Women's Health

Bioidentical Hormone Replacement Therapy (BHRT) for Women

What is menopause?

Menopause is a natural phase in a woman’s life that occurs when she has not had a menstrual period for over a year. It typically takes place in the late 40s to early 50s but can also happen if a woman undergoes surgical removal of the ovaries or experiences a significant hormonal deficiency due to a medical condition. Similar to how andropause results from a decline in testosterone levels in men, menopause should be addressed with the same level of medical care and attention in women.

During menopause, hormonal imbalances cause various changes in the body. Bioidentical hormone replacement therapy offers an effective way to relieve both perimenopausal and menopausal symptoms while minimizing negative side effects. Research has consistently demonstrated the benefits of hormone optimization for overall well-being.

Bioidentical Hormone Replacement Therapy (BHRT) Benefits

Many women have been hesitant to use bioidentical hormones due to studies conducted on synthetic hormones derived from pregnant horse urine. The findings of a large-scale study, the Women’s Health Initiative, which focused solely on synthetic hormones, have led many women to miss out on the potential benefits of bioidentical hormone therapy. While there may be some risks associated with bioidentical hormones, failing to balance hormone levels poses known health risks. When administered using the appropriate delivery methods and dosages, bioidentical hormones are not only safe but also offer significant benefits.

During your initial visit, baseline hormone levels will be assessed. Based on your symptoms and test results, you will receive a personalized prescription for BHRT. Symptom relief is not immediate and may take anywhere from three to nine months to achieve optimal results. BHRT is available in various forms, including topical creams, vaginal inserts, and oral tablets, and some women may respond better to one form than another.

You Don’t Have to Suffer Alone – We’re Here to Help.

Perimenopause and menopause can be a challenging time for many women, making self-care more important than ever. Engaging in activities you love—whether it’s exploring creative hobbies, taking peaceful walks in nature, or spending quality time with supportive friends—can make a significant difference. And if you need professional support, don’t hesitate to seek it. At Alpha Hormones, we tailor BHRT to meet each woman’s unique needs, helping you feel your best.

Estrogen:

The decline of estrogen during menopause leads to various symptoms and metabolic changes. Estradiol plays a crucial role in overall health, with approximately 400 functions in the body. It supports bone and dental health, boosts serotonin levels to enhance mood, and helps maintain skin collagen—reducing dryness, itching, wrinkles, and hair thinning. Additionally, it lowers the risk of Alzheimer’s, improves circulation, reduces blood pressure, and decreases inflammation.

Topical bioidentical estrogen (Bi-Est) is a blend of two plant-derived estrogens: estradiol and estriol. Available in different strengths, it can be customized by a compounding pharmacist based on a physician’s prescription. Bi-Est is commonly used to alleviate menopausal symptoms and support bone health, reducing the risk of osteoporosis.

Progesterone:

Just like estrogen, progesterone levels decrease with age. Progesterone plays a vital role in balancing estrogen and offers several health benefits. It helps protect against breast cancer, supports bone strength, reduces fluid retention, regulates blood sugar levels, lowers LDL cholesterol, and promotes restful sleep. Progesterone is commonly available in oral or topical forms for supplementation.

Testosterone:

Women produce testosterone in both their ovaries and adrenal glands, and although levels are much lower than in men, this hormone still plays a vital role in women’s health. Testosterone helps support sexual desire, bone and muscle strength, mood stability, energy levels, and vaginal health. Levels naturally fluctuate across the menstrual cycle—peaking just before ovulation—and then decline gradually with age, with a more marked drop after menopause, which can contribute to many of the unwelcome symptoms associated with midlife hormonal shifts.

All FDA-approved testosterone therapies are bioidentical, meaning they share the exact same molecular structure as the body’s own hormone. Available delivery methods include:

• Injectable esters (usually testosterone cypionate), which release hormone steadily over one to two weeks.
• Transdermal creams, gels, or patches, offering daily dosing for smoother blood-level maintenance.
• Subcutaneous pellets, implanted every three to six months for those who prefer less frequent dosing.

When testosterone falls below normal premenopausal levels—often under about 20–30 ng/dL—women may experience a range of symptoms, such as:

• Fatigue, generalized weakness, and low motivation.
• Reduced muscle mass and strength, with relative increases in fat mass.
• Unexplained weight gain (especially around the abdomen).
• Thinning scalp hair or changes in body hair distribution.
• Vaginal dryness, discomfort, and pain during intercourse.
• Irregular menstrual cycles in perimenopause.
• Gradual bone density loss, increasing long-term osteoporosis risk.

Physiologic testosterone replacement, when carefully monitored with regular blood tests and dose adjustments, can alleviate these symptoms, restore vitality, and improve overall quality of life while minimizing potential side effects.

DHEA:

Your doctor may test your DHEA-S levels to assess your DHEA production. DHEA is primarily produced by the adrenal glands, with smaller amounts synthesized by the brain and skin. It serves as a precursor for both estrogen and testosterone. DHEA levels naturally decline with age, beginning in the late twenties. By the time a person reaches 70, their body produces only about a quarter of the amount it once did.

Additionally, DHEA levels are influenced by long-term stress. Initially, stress can cause a temporary increase in DHEA production. However, prolonged stress eventually leads to a decline in DHEA levels over time.