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Bioidentical Hormone Therapy (BHRT) in Kensington, MD

What are Bioidentical Hormone Replacement Therapy (BHRT)?

Bioidentical Hormone Replacement Therapy (BHRT) provides replacement hormones to alleviate uncomfortable or inconvenient symptoms associated with andropause and menopause in both men and women. The primary aim of BHRT is to reduce or alleviate symptoms linked to hormone loss. After reviewing a patient’s symptoms, the physician prescribes an appropriate amount of hormones and monitors BHRT to ensure the patient’s improvement and safety.
bioidentical-hormones

What Symptoms Are Caused by

Declining Bioidentical Hormones Levels?

While common symptoms are associated with menopause, each woman undergoes a unique transition during this life stage. The decline in hormone production, which occurs as a woman ages, can lead to unwanted symptoms. These may include:

  • Thinning hair on the scalp
  • Night sweats
  • Hot flashes
  • Vaginal dryness
  • Painful intercourse
  • Urinary incontinence
  • Facial hair growth
  • Mood swings
  • Irritability
  • Increased risk for osteoporosis
  • Weight gain
  • Fatigue
  • Difficulty concentrating
  • Lack of interest in sex

What Types of BHRT Are Available?

Moreover, BHRT, utilized to address most symptoms associated with hormonal decline, can be prescribed in various forms, including pills, sprays, creams, gels, and patches. Hormone therapy is considered the most effective treatment for menopausal symptoms, such as hot flashes, night sweats, and vaginal discomfort, including dryness and itching during intercourse. Additionally, vaginal estrogen-based creams are available to alleviate symptoms such as vaginal dryness and painful intercourse, and they may offer some relief from urinary incontinence. However, they do not provide the same level of relief for symptoms like night sweats, moodiness, hot flashes, or osteoporosis as other forms of BHRT.
Bioidentical Hormone Replacement therapy – Fred Bloem MD Kensington

What are bioidentical hormones?

Bio-identical hormone therapy involves replacing hormones naturally produced by the body. Many of these bioidentical hormones are manufactured in specialty pharmacies known as compounding pharmacies. While some consider these compounded hormones to be natural and healthier, regulatory bodies do not regulate their dosages. Consequently, women may not receive consistent hormone doses with these compounded therapies, which can potentially be more harmful. Only a few bioidentical hormones are produced by regulated pharmaceutical companies.

Bioidentical Hormone Therapy in Kensington, MD

Dr. Bloem offers bioidentical hormone therapy (BHRT) to women and men across Montgomery County, MD. Every hormone plan at our practice starts with a consultation, a review of your symptoms and history, and lab testing. Dr. Bloem then prescribes the form and dose that fit you and checks your progress with follow-up visits and repeat labs. Some patients also ask about hormone pellets or support for hormones and weight loss. Dr. Fred Bloem’s office is at 10400 Connecticut Avenue, Suite 206, in Kensington, Maryland, close to Capital Beltway exit 33. Patients come from Bethesda, Chevy Chase, Silver Spring, Rockville and Washington, DC.

Have questions about whether this is right for you? Call (301) 260-2601 or request a consultation with Dr. Fred Bloem in Kensington, MD.

Bioidentical Hormone Therapy: Frequently Asked Questions

Women in perimenopause or menopause, and men with symptoms of low testosterone, are the most common candidates. Dr. Bloem reviews your symptoms, medical and family history, and lab results before recommending treatment. Hormone therapy is not right for everyone, for example some people with a history of certain cancers, blood clots or stroke.

We use blood tests and, when useful, other specialty lab tests to measure hormone levels and related markers. Labs are repeated during treatment so your dose can be adjusted.

Bioidentical hormones come as creams, gels, patches, pills, sprays and pellets. Some are FDA-approved products and some are compounded. Compounded hormones are not FDA-approved, and Dr. Bloem explains the difference so you can choose with full information.

Possible side effects include breast tenderness, spotting, mood changes and fluid retention. Depending on the hormone and your health, there can also be risks such as blood clots. Regular follow-up and lab monitoring help keep treatment as safe as possible.

This page is general information, not medical advice. Results vary from person to person. Some therapies described on this site are not FDA-approved for these uses. Dr. Bloem reviews the benefits, risks and alternatives with you before any treatment.