iowa womens health center logo

4207 GLASS RD NE, Suite #2

Cedar Rapids, IA 52402

8:00AM – 5:00PM Monday – Thursday
Friday 8:00AM – NOON

Advanced gynecology

30 Years experience

Is Bioidentical Hormone Treatment the Fountain of Youth?

Hormones play a crucial role in your body’s functioning and this is especially concerning those women who are experiencing menopause. These chemicals transmit signals to every single aspect of your body. They regulate factors like your mood, your growth, and even hair growth.

Humans manufacture bioidentical hormones. BH (Bioidentical Hormones) are made to help your body utilize them in the same manner as the hormones you produce naturally. Bioidentical hormones can be beneficial for those suffering from an imbalance in their hormones or those who don’t have enough hormones in their bodies naturally.

What are bioidentical hormones?

Hormones are chemical compounds that are created by your endocrine glands. These glands produce hormones in your bloodstream for transport to the body part that needs them. Hormones regulate a variety of aspects of your body, including:

  • Metabolism
  • Reproduction
  • Growth
  • Sexual function

It’s challenging to function normally when your hormones aren’t in equilibrium. An imbalance in hormones can lead to the body gaining weight or experiencing mood swings that impact your daily life. The use of hormones can benefit those whose bodies do not produce enough of a particular hormone or whose hormone levels are not balanced.

The hormones are chemically similar to the body’s hormones and are absorbed quickly.

Natural hormones are different kinds of hormones

Natural Hormones are derived from natural sources such as soybeans and yams. Natural hormones are scrutinized extensively by the FDA (Food and Drug Administration) before they are sold and are considered safe.

Hormones are available in various forms, including creams, pills, gels, or injections.

Compounded Bioidentical Hormones

Everybody is different and has different requirements. Because of this, certain health professionals provide a mix of compounded bioidentical hormones. The reason it’s attractive is that it’s a mix of hormones specifically tailored to the person. However, there are risks to this approach, and only a licensed doctor is qualified to administer them and, more importantly, monitor their effects.

In most cases, a client can take a saliva sample to measure the current levels of hormones and determine which combination of hormones would be best for the patient. However, there are a variety of reasons this procedure is not safe.

The Saliva Tests

These tests don’t always reveal the accurate levels of hormones in the blood. In addition, custom-made hormonal blends aren’t always FDA-approved. They may contain a variety of hormones and non-hormonal components that haven’t yet been evaluated to ensure security.

Compounding Pharmacies

Are pharmacies locations where pharmacists mix hormones prescribed by a doctor to help patients. Certain medications may receive the FDA seal of approval, but the blends they create do not. Further research is required regarding the safety of bioidentical compounded hormones.

The impact of Bioidentical hormone replacement therapy on your health needs to be monitored extensively.

Reasons for Bioidentical Hormone Replacement Therapy

People require hormone replacements for a variety of reasons. Menopause is one of those reasons where hormone replacement shines for women. The use of certain hormones that your body is no longer producing can boost your health and overall wellbeing.

In the absence of a healthy hormone balance, the body could suffer from uncomfortable symptoms. The replacement of the hormones you can not produce with a prescription from a doctor Bioidentical hormone replacement therapy (BHRT) will help reduce symptoms and assist you to live a more satisfying level of living.

BHRT may help treat the symptoms listed below:

  • Weight gain
  • Mood swings
  • Hot flashes
  • Dryness in the vaginal area
  • Night sweats
  • Low energy levels
  • Memory loss
  • Sleeping difficulties
  • A decrease in interest in sex

Although hormone therapy may provide some advantages, there are certain risks. For example, patients who take part in not only BHRT (bioidentical hormone replacement therapy) or any other type of hormonal therapy could be at risk of developing gallbladder and blood clot disease. This can also increase the chances of having a stroke or breast cancer.

Potential Side Effects

Like most hormone treatments, there will be an adjustment period when you first start taking your prescription. The side effects may manifest in the initial few weeks, but they will diminish when your body can adjust to the level of hormone.

A few of these adverse side effects may be present as you begin BHRT

  • Weight gain
  • Fatigue
  • Bloating
  • Increased facial hair
  • Spotting
  • Cramps
  • Acne, or changes in the skin of the face
  • Headaches
  • Breast tenderness

Breast tenderness, as well as bloating along with weight gain, are among the most frequently reported side effects of BHRT. Therefore, it is essential to talk with your doctor to determine if BHRT is the right choice.

Iowa Women’s’ Health Center has partnered with BioTE for their BHRT treatments. BioTE Medical, is a leader in precision prescriptions for preventive medicine. BioTE has over 80 years of scientific insight into clinically validated medical protocols that identify and treat the earliest indicators of aging. We work with each of our patients on an ongoing basis to analyze symptoms and lab results using a specially designed dosing algorithm to develop a unique treatment plan.

How Do I Make an Appointment?

Making an appointment is easy! Just give us a call at 319-200-5900 and we will set you up with one of trained staff members to talk with you. If this is your first time visisting us please fill out a New Client Form.

How Do I Make an Appointment?
How to make an appointment: Please call 319-200-5900 and one of our staff members would be happy to get you scheduled. You may also request an appointment via our online portal at (insert portal link-25012.portal.Athenahealth.com
How Do I Cancel my Appointment?
How to cancel an appointment: Please call 319-200-5900 and we would be happy to reschedule or cancel your appointment. We do require 24 hour notice if possible. 
How Do I Order Refill of my Prescription?
How do I request a refill: Please call your pharmacy and let them know you need a refill of your medication. They will then send us the information directly, ensuring accuracy and efficiency in the refill process. Refill requests can take up to 48 business hours from the date of request to be reviewed. 
How Do I Update my Information on File?
How do I update my information? You are welcome to login to our patient portal at (insert link) or give us a call at 319-200-5900 and our staff members are happy to get that information updated for you in our system.
Iowa Women's Health Center

Creating Happier & Healthier Lives for Iowa Women

Iowa Women’s Health Center is interested in talking to you about your decision when choosing which medical options are best for you.  IWHC is an advanced women’s health clinic located in Cedar Rapids, IA. We service all women through central Iowa and in neighboring states for progressive and advanced gynecological care.

We provide the latest and least invasive women’s health medicine throughout Linn County.

Please bear in mind that the best medicine is preventative medicine. IWHC is currently accepting clients so we may help you in that pursuit of a healthier and happier life.

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