if your levels are “normal” you may benefit from hormone therapy to optimize your levels.  

Why Bioidentical hormone therapy (BHRT) vs. Conventional Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT)?

Conventional Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT) uses synthetic hormones such as Prempro, Premarin, and Provera. Synthetic hormones are man-made, chemically based and often patented, resulting in the same care for every patient.

Bioidentical hormone therapy uses bioidentical hormones, which are much different than their highly-controversial counterpart, synthetic hormones. Bioidentical hormones are custom-compounded hormones derived from naturally occurring sources, such as yam and soy, designed to be an exact replica of natural hormones that the body organically produces.

The fundamental difference between conventional (synthetic) hormones and bioidentical hormones is the structure. Because bioidentical hormones are structurally identical to endogenous human hormones, they operate on the same cellular level, fitting with the proper receptors and initiating the same sequence of physiological reactions as natural hormones.

What Causes Hormonal Imbalance?

There are many causes of hormonal imbalance including stress (emotional, work-related, dietary or physical), digestion problems (such as constipation, diarrhea and gas) and improper thyroid function.

Within the human body are roughly one trillion cells that rely on the precise balance of hormones to carry out a variety of functions. Hormones act as chemical messengers in the body, and when any component in the system fails, the body can no longer perform optimally. Often, the symptoms related to hormone imbalances are due to barriers on the cellular level.

Signs & Symptoms Of Hormone Imbalance

Hormone levels naturally fluctuate throughout different phases of life such as puberty, pregnancy and menopause. Symptoms of hormonal imbalance typically are disregarded as part of the aging process.  However, your symptoms can be due to a specific diagnosis. The good news is that they can be improved or even eliminated with the right treatment.

You do not need to have all symptoms to confirm you are showing signs of hormonal imbalance. In fact, you may have just two or three symptoms and they may vary at different times of the month.

What are the signs and symptoms of hormonal imbalance in women?

There are a variety of symptoms from hormone imbalance in women. Symptoms of hormone imbalance may include:

• Fatigue
• Night Sweats
• Hot Flashes
• Decreased Sex Drive
• Weight Gain
• Insomnia
• Irritability
• Anxiety
• Depression
• Cold Hands and Feet

If your menstrual cycle has stopped before menopause, or if you are experiencing this or any other symptom of menopause, you may have low estradiol. An increase in UTIs, depression or painful intercourse may also indicate low estradiol in women.

What are the signs and symptoms of low testosterone in men?

Low levels of testosterone in men is much more than just low sex drive or sexual dysfunction (ED). Symptoms consistent with low testosterone are:

• Low sex drive
• Sexual dysfunction (ED)
• Chronic fatigue
• Loss of muscle mass
• Increased body fat (especially in the waist area)
• Decreased bone mass
• Mood changes
• Lower mental capacity
• Depression
• Irritability
• Brain Fog

Studies have shown there are some disease states/conditions that are consistent with low levels of testosterone which include:

• Diabetes
• Cardiovascular disease
• Depression
• Stress
• Anxiety
• Alcohol use
• High cholesterol