Bio-Identical Hormone Replacement

BHRT, stands for Bio-identical Hormone Replacement Therapy. When BHRT is discussed, typically one thinks of the sex hormones testosterone, estrogen, and progesterone. However, there are other hormones in the body that are responsible for general health and4 vitality. Those include cortisol, DHEA, thyroid and others. When balanced, these hormones work together to ensure optimal health.

Bio-identical means that the chemical structure of the medicine is exactly the same as what your body produces. Pharmaceutical companies also make hormones, but the majority of those are designed so the medication is activated by metabolism, usually in the liver. Some scientists theorize that it is this metabolism process that contributes to some of the adverse effects of hormone therapy. Compounded bio-identical hormone products may contain lower doses of hormones than manufactured products. Also bio-identical hormones are customized to each individual.

The hormones in the body work together so your body can function, survive and (ideally) thrive. But when our hormones are out of balance, our vitality and health suffer. Our hormones can become unbalanced for many reasons. Sometimes the hormonal balance can be restored by addressing the underlying cause. But in some instances, such as aging, they cannot be restored without supplementation.

Testing is the only way to determine if your hormone levels are out of balance. For BHRT we recommend a saliva test through ZRT Labs.

Although no two people will have the same set of symptoms there are general symptoms that are usually present. Women can have hot flashes, sleep disturbances or insomnia, vaginal dryness, painful intercourse, weight gain, irregular or unusual menstrual cycles and irritability. Men may experience weight gain, fatigue, irritability and sexual dysfunction.

No. Many times lifestyle changes (exercise, diet, and sleep) will correct an imbalance. If a patient has a certain disease state(s) or family history, hormone replacement is not appropriate. That is why we work with you and your physician to find the best way to increase your health and vitality.

BHRT is a compounded medication made specifically for each patient from FDA and USP registered and regulated materials. All compounded medications, (BHRT and others) are regulated by the state Board of Pharmacy.

It is simple. Obtain a saliva kit from us at no charge. Each kit has easy-to-follow instructions. The “Test Requisition” form has personal information and a questionnaire to fill out. This is where you also indicate which type of tests you would like. For women we recommend the Female/Male Saliva Profile I OR III and the Estrone (E1) add-on test. For men we recommend the Female/Male Saliva Profile I or III. Following the instructions included, obtain your samples and then send them to ZRT in the enclosed UPS prepaid packing. For assistance, set up an appointment* with Lindsay Minter, Pharm D. at the pharmacy. ZRT will notify Teresa when the test results are available and she will forward a copy to you and your doctor for review. If your doctor requests, Teresa can assist with the dosing and monitoring* of the hormone replacement therapy.