What is BHRT?

BHRT stands for Bio-Identical Hormone Replacement Therapy. The “B” stands for Bio-Identical, not biosimilar. During the development of a therapeutic project, any modification in the manufacturing process can create slight changes in the structure of the resulting drug, thus creating a “biosimilar.” The term “Bio-Identical,” as defined by experts from The Endocrine Society, is a compound that has exactly the same chemical and molecular structure as the hormones that are produced in the human body.

Hormone Imbalance

A simple way to describe hormone imbalance is that it represents any combination of hormone levels that are not within the expected normal range. Because hormones are kept within a certain range to perform specific functions, hormone imbalance can be associated with a variety of symptoms and functional changes in the body.

Hormone imbalance in men and women differs because of the hormones involved and the function of the hormones that are not within the normal range or not functioning properly.

Changes In Testosterone Levels

Testosterone deficiency is present in a percentage of men aged 50–69 years and in an even greater proportion of men 70 years of age and older.

Unwanted consequences include decreases in:

• Muscle mass and strength
• Bone mass
• Sexual interest and ability to function sexually
• Cognitive function

They may also experience increases in fat mass. It is unknown, however, whether these changes can all be attributed to declines in testosterone levels or whether there are other contributing factors.

Hormone Optimization For Men

A common form of hormone optimization in men is testosterone replacement therapy.

This type of therapy is approved for men who have low levels of testosterone related to certain medical conditions. Examples of these conditions include genetic problems and chemotherapy or infections that have damaged the testicles.

Benefits Of Testosterone Therapy In Men

The desired effects of testosterone therapy in men include the following:

• Increased lean body mass
• Decreased fat mass
• Increased bone mineral density
• Increased sexual functioning

Several studies have reported on the use of testosterone replacement therapy in men with low testosterone levels. The treatments were administered either by injections or using a scrotal patch.

Most studies have shown increases in lean body mass and bone mineral density and a decrease in fat mass. Accompanying the increase in muscle mass has been an increase in either upper- or lower-extremity strength.