Where can I buy Bio-identical Hormones (BHRT)?

If fluctuating hormones are getting you down, you may be starting to explore the steps that you can take to feel more balanced. There’s no ‘right’ way to do it, you need to find what works for you. But if Hormone Replacement Therapy is something you’re considering, you may be considering BHRT, and now need to understand how you can go about accessing it. If that’s the case, consider this your guide.

What is Bio-identical Hormone Therapy (BHRT)?

Bioidentical hormone replacement therapy (BHRT) is a specialised field of medicine that corrects hormone imbalances through the use of natural bioidentical hormones.

Unlike conventional HRT, Bioidentical hormones are especially effective because their molecular structure is identical to the hormones created by the body. They fit the body’s hormone receptor sites perfectly, ensuring that messages are correctly translated, and the effects are consistent with the body’s biochemistry. In other words, they behave and mimic the exact same response as the natural hormones in your body.

Bioidentical hormone replacement therapy can be formulated to produce the desired results but with fewer side effects than traditional HRT in many cases. BHRT has been used with great success by patients worldwide since the 1930s and is currently being used to improve the lives of millions of men and women with hormonal imbalances.

Hormones that may need to be balanced

There’s a symphony of hormones at play throughout your life. When your hormones are balanced, you generally feel good. But when the balance of your hormone’s changes – as it will during menopause – that’s when you begin to experience problems. The most common hormones that fall out of balance include:

• Testosterone
• Oestrogen (also called Oestradiol, Estriol and Estrone)
• Progesterone
• Thyroid
• Cortisol
• DHEA
• Vitamin D

Bioidentical hormone replacement therapy combined with proper nutrition and exercise can help men and women return to their optimal mental, physical, emotional, and sexual health of their youth.

How do I know whether my hormones are off balance?

Hormone imbalance is most often related to the menopause or andropause (male menopause) or can be linked with specific medical conditions such as polycystic ovarian syndrome. It can affect anyone at any stage of life but is most common after 30 and often occurs during or after pregnancy.

There are many symptoms of hormone imbalance that will vary from individual to individual. These include tiredness, weight gain, coarse hair growth, hair loss, feeling the cold, changes in bowel habits, a loss of libido/sex drive and vaginal dryness.

Benefits of BHRT in women

In women, bio-identical hormone replacement therapy is most commonly used to help replenish declining hormone levels in menopause. Its benefits are endless, including helping to eliminate night sweats and hot flushes, preventing vaginal dryness, improving energy levels, improving fat loss and muscle tone, improving sex drive and mood, decreasing wrinkles, and protecting bones from osteoporosis.

Benefits of BHRT in men

In men, Bio-identical hormones help improve energy levels, increase muscle mass and strength, improve fat loss and muscle tone, improve sexual drive and performance, improve sleep and memory, support hair growth and protect against heart disease.

How is it given, and how soon will it work?

BHRT comes in various forms, including patches, creams, and gels. Most women report seeing an improvement within several days of receiving hormone therapy. We will review your hormone levels three months into treatment to understand how things have improved.

Where can I access BHRT?

Bio-identical hormone replacement therapy is only available via a private doctor or clinic. This involves a comprehensive hormone-profiling test, which may include diagnostic tests on blood, hair, urine, and saliva. A detailed analysis is then given, and from these results, hormones can be tailor-made for each individual.

Consultations start from £300. Costs for prescriptions vary greatly from £50 to £500 a month for more complex and precision-personalised treatment plans. The correct formulation for you will vary greatly depending on your hormone levels and symptoms, so a consultation and blood test are the best starting point.

If you’re concerned about your hormones or would like to bio-identical hormone replacement therapy (BHRT), click here to book a consultation.

Disclaimer: Please be aware that results and benefits may vary from patient to patient taking into consideration factors such as age, lifestyle and medical history.