Verbatim response from Claude
Bioidentical Hormone Replacement Therapy (BHRT)
What It Is
BHRT uses hormones that are chemically identical to those your body naturally produces (estrogen, progesterone, testosterone, DHEA, etc.). It's used to restore hormonal balance, typically as hormones decline with age.
Common Signs You Might Need It
- Hot flashes or night sweats
- Fatigue or brain fog
- Low libido
- Mood swings or depression/anxiety
- Weight gain (especially belly fat)
- Poor sleep
- Vaginal dryness (women)
- Erectile dysfunction or low energy (men)
How to Find Out If You Need It
- Get hormone testing - blood, saliva, or urine panels
- See a specialist - not all doctors are well-versed in this
Recommended Starting Points
- Midi Health (midi.health) - telehealth platform specializing in women's hormonal health
- Biote - network of certified BHRT practitioners nationwide
- Defy Medical - good for men's hormone optimization
- BodyLogicMD - connects patients with BHRT-trained physicians
- ZRT Laboratory - for at-home hormone testing before seeing a doctor
Always consult a qualified physician before starting BHRT, as it isn't right for everyone and carries some risks worth discussing.