Bioidentical Hormone Therapy and Estrogen

The Role of Estrogen for Women Explained

Estrogen is one of the main female sex hormones, and it works with its counterpart, progesterone to maintain female health. In women, there are three types of estrogen, which include estradiol, estrone, and estriol. During menopause and perimenopause, estradiol is the strongest type of estrogen that tends to decline the most and is responsible for many of the symptoms that occur during menopause. Estriol has been used to protect against breast cancer, and it has less of an effect on the cells of the uterus and breasts. Estrone is produced after menopause, and it is responsible for the formation of increased breast and uterine tissue, and women with high levels of estrone can encounter fibroids, breast cancer, endometriosis, or uterine cancer.

Estrogen maintains numerous functions in the female body, some of which include:

• Maintains Feminine Appearance
• Regulating Body Temperature
• Detoxifying The Brain
• Keeping Skin Lustrous
• Regulating Body Temperature
• Strengthens Bones
• Forms Collagen
• Improves Memory
• Reduces Vaginal Dryness
• Eliminates Food Cravings
• Decreases Migraines
• Improves Moods

Why Estrogen Balance is Important

In order for women to maintain health and wellness, all types of estrogen need to be balanced, and post-menopausal women that balance estradiol and estriol can keep levels of estrone reduced. Healthy Aging Medical Centers in New Jersey can help women to improve overall levels of estrogen, and the clinicians can make sure that women have the estrogens that prevent disease and illness at optimal levels. Bioidentical hormone replacement therapy can help Morris County women to restore deficient estrogen with a version of the hormone that is identical in molecular structure and function to what is produced in the human body. Balanced estrogen can potentially prevent several age-related diseases, which may include:

• Alzheimer’s Disease and Dementia – Estrogen works to detoxify the brain, and low levels of estrogen have been directly related to Alzheimer’s disease. Many women suffering from estrogen deficiencies often complain of having poor memory, mental fogginess, and reduced concentration. Supplementing the body with estrogen can help the brain to detoxify, which may help in preventing degeneration in the brain.
• Sexual Dysfunction – Low levels of estrogen can cause several sexual issues for women, including low libido. Because estrogen is a primary sex hormone, it fuels a healthy sex drive, and women with low estrogen may not feel desire for sexual activity. Menopausal and perimenopausal women also experience vaginal dryness, and in some cases, they can experience the inability to climax. Replenishing estrogen can help women to regain enjoyment of sexual activity, reduce vaginal dryness, and improve a woman’s ability to climax.
• Osteoporosis – In women going through perimenopause or menopause, a lack of estrogen can lead to thinning bones. This is because estrogen is directly responsible for the absorption of calcium and other minerals that work to keep bones strong. Reduced estrogen levels can result in reduced absorption, which can cause bones to become brittle, porous, and easily breakable. Restoring estrogen to healthy levels can help women to strengthen their bones and reduce the chances of developing osteoporosis.
• Breast or Uterine Cancer – High levels of certain types of estrogens can lead to estrogen dominance, which fuels tissue growth in the breast and uterus. After menopause, levels of one type of estrogen fall, while another type rises, and this reserve type of estrogen fuels cell replication in the breast and uterus.  Bioidentical hormone replacement therapy uses estrogen that is equivalent to the type that is produced in the female body, which helps women to reap the benefits of estrogen supplementation and prevent age related diseases.
• Temperature Fluctuations – Estrogen directly works with the hypothalamus, which is the body’s temperature control center to balance body temperature. Commonly, women suffering from estrogen imbalances often suffer from hot flashes and night sweats; however, women that use bioidentical estrogen can reduce the occurrences of temperature fluctuations. Balanced levels of estrogen can regulate the hypothalamus and prevent further issues with temperature regulation.

Healthy Aging Medical Center’s specialists can help Morris County women replenish their estrogen levels and improve their overall health. Other therapies that may be used synergistically with bioidentical estrogen therapy may include nutritional and exercise programs, stress reduction, and detoxification modalities. Healthy Aging Medical Centers extensive BHRT programs have helped countless Morris County women to fully enjoy their lives while overcoming challenging age-related symptoms.

Bioidentical Hormone Replacement Therapy FAQs

Beginning a bioidentical hormone replacement therapy (BHRT) protocol typically comes with several questions. We’ve gathered some of the most common questions related to starting BHRT and answered them here below. If you have any further questions or need any clarification, please contact Healthy Aging Medical Centers at (973) 435-0433.

How Is BHRT Different from Regular HRT?

The main difference between BHRT and other forms of hormone replacement therapy (HRT) are the kind of hormones that are used. In regular HRT, the synthetic hormones used contain additional chemical components that allow the drug manufacturers to patent their chemicals. At best, these added components do nothing for you. At worst, your body may recognize them as foreign chemicals and they may cause unpleasant side effects.

In BHRT, the hormones used are bioidentical, which means that they are the exact chemical structure as the hormones naturally produced in your body. Bioidentical hormones are derived from natural plant sources such as yams and soy. This means there is no risk of your body not accepting them–meaning, minimal to no side effects!

What Form Does BHRT Come In?

Bioidentical hormones are prepared by a compounding pharmacy where they are produced into several forms including pills, patches, subdermal pellets, creams, injections and more. Everyone responds to these various forms differently, and Healthy Aging Medical Centers can help you find the form that will be most beneficial to you and your body.

Why Don’t You Use Pellets at Your Clinic?

At our clinic, we do not prescribe or use hormone pellets because they offer limited control and flexibility in dosing. Once implanted, the dosage cannot be adjusted without another surgical procedure. This becomes especially problematic if a patient is experiencing side effects, needs dose changes, or is not responding as expected.

Additionally, absorption rates can vary from person to person, and even from pellet to pellet, depending on physical activity, body composition, and circulation. This unpredictability can lead to periods of hormonal imbalance—either too high or too low—which runs counter to our goal of maintaining precise and consistent hormone levels.

We prioritize safer, more adjustable delivery methods such as topical creams or injections, which allow us to closely monitor and fine-tune your therapy based on ongoing lab results, symptoms, and feedback. Our personalized, responsive approach ensures better outcomes and greater patient satisfaction over time.

What Is the Cost Of BHRT?

The cost of bioidentical hormone replacement therapy varies by the hormones needed, the doses needed, the form of BHRT, and the length of time that you receive treatment. For a more accurate quote, please call Healthy Aging Medical Centers at (973) 435-0433 to schedule a consultation.

Is BHRT Covered by My Insurance?

Because insurance plans and providers vary considerably, there is no way for us to provide a blanket statement. Your plan may cover BHRT under certain circumstances. The best course of action is to call Healthy Aging Medical Centers at (973) 435-0433 to discuss whether we accept your current insurance plan and provider. After you call us, we recommend contacting your insurance provider as a follow-up to ensure that your treatment is covered or to discuss how your treatment may be covered.

Are Bioidentical Hormones Safe?

When prescribed and supervised by Healthy Aging Medical Centers, bioidentical hormone replacement therapy is generally safe. Any risks or side effects associated with your particular treatment will be reviewed thoroughly before you begin BHRT.

What If My Question Is Not Listed Here?

Morris County women often have many questions before beginning bioidentical hormone replacement therapy. We will be happy to answer any questions that you may have before, during and after treatment. Contact Healthy Aging Medical Centers at (973) 435-0433 today with any further questions or to schedule your initial consultation!