Interested in BHRT? You’re in good company! BHRT stands for Bioidentical Hormone Replacement Therapy, and there is growing interest in it because it helps busy adults (like you and me) feeling, functioning, and looking younger. It’s especially true for women in perimenopause or menopause, and men with andropause or ED. Countless research studies, blogs, and podcasts – and the experience of patients at our practice in Grand Rapids, Michigan – indicate that BHRT is safe and effective.
The basics of BHRT are straight-forward and spelled out in the name itself:
- The Hormone part of BHRT refers mostly to estradiol, progesterone, and testosterone. They are often called sex hormones because their rise in puberty drives sexual development and reproduction, but these hormones do a lot more for us than that, like energy & drive, brain health, muscle mass & fat control. Perimenopause, menopause and ED happen when these hormones decline and become imbalanced.
- The Bioidentical part of BHRT refers to their being chemically identical to the estradiol, progesterone, and testosterone that our bodies make – the natural form of these hormones, if you will. Non-bioidentical forms have been chemically modified, like testosterone cypionate; or are artificial, like progestins (sounds similar to progesterone but very different). Most hormone experts and the latest science agree that bioidentical (natural) hormones produce better results and have fewer side effects than non-bioidentical (synthetic) hormones.
- The Replacement part of BHRT refers to adding back to our bodies enough of the gonadal hormones to restore levels to our prime years, because we produce less and less of these critically important hormones as we get older. The term “optimization” is often used, because in addition to just replacing key hormones, it’s best to optimize their levels and balance.
- The Therapy part of BHRT refers to how the hormone is introduced to the body. The best ways to receive the therapy depends on the goal, the hormone, and the individual so it’s important to receive care from a specially-trained expert – not somewhere iffy on the internet. Therapy can range from creams and patches applied to the skin, to small pellets inserted under the skin, to pills and troches (lozenge-like saches) taken by mouth; injecting sex hormones is usually not best.
That’s it for BHRT Basics. Next week we’ll post about Hormone Creams vs. Pellets. If you want to talk about what BHRT could mean for you, call 616.737.1710 or visit www.GenAgeCenter.com to schedule a free discovery session or a medical appointment.
About Dr. Kim
Dr. Hyung Kim is a devoted family man, former hospital system president, and a physician at GenAge Center, a longevity & wellness practice in Grand Rapids, Michigan specializing in helping people with energy & weight loss and women with menopausal symptoms. He is triple board-certified: by the American Board of Anti-Aging and Regenerative Medicine, the American Board of Internal Medicine, and the American Board of Lifestyle Medicine. His M.D. is from Johns Hopkins, and his internal medicine physician training is from the University of Michigan (Go Blue!).
About GenAge Center
GenAge Center is a physician-led longevity and wellness clinic located in Ada, Michigan, delivering personalized, data-driven care to help people look, feel, and perform at their best.
Led by Hyung Kim, MD, MBA, FACP, the Center combines advanced diagnostics – such as DEXA body composition and VO₂ testing – with Board-certified medical oversight across a comprehensive approach that brings together hormone & micronutrient optimization, fitness & nutrition, and sleep & stress management in a comfortable, discreet setting. We also specialize in peptide therapy in Ada, MI to support healing and overall vitality.
To learn more, call 616.737.1710 or visit www.GenAgeCenter.com to schedule a free discovery session or a medical appointment.
