5 Benefits of Bioidentical Hormone Replacement Therapy

At Advanced OB/GYNE Associates in Hoffman Estates and Arlington Heights, Illinois, our skilled providers offer hormone replacement therapy (HRT) to help restore natural estrogen levels, alleviating symptoms and lowering the risk of serious health issues. 

All-natural bioidentical hormone replacement therapy (BHRT) is also available. BHRT uses hormones identical to those your body naturally produces. They come from plant or animal sources, making them a safer and more effective choice to restore hormonal balance.

If you’re curious about the benefits of HRT or BHRT, here are five key points to consider.

1. Enhanced mood and cognitive function

Many women associate estrogen primarily with sexual health and reproduction, but it serves many other roles. Low levels of estrogen can lead to “brain fog,” which hinders concentration and focus. It can also impair memory.

Irritability and mood swings are also prevalent, increasing the risk of anxiety and depression. Hormone replacement therapy can enhance cognitive function, alleviate brain fog, and boost mood and overall outlook.

2. Rekindled sex life

Low estrogen levels can impact your sex life in several ways. A decline in estrogen production leads to decreased sexual desire, or libido, affecting quality of life and intimate relationships.

Low estrogen levels also harm vaginal health by reducing the natural lubrication necessary for comfortable and enjoyable sex. As estrogen levels drop, many women experience vaginal dryness, resulting in discomfort and even mild bleeding during or after intercourse. 

There may also be an increased risk of urinary tract infections (UTIs).

HRT enhances libido and vaginal health, boosting desire and contributing to a more fulfilling sex life.

3. Better sleep and more energy

Estrogen contributes to healthy sleep patterns. That’s one reason many women experience a decline in restorative sleep as they near menopause. Lowered estrogen levels can lead to night sweats, interrupting sleep and resulting in restless nights. 

Hormone replacement therapy alleviates night sweats while enhancing the length and quality of sleep, benefiting your overall well-being and mood. Sufficient sleep increases energy levels and alertness throughout the day.

4. Healthy weight

Estrogen plays a crucial role in maintaining a healthy metabolism, allowing your body to use calories effectively while minimizing the creation and accumulation of fat tissue. 

As you approach menopause, estrogen levels drop, resulting in a slower metabolism that can lead to unwanted weight gain. Shedding those pounds may be particularly challenging.

HRT can assist in achieving a healthy weight by enhancing metabolic activity. Improved weight management fosters a positive body image, boosts self-esteem, and reduces the risks of chronic health issues such as heart disease, Type 2 diabetes, and obesity.

5. Improved skin health and bone strength

Lower estrogen levels negatively impact skin health, causing dryness and roughness and weakening the skin’s protective barrier. Menopause also influences bone density, elevating your risk of osteoporosis and osteoporotic fractures.

Hormone replacement therapy enhances skin health, allowing your skin to conserve more moisture and preserve its natural barrier. HRT also supports normal bone replacement, diminishing your risk of weak, porous bones.

Learn more about HRT

For more information about HRT or BHRT and how we can tailor therapy to your needs, request an appointment with Advanced OB/GYNE Associates by phone or online today.