At Marion Gluck, we are the home of bioidentical hormones, having pioneered this type of therapy for over two decades.
We have been at the forefront of helping both women and men restore their hormonal balance through our bespoke treatment plans and holistic approach to hormone imbalances.
While most people are familiar with Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT), fewer people may be aware of the benefits of Bioidentical Hormone Replacement Therapy (BHRT), or how it even differs from regular HRT.
But as the number of people using BHRT grows, it is increasingly being recognised as a safe and effective solution for hormone imbalances, all backed by science.
So, what is BHRT, and what are its proven benefits? Read this blog to find out.
What Is BHRT?
Bioidentical Hormone Replacement Therapy (BHRT) uses hormones that are chemically identical to those your body naturally produces, hence the name bioidentical.
Unlike synthetic hormones in traditional HRT, bioidentical hormones are a more natural option. They mirror your body’s hormones at a molecular level,which allows them to interact with your hormone receptors in the same way that your natural hormones do. This results in higher effectiveness and fewer side effects, making BHRT a preferred choice for many.
BHRT is commonly used to treat menopause. But it’s also effective in addressing a wide variety of hormonal imbalances, including thyroid dysfunction, adrenal fatigue, perimenopause, PMS, PCOS, depression, and low testosterone in men to name a few.
You can find out more about BHRT in our comprehensive guide to bioidentical hormones.
But it’s not just a more natural way to treat hormone imbalances. One of its key benefits is the ability to personalise your treatment.
Why Personalised Treatment Matters
Hormonal imbalances are complex and vary greatly from person to person. Some may experience intense hot flashes and night sweats, while others struggle more with mood swings, fatigue, or weight gain.
“The standard one-size-fits-all approach to hormone therapy often fails to address specific symptoms effectively. BHRT, on the other hand, is completely customisable.
Unlike mass-produced HRT, which comes in fixed doses, Bioidentical Hormone Replacement Therapy (BHRT) is tailored to each individual’s unique hormonal needs. At Marion Gluck, we work with compounding pharmacies to create custom formulations based on your specific symptoms.”
– Dr Shashi, Hormone Specialist
This personalised approach is what makes BHRT so effective. Whether it’s estrogen, progesterone, testosterone, or a combination, our treatment is designed to target your exact hormonal imbalance.
For instance, if you’re dealing with hot flashes and night sweats, a higher dose of estrogen is what will be most beneficial. Whereas, if you are suffering from anxiety and poor sleep you will need a treatment focused more on progesterone.
By customising the hormone treatment to target specific symptoms, BHRT offers a more comprehensive and effective solution than other types of hormone therapy.
The Science-Backed Benefits of BHRT
Despite some misconceptions and inaccuracies about its efficacy, there is a growing number of studies and scientific evidence that supports the use of BHRT to treat a wide range of hormonal conditions.
Here are just some of the proven benefits of BHRT:
1. Bone Health and Osteoporosis Prevention
One of the most significant benefits of BHRT is its ability to protect against osteoporosis, a common concern for women as they go through menopause.
Estrogen is one of the primary hormones used in BHRT and it plays a vital role in maintaining bone density.
As women enter menopause and estrogen levels decline, this causes a decrease in their bone mass and density.
Research has shown that postmenopausal women who regularly use estrogen have better bone health and reduce the risk of fractures compared to women who don’t.
This makes BHRT an effective treatment for women looking to protect themselves from osteoporosis as they age.
2. Heart Health
Cardiovascular health is another area where BHRT has shown significant benefits. Estrogen plays a critical role in protecting the heart, and declining levels during menopause can increase the risk of heart disease.
Studies show that estrogen has a positive impact on heart health by improving blood vessel function, lowering bad cholesterol (LDL), and increasing good cholesterol (HDL).
3. Improved Quality of Life
Beyond just the physical symptoms, BHRT is proven to improve a person’s quality of life and overall well being.
Menopause and other hormonal imbalances can lead to a range of symptoms that can have a real impact on a person’s mental health and emotional well being.
Brain fog, anxiety, depression and mood swings are common issues faced by women during menopause that can affect their relationships, career and self esteem.
Several studies confirm that estrogen and progesterone, found in BHRT, can significantly reduce these symptoms, leading to improvements in mood, energy levels, sleep, and cognitive function.
A systematic review and meta-analysis conducted by the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) in the UK found that transdermal estradiol was the most effective treatment for managing symptoms like hot flashes and night sweats.
Whereas, natural micronised progesterone has been shown to improve sleep and reduce anxiety without the risks associated with synthetic progestins.
So, what is BHRT? Well, at its core, BHRT is about restoring hormonal balance in the most natural way possible, offering an alternative to synthetic HRT, with less side effects.
For women and men seeking relief from the symptoms of hormonal imbalances, BHRT provides a personalised and proven solution.
If you are struggling with a hormone imbalance and want effective relief from your symptoms then book an online appointment now.
Our expert hormone doctors are on hand to get to the root cause of your hormonal issue and prescribe you a personalised treatment plan that really works.