Learn how bioidentical hormone therapy can help you feel like yourself again

Expert care for safe and effective treatment management

What are bioidentical hormones?

Bioidentical hormones are structurally identical to the hormones naturally produced by your body. Derived from plants, these hormones help restore balance to depleted or fluctuating hormone levels, supporting essential bodily functions such as mood regulation and temperature control.

Bioidentical hormone replacement therapy (BHRT) is most commonly used to alleviate symptoms of menopause and perimenopause, but it can also be an effective solution for a variety of hormone imbalances.

  • Perimenopause is the natural transition leading up to menopause, marking the shift from a woman’s reproductive years to the end of her menstrual cycles. It typically starts in the late 30s or early 40s and continues until menopause, which is confirmed after 12 consecutive months without a period.

    During perimenopause, the body gradually produces less estrogen and progesterone, which can trigger various physical and emotional changes, such as:

    • Irregular periods

    • Hot flashes

    • Vaginal dryness

    • Mood swings

    • Sleep disturbances

    • Increased risk of bone loss

    • Anxiety/Depression

    • Weight Gain

    At Rapha Wellness, we believe that women should not have to endure the challenges of hormone imbalances or their symptoms alone. Bioidentical Hormone Replacement Therapy (BHRT) offers a personalized approach to managing these symptoms, helping you restore balance and feel like yourself again.

  • Menopause is a natural and inevitable stage in a woman’s life, signaling the end of her reproductive years. It occurs when the ovaries no longer produce sufficient levels of estrogen and progesterone, resulting in the cessation of menstrual periods.

    Key facts about menopause:

    • Age: Menopause typically occurs between the ages of 45 and 55.

    • Menstrual cessation: Defined as 12 consecutive months without a menstrual period.

    • Hormonal changes: A decline in estrogen and progesterone levels leads to various physical and emotional symptoms.

    • Transitional phase: The period leading up to menopause, known as perimenopause, can span several years and is marked by irregular periods and other symptoms.

    • Permanent: Once menopause is reached, it is a permanent stage, and a woman can no longer become pregnant.

What are the treatment options for menopause?

Some hormone imbalances can be addressed with oral supplements or creams, others are more involved.

Bioidentical hormone therapy (BHRT) helps manage menopause by replacing declining levels of estrogen and progesterone with hormones that are chemically identical to those naturally produced by the body. These hormones are often administered through creams, patches, pills, or pellets, with the goal of reducing symptoms such as hot flashes, night sweats, vaginal dryness, and mood swings.

Key points about bioidentical hormone therapy for menopause:

  • Chemical Similarity

    Bioidentical hormones are molecularly identical to the body’s natural hormones, like estradiol and progesterone, which may enhance absorption and reduce side effects.

  • Custom Compounding

    Often tailored to meet individual needs through compounding pharmacies, BHRT can be customized based on hormone level testing to create the right dosage and delivery method.

  • Delivery Methods

    Bioidentical hormones can be administered in various forms, including oral pills, transdermal patches, vaginal creams, gels, or implanted pellets.

  • Potential Benefits

    BHRT may help effectively manage menopausal symptoms, such as hot flashes, night sweats, mood swings, vaginal dryness, and sleep disturbances.

  • At Rapha Wellness, we are committed to precise and reliable testing to ensure an accurate understanding of our patients' hormone levels. We use a combination of testing methods tailored to each patient. We do recommend a comprehensive DUTCH test annually to assess hormonal balance, followed by regular blood tests throughout the year to monitor progress and make any necessary adjustments to treatment plans.

    The DUTCH test (Dried Urine Test for Comprehensive Hormones) is an advanced hormone testing method that analyzes hormone metabolites in urine samples collected at home over several days. This approach provides a more detailed view of hormone fluctuations compared to traditional blood tests. It is commonly used to assess sex hormones such as estrogen, progesterone, and testosterone, as well as stress hormones like cortisol, helping practitioners identify imbalances and create personalized treatment plans.

    • Unlike traditional blood tests, the DUTCH test involves collecting multiple urine and saliva samples throughout the day over a period of several days, offering a more comprehensive understanding of hormonal patterns.

    • Metabolites analysis: The test analyzes both active hormones and their metabolites—breakdown products that provide critical insights into hormone metabolism and overall balance.

    • Comprehensive results: DUTCH testing evaluates both reproductive and adrenal hormones, making it ideal for diagnosing conditions like PCOS, infertility, menopause, and stress-related hormone imbalances.

    • Convenience of home collection: The test kit is typically sent directly to your home, allowing for easy sample collection at your convenience.

Ready to optimize your treatment plan?

Contact Rapha Wellness today to schedule your medication management consultation, or conveniently book an appointment online.