What is BHRT ?
BHRT stands for bio-identical hormone replacement therapy. It means that the hormones used are exactly like the hormones produced by your body. Some of the commercial products available have subtle differences to your body’s natural hormones and may not be 100% recognized by your body.
What do hormones do?
Estrogens also play very important role in the menstrual cycle, female development and bone health. There are 3 main kinds of estrogen in humans, estrone, estradiol and estriol.
Estradiol is the strongest estrogen of the three major estrogens. Estradiol is the main hormone involved in the menstrual cycle and is responsible for maintaining the lining of the uterus, the endometrium.
Estrone is the next potent estrogen and can be coverted to estriol and or estradiol when the body needs it.
Estriol is the most weakest of the 3 common estrogens. Estriol’s levels are high during pregnancy. It is the estrogen that is least associated with hormone related cancers.
Progesterone is essential for the maintenance of pregnancy and it is the main hormone in the second half of the menstrual cycle. Progesterone has receptors in the brain, bone, bladder, blood vessels, breast, thyroid gland and reproductive organs. One of its main functions is to oppose the growth effects of estrogen.
Testosterone is produced in small amounts in women. It helps provide a general sense of well being, improves sex drive. It is also involved in heart, skin and muscle health.
Cortisol, also known as the stress hormone, plays an essential role in immunity, inflammation, metabolism and hormone regulation.
Estrogen, progesterone, testosterone and cortisol are just some of the hormones that work together as a team. Complete balance between hormones is crucial.
