What is Bio-identical Hormone Replacement (BIHR) Therapy?

Do you ever find that…

• Your thinking is cloudy and confused?
• You find it hard to get out of bed in the morning and motivate yourself?
• You don’t get as much pleasure out of the things that you used to?
• You’ve been putting on a bit more weight than usual around your middle?
• Your get up and go has got up and gone?

When our hormones are in balance we have more energy, vitality and ability to live the life that we want. But with ageing comes a natural decline in hormones that are important to this, most notably oestrogen, progesterone and testosterone. This can lead to symptoms that affect our libido, energy levels, skin, vaginal health, sleep, memory, emotional wellbeing and ability to be active.

Traditional hormonal treatment using synthetic hormones or those derived from animals have a pretty bad rep and are thought to lead to a whole host of unwanted side effects. Treatments such as hormone replacement therapy (HRT) can also increase the risk of chronic conditions like cancer, high blood pressure and liver disease in some women.

The hormones used in Bio-identical Hormone Replacement (BIHR) therapy however are naturally derived from plants and have an identical structure to those found in our body (hence the name!). BIHR therapy is therefore not thought to have these same negative effects.

As well as reliving symptoms there is some indication that BIHR therapy can help improve our long-term health, for example slowing the breakdown of bone in women associated with falling oestrogen levels during the menopause. In addition, both men and women can benefit from BIRH therapy to help replace hormone deficiencies.

When combined with positive lifestyle changes – like increasing activity levels, eating a balanced, varied diet and spending time doing the things we love – BIHR therapy can make for powerful changes to our physical health and mental wellbeing!

For more information about how Temple Clinic can help with any of the above symptoms visit our treatment page on BIHR therapy.