Hormones fluctuate at various times throughout your life, and when these chemical messengers get unbalanced, they can worsen polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) and premenstrual syndrome (PMS) symptoms like irregular periods, mood swings, and acne. But bioidentical hormone therapy (BHRT) can help!
Bioidentical hormones imitate the natural hormones created in your body, and at Shumway Cosmetic Surgery in San Diego, CA, we offer personalized BHRT for women’s health to help you feel like yourself again. Below, discover how we provide BHRT for PCOS, irregular cycle treatment, and PMS, and what you can expect from treatment.
What Is BHRT (Bioidentical Hormone Replacement Therapy)?
Bioidentical hormone replacement therapy, a type of hormone replacement therapy, uses compounds chemically and structurally identical to the hormones found in your body. Bioidentical hormones are created in a laboratory by modifying natural chemicals found in plants to match your hormones. BHRT comes in many forms, including:- Pills
- Patches
- Creams and gels
- Injections
- Implants
Understanding Hormonal Imbalances in Women
Hormones, chemical messengers made in your endocrine glands, manage various body functions, like your mood and menstrual cycle. They also regulate your growth, development, and behavior. When women produce too much or too little of these powerful chemicals, the fluctuations can cause major changes. For example, changing levels of these hormones can worsen symptoms of PCOS and PMS:- Dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA): DHEA prompts production of estrogen and testosterone, and low levels can cause underproduction of both.
- Estrogen: Among other actions, this hormone regulates the menstrual cycle, and low levels can cause trouble sleeping, low sexual desire, hot flashes, osteoporosis, and dry skin. High levels can lead to gained weight, low sex drive, uterine fibroids, depression, and anxiety.
- Melatonin: This hormone regulates your sleep-wake cycle, and when levels are low, getting a solid night’s rest can get harder.
- Progesterone: Normal levels of this hormone regulate the menstrual cycle, but low levels can cause fertility issues and estrogen over-production.
- Testosterone: While typically considered a male hormone, women need testosterone, too. Low levels can cause weight gain, high blood pressure, and irregular periods.
- Thyroid: The hormone released by your thyroid regulates your metabolism, and low levels can cause constipation, weight gain, and fatigue. High levels may lead to irritability, trouble focusing, unwanted weight loss, and sleep problems.
Can BHRT Help with PCOS Symptoms?
BHRT for PCOS can improve symptoms like irregular periods, acne, and excess hair growth. It can even lower your risk of endometrial cancer! Although more research is needed to discover BHRT’s effectiveness in treating PCOS symptoms, bioidentical hormones can elevate low levels known to worsen the effects of PCOS.Managing PMS and Mood Swings with BHRT
Symptoms of PMS, including mood swings, fatigue, appetite changes, and bloating, may improve with BHRT. Women who take hormone therapy for PMS notice a steadier mood, higher coping ability, and feeling happier overall.How BHRT May Help Regulate Menstrual Cycles
Women who have low levels of estrogen and progesterone may notice irregular or missed periods, but BHRT can normalize these levels and regulate your menstrual cycle. Irregular cycle treatment with BHRT works differently depending on how often you take it. For example, when you take bioidentical hormones every day with no breaks, your periods may stop. If you take BHRT on a cycle—typically three weeks on, one week off—you will probably have light bleeding during the break.Customized Treatment Plans for Each Patient
Your hormone levels are unique to you and Dr. Shumway works to customize each patient’s bioidentical hormone treatment plan. Based on your lab results, health history, and physical exam done at our office, he will help you discover which hormones are causing your symptoms. Dr. Shumway takes his time with each patient to allow plenty of questions. After receiving your lab results, he will pinpoint an individualized treatment to offer you optimized hormone levels for a better quality of life filled with vitality and energy.What to Expect During BHRT Treatment
During BHRT treatment with Dr. Shumway, who is highly trained in bioidentical hormone replacement therapy, you will experience his personal attentiveness and sincere interest in helping you not only “look as young as you feel but feel as young as you look.” After he establishes a hormone replacement plan for you, Dr. Shumway will ensure you understand how and when to take your treatments. Then, our warm and friendly staff will work with you to schedule regular hormone level checks to make sure you get the right dosage. When you take bioidentical hormones for PCOS, PMS, or irregular cycle treatment, you’ll notice your symptoms fading. How fast BHRT works for you depends on your personalized plan, but many of our patients feel and see symptom relief within a few weeks. As you correct fluctuating hormone levels with BHRT, your whole body will benefit, helping you feel youthful, healthy, and strong.Is BHRT Right for You?
BHRT doesn’t always represent the right choice for everyone, but, for good candidates, bioidentical hormones can offer life-changing symptom improvement. Some signs that may point to low hormone levels include:- Muscle loss
- Fatigue
- Erratic moods
- Poor sleep
- Loose skin
- Change in libido
- Weight changes
- Hot flashes
- Vaginal dryness
- Hair loss
- Brittle hair or nails
