A LIST OF ALL THE HORMONES USED IN BHRT

 

 

In Bioidentical Hormone Replacement Therapy (BHRT), a variety of hormones are used to address hormonal imbalances and symptoms associated with aging, menopause, and other conditions. These hormones are chemically identical to those the body naturally produces. At Vital Advanced, a clinic for BHRT Tampa, our certified Sotto Pelle providers use bioidentical hormone replacement therapy with menopausal or women approaching menopause to help them deal with the symptoms of menopause.

Here’s a list of the main hormones used in BHRT

Estrogen

 Estrogen plays a key role in female reproductive health and overall well-being. It helps regulate the menstrual cycle, supports bone health, and affects mood, skin, and cardiovascular health. The forms of estrogen used in BHRT are

-         Estradiol (most common form of estrogen, used for general hormone replacement)

• Estrone (often found in women post-menopause)
• Estriol (a weaker form of estrogen, sometimes used for vaginal health)
• Uses of estrogen in BHRT:
• Relieves symptoms of menopause (hot flashes, night sweats, vaginal dryness). This is one of the main hormones used at our center for Menopause Treatment Tampa
• Prevents osteoporosis and promotes heart health.
• Enhances skin elasticity and mood stability.

Progesterone

Progesterone helps regulate the menstrual cycle and maintain pregnancy. It also plays a role in balancing the effects of estrogen in the body. The forms of progesterone used in BHRT are

• Micronized progesterone (most commonly used because it is bioidentical to the natural hormone).
• Uses of progesterone in BHRT:
• Supports uterine health and prevents endometrial hyperplasia (overgrowth of the uterine lining). This too is widely used at our center for Menopause Treatment Tampa
• Relieves symptoms of progesterone deficiency like insomnia, mood swings, and anxiety.
• Used in combination with estrogen in women with an intact uterus to reduce the risk of endometrial cancer.

Testosterone

Testosterone is often thought of as a male hormone, but it is also important for women, contributing to energy, libido, mood, and muscle strength. The forms of testosterone used in BHRT are

• Bioidentical testosterone (available in forms like creams, gels, injections, or pellets).
• Uses of testosterone in BHRT:
• Improves libido (sexual desire) and enhances energy and mood in both men and women.
• Boosts muscle mass, strength, and bone density.
• May also help alleviate depression, fatigue, and cognitive decline.

DHEA (Dehydroepiandrosterone)

DHEA is a precursor hormone produced by the adrenal glands that can be converted into estrogen or testosterone in the body. The forms of DHEA used in BHRT are

• DHEA (available as a cream, oral tablet, or sometimes as a vaginal insert).
• Uses of DHEA in BHRT:
• Boosts energy levels and combats fatigue.
• Improves libido, mood, and cognitive function.
• Supports bone health and may help with weight management.
• Acts as an adrenal support to manage stress and improve resilience.

Thyroid Hormones (T3 and T4)

Thyroid hormones regulate metabolism, energy production, and the function of many organs in the body. The forms of thyroid hormones sed in BHRT are

• Levothyroxine (T4), Liothyronine (T3), and sometimes a combination of both.
• Uses in BHRT:
• For individuals with hypothyroidism (low thyroid function) to normalize metabolism and energy levels.
• Helps with weight management, mood, cognitive function, and skin health.
• Used when thyroid function is not optimal, even in the presence of normal TSH levels.

Cortisol

Cortisol is a hormone produced by the adrenal glands in response to stress. It helps manage inflammation, immune function, and metabolism. The forms of cortisol used in BHRT are:

 

• Bioidentical cortisol (usually in the form of oral supplementation, creams, or sometimes as part of adrenal support therapies).
• Uses in BHRT:
• To manage adrenal fatigue or chronic stress.
• Can help regulate energy and mood.
• Supports immune function and inflammation regulation.

Growth Hormone (HGH)

Human growth hormone (HGH) plays a critical role in growth, metabolism, and the maintenance of tissues, muscles, and bones. The forms of growth hormone used in BHRT are

• HGH injections (used under medical supervision).
• Uses in BHRT:
• Stimulates muscle growth, fat loss, and bone density.
• Improves energy levels, skin tone, and cognitive function.
• Aids in anti-aging therapies, though its use is controversial and requires careful monitoring.

Melatonin

Melatonin is a hormone that regulates the sleep-wake cycle and circadian rhythms. The forms of melatonin used in BHRT are

• Melatonin (oral supplements or sometimes in cream form).
• Uses in BHRT:
• Helps improve sleep quality and treat insomnia.
• Used in some cases for hormonal imbalance related to menopause or aging.
• Supports antioxidant functions and may aid in immune health.

Insulin

Insulin regulates blood sugar levels and plays a role in metabolism and fat storage. The forms of insulin used in BHRT are

• Bioidentical insulin (rarely used in BHRT, more common in diabetes management).
• Uses in BHRT:
• Insulin therapy may be used for diabetes management in conjunction with other hormones.
• Some BHRT specialists may address insulin resistance or metabolic dysfunction in overweight or obese patients, although this is a secondary focus in BHRT.

These hormones are tailored to each individual based on blood tests and symptoms to achieve balance and alleviate symptoms associated with aging, hormonal imbalances, menopause, or other health conditions. At our center for bioidentical hormone replacement therapy Tampa, we do not use all of these hormones, but have listed them here to give a complete list.