Contents:
- Editor's welcome
- John Kay - Man of Rochdale
- Photography by Karl
- Rochdale Cycling Club
- Rochdale Borough Police Force
- Northern Baroque Orchestra
- Junction 21 Executive Travel
- ‘Keeping Rochdale Dancing’ for 70 years
- Bio-Identical Hormone Replacement Therapy »
- Skylight Circus Arts
- Interview with Keith Hicks - Rochdale AFC
- Rare Innocenti Mini Cooper
- Birds at Hollingworth Lake
- Noddy's Puncture
- Addams Family - Theatre Review
- Take a walk in Healey Dell
- Hairdressing Trend - Precision Haircut
- Carole Kelly - Woman of Rochdale
- Scones & Strawberry Jam recipe
- Burn those calories but don't singe your skin
- Plastic-free glitter created in Rochdale
Summer 2019Bio-Identical Hormone Replacement Therapy
ALL YOU NEED TO KNOW
WHY MIGHT YOU NEED BIO-IDENTICAL HORMONE THERAPY?
The hormones within your body control most of your body’s basic functions, and work as an internal communication system between your body’s cells. Everything from your daily mood, energy, digestion, appetite, immune system and libido is controlled by hormones, which is why when these hormones are out-of-sync or unbalanced, it can have a huge impact on your physical and mental health and well-being.
If you suffer with any of the following, BHRT could be a really great solution for you:
- Hot flushes
- Night sweats
- Vaginal dryness
- Loss of interest in sex
- Pain during sex
- Problems sleeping
- Loss of energy
- Fatigue
- Loss of muscle mass
- Weight gain
- Foggy thinking
- Mood changes
- Memory loss
WHAT ARE BIO-IDENTICAL HORMONES?
Bio-identical hormones are different from those used in traditional HRT (Hormone Replacement Therapy) as they are chemically identical to those our bodies produce naturally. Bio-identical hormones are made from plant estrogens, based on a substance known as ‘Diosgenin’, whereas in HRT, hormones are often created synthetically.
BHRT FOR THE MENOPAUSE
BHRT is effective in treating both men and women when their hormone levels drop or become unbalanced. BHRT is most frequently used to ease the symptoms of perimenopause and menopause in women.
WHEN SHOULD YOU GET A HORMONE HEALTH CHECK?
Recent research has shown that women are experiencing perimenopause and menopause at much earlier ages than is predicted. Many times, by the age of 40, a woman can be totally depleted of normal levels of estrogen, have lost almost all of their progesterone, and have lost more than half of their testosterone.
These fluctuating levels and hormone imbalances can cause serious health issues in some cases, and it’s for this reason that it is encouraged to get your hormone levels assessed sooner rather than later - don’t wait until symptoms are strong and affect your daily life.
HOW LONG BEFORE BIO-IDENTICAL HORMONES START WORKING?
You will see improvement within the first two to three weeks of therapy, but it will take up to eight weeks to feel the full effect. An experienced medical practitioner will try to achieve the best outcomes and results with the lowest possible dosage of bio-identical hormones.
HOW CAN I FIND OUT MORE ABOUT BHRT?
There are many useful sources online that can provide insightful information into bio-identical hormone therapy. It is definitely worth searching for a local menopause clinic near you that can provide information and answers to your questions too, but always ensure the clinic is CQC registered.
ABOUT THE WRITER
Deborah Vines is a Registered General Nurse, Independent Nurse Prescriber and the Medical Director of The Menopause Clinic based in Heywood. She has been involved with Bio-identical Hormone Replacement Therapy for eight years and owns one of the longest established Medical Aesthetics Clinics in the North West.