What are the side effects of bioidentical hormone therapy?

It's important to talk to your doctor if BHRT is. Breast tenderness, swelling and weight gain are the most reported side effects of BHRT. It's important to check with your doctor if BHRT is right for you. Combined hormone therapy may increase the risk of developing breast cancer, but most studies show that the increase is small (less than 1 in 1000).

In addition, certain health conditions may increase the risk of serious side effects with hormone replacement. The hormones used in traditional hormone replacement therapy are made from the urine of pregnant equines and other hormones that are not bioidentical. Because early estrogen loss increases the risk of many conditions, including cardiovascular disease, people who lose estrogen before age 40 are at risk of heart disease if they don't use hormone replacement therapy (HRT). The secondary objective of this study was to compare the symptom relief and tolerability of composite bioidentical hormone replacement therapy with previously used commercially available products.

Side effects may appear in the first few weeks and disappear as the body adjusts to the new hormone level.

Hormone replacement therapies

can also cause side effects, especially early on, when the body adjusts to hormones. Hormone replacement therapy can make a big difference in counteracting menopausal symptoms by replacing naturally diminished hormones. Hormone replacement therapy (HRT) helps treat menopausal symptoms, such as vaginal dryness and hot flashes.

If you have menopausal symptoms that affect your quality of life, you may wonder if hormone therapy is an option for you. If you decide to use BHRT, you should use the lowest dose proven to be effective and follow up regularly with your doctor to see if you should continue hormone therapy. The American College of Obstetrics and Gynecology recommends using FDA-approved hormone therapies instead of composite BHRT. Replacing hormones that are no longer produced with bioidentical hormone replacement therapy (BHRT) prescribed by a doctor may reduce symptoms and help you achieve a better quality of life.

This is a complex issue because the risk of heart disease depends on many factors, not just whether you take hormones. The FDA recommends that, if you choose any form of hormone therapy, you use the lowest dose that produces results. Hormone replacement therapy for menopausal symptoms isn't usually recommended for people who have had breast cancer.