Bioidentical Hormone Replacement Therapy Specialist
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Generations Women's Healthcare
Gynecology located in Norton, OH & Cuyahoga Falls, OH
Not every woman experiences significant symptoms when transitioning into menopause. For some, however, the frequent hot flashes, difficulty sleeping, and mood swings can make life miserable for several years. Susan Clark, MD, and Lindsay Smith, PA-C, at Generations Women’s Healthcare provide a full suite of gynecological services for every phase of your life, including bioidentical hormone replacement therapy to help counter the physical and emotional effects of menopause. For expert care that’s always patient-focused, schedule a visit at the Norton or Cuyahoga Falls, Ohio, location today. Call or make an appointment with the convenient online scheduling tool.
Bioidentical Hormone Replacement Therapy Q&A
Why should I consider bioidentical hormone replacement therapy?
Symptoms associated with perimenopause, the transitional phase leading up to the end of your periods, and menopause itself are related to the decline of estrogen produced by your ovaries.
It is a completely natural process that normally takes years to complete as your body adjusts to life with less estrogen. For some women, the symptoms of perimenopause and menopause are manageable with dietary changes, increased exercise, and a renewed focus on overall wellness.
Others, due to their body chemistry and other unchangeable factors, develop significant symptoms that are driven by the very real physical and emotional effects this shift in hormone levels can have on your overall well-being.
Bioidentical hormone replacement therapy can help.
What symptoms can bioidentical hormone replacement therapy relieve?
As you move through the menopausal cycle, you may experience symptoms such as:
- Moderate to severe hot flashes
- Increased forgetfulness and difficulty concentrating or focusing on your daily routine
- Drenching night sweats
- Abrupt mood swings that may range from irritability to debilitating sadness
- Loss of bone density and strength (osteoporosis)
- Vaginal irritation, dryness, and itching
- Difficulty sleeping (i.e., persistent insomnia or frequent awakenings)
- Weight gain and the inability to lose weight despite a healthy diet and activity levels
- Increasingly irregular periods during perimenopause
- Thinning hair and excessively dry skin
- Unexpected leakage of urine (incontinence) as vaginal and urethral tissues lose elasticity
- More frequent urinary tract infections
- Painful intercourse
Simply put, bioidentical hormone replacement therapy can significantly reduce these symptoms and may provide certain protective health benefits for your heart, bones, and urinary system.
What is bioidentical hormone replacement therapy?
Traditional hormone replacement therapy (HRT), which the specialists at Generations Women’s Healthcare also prescribe, relies on chemicals created in a lab to synthesize the hormones used during replacement therapy.
The hormones in bioidentical hormone replacement therapy (BHRT), also created in a lab, come from plants and other natural sources that are “biologically identical” to the hormones your body naturally produces.
Studies are ongoing, but according to the FDA, both types of hormone replacement are equally effective. Your Generations Women’s Healthcare provider discusses the pros and cons of each before prescribing treatment based on your symptoms, exam results, and other unique circumstances.
Is bioidentical hormone replacement therapy safe?
When prescribed and supervised by a qualified medical specialist, BHRT is considered safe and often quite effective.
The providers at Generations Women’s Healthcare have noted excellent clinical responses and numerous benefits from carefully monitored hormone replacement. It can indeed be life-changing for many women experiencing debilitating menopausal symptoms.
Notably, however, there are products advertised as bioidentical or compounded hormones available online and through less than credible sources that have not received FDA approval. Hormones are powerful substances that require careful management to prevent adverse effects that can significantly impact your overall health. Generations Women’s Healthcare is a trusted source for BHRT.
For an honest discussion regarding the benefits of bioidentical hormone replacement therapy, schedule a visit at Generations Women’s Healthcare today. Call or book your visit online.
