If you’re reading this blog post, you likely have some interest in hormone replacement therapy in the Baton Rouge area as a way to address a condition or conditions related to hormonal imbalances. There’s also a pretty good chance that you’re confused about the differences between bioidentical and synthetic hormones.
Hopefully, this blog post can help clarify the differences and provide some additional information about the benefits of hormone replacement therapy. First, we’ll provide a quick refresher about hormones and the critical role they play in the well-being of both women and men.
Hormones and Health
Think of hormones as messengers traveling through your bloodstream, helping the body’s organs and tissues to function. Each hormone communicates specific information, and it’s vital for your overall physical and mental health that none of the messages overwhelms the others. Maintaining hormonal balance is a key to staying healthy because hormones influence:
- Growth and development
- Metabolism–how your body gets energy from the foods you eat
- Sexual function
- Reproduction
- Mood
Out-of-balance hormones can lead to conditions such as diabetes, weight gain or loss, infertility, or depression.
What Is Hormone Replacement Therapy?
The body’s production of hormones begins declining in both men and women starting in their 30s. That’s just part of the normal aging process, and the drop in levels of certain hormones affects several aspects of our health. Menopause in women is the result of sudden hormonal changes. Men don’t experience the same sudden shift, but andropause is caused by the gradual decrease in testosterone over the course of a man’s adult life.
The impact can affect all portions of a person’s life, from an overall loss of energy to brain fog to a declining libido. Hormone replacement therapy can help boost hormone levels and address these and other conditions. For answers to your top hormone replacement therapy questions, take a look at our FAQs About HRT page.
Bioidentical vs. Synthetic Hormones?
So, what is the difference? Bioidentical hormones are plant-derived and have an identical chemical structure to hormones produced by the body. Synthetic hormones, on the other hand, are produced by pharmaceutical companies with chemical structures that aren’t identical to the body’s hormones.
Studies have linked synthetic hormones to an increased risk of developing certain diseases. Bioidentical hormones, which are commonly used both in the U.S. as well as in other countries, have been shown to be safer than synthetic hormones in numerous studies. Even though there is still a debate about whether bioidentical hormone replacement therapy is more effective than using synthetic hormones, the available literature supports the use of bioidentical hormones.
Our hormone replacement specialists have the training and experience to create a therapeutic plan customized for your specific needs. Contact us using the online form to schedule an initial appointment or call us at one of our locations. Call (225) 960-1580 (Baton Rouge) or (504) 252-9579 (Metairie).
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