-
Bio-identical Hormone Replacement Therapy for Women
BHRT Programs
BHRT for Women
As women approach their late 40s and early 50s, peri-menopausal symptoms can become a vital health challenge. Menstrual periods begin to become irregular in their timing and flow. Eventually ovulation and menstruation stop and the production of estrogen and progesterone declines dramatically. At some point your periods will stop completely. Menopause is said to have officially occurred when you have not had a period for 12 months in a row. As one’s body adapts to the changing levels of natural hormones, all kind of symptoms may occur such as:
o Hot Flashes and Night Sweats
o Depression and Mood Swings
o Anxiety and Irritability
o Problems with concentration and memory
o Vaginal Dryness
o Urgency of urination
o Decreased Sex Drive and Sexual Dysfunction
o Dry Hair and skin
o Fine Lines and Wrinkles
o Disease and illness susceptibility
o Longer Healing Times
o Diminished Quality of Life
Symptoms of pre-menopause, the period prior to menopause, can begin as early as 35 years of age. During pre-menopause, hormone levels begin to drop and you may notice the following symptoms:
Mood Swings and Depression
Anxiety and Irritability
Tender Breasts
Irregular Periods
Heavy Periods
Fluid Retention
Lack of Sex Drive
Less Able to Handle Stress
Cold Body Temperature
Difficulty Concentrating
Headaches
Weight Gain
Menopause typically takes a year, but can last as few as six months or more than 5 years. Many women can rebalance their hormones without the use of drugs. Their symptoms are usually nominal and barely noticeable. However, for many women the symptoms are intolerable and bioidentical hormone replacement therapy (BHRT) may be the right option for them.
Usually sourced from plants, bioidentical hormones are manufactured to have the same molecular structure as the hormones made by one's own body. The chemical structure of a bioidentical hormone matches that of the hormone it is intended to replace and is indistinguishable from that of natural hormones produced in the body.
The great appeal of bioidentical hormones is that because they are just like the self-made variety, our bodies can metabolize them as it was designed to, minimizing side effects that often occur with synthetic hormones.
For many women the symptoms of menopause or peri-menopause are intolerable. If this is you, bio-identical hormone replacement therapy (BHRT) might be the right option. BHRT is about restoring hormones to optimal levels to help you feel like yourself again. Dr. Welchner can help you decide if BHRT is right for you. At the Gama Centre, you begin with a consultation and blood tests. Based on your test results and what you wish to accomplish, you and Dr. Welchner will decide what is ideal for you. Dr. Welchner will then create a hormone program tailored to meet your specific, individual needs and designed to restore your hormones to optimal levels.
Call Andrea at (905) 503-8000 or email at info@DrWelchner.com to set up an appointment. At your first appointment, your hormone symptoms will be discussed and relevant examination will be done. Blood and/or saliva tests will be ordered. After we receive the results of your tests, we will call you back for a follow-up visit at which time your tests will be reviewed, a treatment plan will be discussed and natural supplements and bioidentical hormones will be prescribed if required. Follow-up appointments will be booked approximately every 3 months over the year.