Bioidentical Hormone Replacement Therapy (BHRT)
- Home
- Services
- BHRT
Bioidentical Hormone Replacement Therapy (BHRT)
As we age, our bodies undergo natural changes that can lead to hormonal imbalances and unpleasant symptoms. Bioidentical Hormone Replacement Therapy (BHRT) has been gaining popularity in recent years as a natural alternative that addresses hormonal changes and can relieve symptoms such as hot flashes, mood swings, insomnia, and low libido associated with menopause or aging. At Holts Healthcare Pain & Wellness, we offer BHRT as part of our integrative pain management program for both men and women.
Understanding Hormonal Imbalances: Causes and Symptoms
Hormonal imbalances occur when there is an overproduction or underproduction of hormones in the body, leading to a wide range of physical and emotional symptoms. Several factors can contribute to hormonal imbalances, such as stress, poor diet, lack of exercise, environmental toxins, and aging. Women may experience hormonal imbalances during pregnancy or menopause, while men may have testosterone deficiencies with increasing age.

Symptoms associated with hormonal imbalances depend on which hormones are affected but commonly include weight gain or loss, fatigue, changes in mood such as depression or anxiety, hot flashes or night sweats (often in women), decreased sex drive or erectile dysfunction (in men), and irregular menstrual cycles and infertility in women.
It’s important to note that the symptoms vary significantly from person to person, and a healthcare provider must thoroughly evaluate before determining whether BHRT would be appropriate for treatment.

The Science Behind BHRT
Bioidentical hormones are derived from plant sources like yams or soybeans and then synthesized into an exact match of human hormones. This allows interaction with the body’s hormone receptors while producing effects similar to natural hormones. They are then administered via patches, creams, pellets, or injections under medical supervision. The hormones are absorbed into the bloodstream, where they travel to target tissues and bind to hormone receptors, initiating the desired physiological effects.
The efficacy behind BHRT lies in its ability to balance hormone levels and alleviate symptoms such as hot flashes, night sweats, weight gain, fatigue, and mood swings. BHRT can also help optimize female and male hormone levels for better overall health by restoring balance to the complex endocrine system. BHRT involves evaluating hormone levels through comprehensive lab work to identify imbalances or deficiencies before creating a customized treatment plan tailored toward balancing these specific levels.
The Benefits of BHRT for Women
Bioidentical Hormone Replacement Therapy (BHRT) can offer extensive benefits for women experiencing hormonal imbalances. By using hormones that are identical in structure to those produced by the body, BHRT can address symptoms related to menopause and aging more naturally and effectively.
One of the key benefits of BHRT is its ability to reduce hot flashes and night sweats, which can be distressing symptoms experienced by many women during menopause. Additionally, it has been found to improve mood swings, fatigue, insomnia, and even low libido in some cases. Because bioidentical hormones are derived from plant sources like soy or yams, they have fewer side effects than synthetic hormone treatments.
BHRT also helps women maintain healthy bone density levels, which decrease with age due to decreased estrogen production. This reduces the risk of developing osteoporosis and other conditions associated with decreasing amounts of estrogen, such as urinary tract infections, Alzheimer’s disease, and more.
Given these advantages, BHRT is becoming an increasingly popular option for treating postmenopausal symptoms among healthcare practitioners who prefer a natural approach over conventional therapy involving chemicals whose long-term safety has not yet been completely established.
The Benefits of BHRT for Men
Bioidentical Hormone Replacement Therapy (BHRT) offers numerous benefits for men dealing with hormonal imbalances. As men age, their testosterone levels may decrease, leading to various symptoms affecting their quality of life. These symptoms include low sex drive, fatigue, weight gain, muscle loss, mood swings, and poor sleep. BHRT can help alleviate these issues by introducing hormones identical to the ones found naturally in the body.
Unlike synthetic hormone replacement therapy (HRT), which is made from animal or plant sources and has a different chemical structure than natural hormones produced by the human body, bioidentical hormones are derived from natural sources such as soy or yam plants and have an identical molecular structure to human hormones. This similarity allows for easier absorption into the bloodstream resulting in fewer side effects than synthetic HRT.
Another benefit of BHRT is that it can be tailored to individual needs. Dosages and formulations can be adjusted depending on each patient’s unique requirements helping to achieve optimal results for men experiencing hormonal imbalances related to aging or other factors like stress or illness.
Frequently Asked Questions About BHRT
Bioidentical hormones are derived from natural sources such as yams or soy and are chemically identical to the hormones produced by our bodies. Synthetic hormones, on the other hand, may have a different molecular structure and can cause unwanted side effects.
The answer is yes–while it's commonly associated with women going through menopause, men also experience hormonal changes that can benefit from hormone therapy as they age. Men who undergo BHRT may find relief from symptoms of low testosterone, like decreased energy levels, reduced sex drive, and mood swings.
Many factors contribute to BHRT's cost, including specific conditions, treatment duration, and geographical location. Depending on how the hormones are administered, it can cost anywhere from $85 to $250 per month. It’s also worth mentioning that this long-term treatment can last months or years, so that costs will add up over time.
Health insurance coverage for BHRT (bioidentical hormone replacement therapy) can vary depending on the specific insurance plan and policy. While hormone injections, oral medications, and laboratory tests related to hormone therapy are often covered by insurance, the coverage for BHRT specifically may be limited or not covered at all.
BHRT involves the use of hormones that are chemically identical to those naturally produced in the body. These hormones are typically custom-compounded to meet the individual's specific needs. Some insurance providers may consider BHRT to be an alternative or non-standard treatment, and therefore may not provide coverage for it.
It is important to review the details of your insurance policy or contact your insurance provider directly to understand the specific coverage for BHRT and related services. They will be able to provide you with accurate information about what is covered under your specific plan.
Get Started With Holts Healthcare Pain & Wellness
If you are experiencing symptoms associated with hormonal imbalances, schedule a consultation about BHRT at Holts Healthcare Pain & Wellness today. During your consultation, we will take the time to understand your medical history, perform a thorough examination, and discuss BHRT’s potential benefits and risks. Our team of experienced healthcare providers will work with you to develop a personalized treatment plan that addresses your specific needs and concerns. Get started with Holts Healthcare Pain & Wellness today!