The sheer mention of the term ‘therapy’ has many people feeling anxious. However, therapy can be a positive experience, providing relief from symptoms and helping you manage your condition. And in that regard, Loop Wellness Clinic strives to provide its patients with the best possible therapy experience.
One type of therapy gaining popularity among women is compounded bioidentical hormone therapy (CBHT). Essentially, this therapeutic approach uses natural hormones identical to the ones your body produces. This makes them more easily accepted and utilized by your body.
That said, why are more women choosing CBHT? We’ll delve deeper and examine some of the reasons in today’s post. Meanwhile, let’s quickly note that these upsides are based on perceptions, not scientific evidence. As such, it’s advisable to consult your healthcare professional to see if this type of therapy suits you. So, let’s get right to it.
- It’s Safer than Conventional Hormone Therapy
Many women perceive CBHT as a safer alternative to conventional hormone therapy (HT). This may partly be due to the fact that CBHT uses hormones identical to those produced by the body (as we’ve outlined above). As a result, there’s less risk of them being rejected or causing an adverse reaction.
In contrast, conventional HT uses synthetic hormones, often based on animal sources. These can sometimes be more difficult for the body to process, raising the risk of side effects. That’s not to say that conventional HT is unsafe; rather, some women feel more comfortable using therapies they consider closer to nature.
That notwithstanding, CBHT preparations do not have robust empirical evidence supporting their perceived safety. Plus, they are not subject to the FDA approval process, meaning they may not have undergone adequate safety testing. So, while CBHT may be perceived as safer than conventional HT, this has not been definitively proven.
- Helps Manage Various Symptoms
Some users swear by CBHT, claiming it works to relieve symptoms of menopause. These include hot flashes, night sweats, mood swings, and vaginal dryness. Others report that CBHT can help with more serious conditions like osteoporosis and heart disease. Similarly, marketing claims in favor of CBHT include the alleviation of symptoms related to:
- Aging – fuller hair or smoother skin
- Sexual health
- Chronic pain
- Mental health conditions
However, these assertions are purely anecdotal. As such, more research is needed to verify these potential benefits.
- Dosage is Adjustable
Every woman’s hormone levels are different, so it makes sense that one size does not fit all – in relation to treatment. The dosage of CBHT is customizable to meet your specific needs. That’s because the hormones used in this therapy are compounded (or mixed) to achieve the desired strength and dosage. Basically, it means your healthcare provider can adjust your treatment plan as needed, making it easier to manage your symptoms and maintain hormone levels.
Conversely, conventional hormones are mass-produced. Plus, they’re not customizable. As a result, if you opt for traditional HT, you’ll only access one approach to treatment.
Primarily, this may imply trying different dosages or formulations to find one that helps alleviate your symptoms. Such trial and error can be frustrating, especially if you don’t experience relief after trying several different dosages. If you’re unsure whether conventional HT or CBHT is the right approach, it won’t hurt to ask your doctor or healthcare provider.
- It Goes Hand in Hand with Enhanced Clinical Care.
When you go to a clinic offering a specific treatment, the need for extra attention is on your mind. After all, it’s natural to want to feel like you’re the only patient and that the staff is focused on addressing your unique needs.
Enhanced care means your healthcare team takes the time to get to know you, understand your symptoms, and formulate a personalized treatment plan. Plus, they walk with you every step of the way – monitor your progress, and adjust your plan as needed.
You may be wondering why this level of care matters concerning CBHT. Well, CBHT requires custom compounding. As such, it helps to have a close relationship with your provider so they can make adjustments (if needed) to ensure you’re getting the most effective care possible. Such an extra level of care is essential for ensuring optimal results.
- It’s an Integrative Approach
CBHT is sometimes referred to as an integrative approach to hormone therapy. It often involves working with a team of healthcare providers, including pharmacists, physicians, and nurse practitioners. This collaborative approach helps ensure each patient receives the best possible care.
If you’re interested in learning more about CBHT or related services, discussing the option with your doctor is the ideal way to go about it. They are your best bet – in terms of fielding questions and helping you get started on your journey to wellness.