A woman’s body primarily utilizes two different hormones at the onset of puberty to achieve what is commonly called “the menstrual cycle.” While estrogen deficiency, or menopause, has been well studied and largely understood to cause hot flashes, night sweats, weight gain, mood changes etc., a newer emerging study of estrogen dominance has been on the horizon. Before menopause, a delicate balance of estrogen and progesterone is required for optimal female reproductive function, and we are finding that the imbalance can lead to symptoms we historically referred to as PMS. A mismatched ratio of estrogen to progesterone can cause severe fatigue, sleep disturbances, mood swings, irritability, food cravings and even depression and anxiety.

Hormone replacement therapy (HRT) has traditionally been a “one-size-fits-all” model and has caused quite a conundrum in the medical community. Newest research, however, shows benefit from not only individualizing therapy but using bioidentical formulations too. By using forms that are molecularly identical to the body’s natural production, side-effects are lessened while achieving symptom control. Balancing progesterone and estrogen is a therapy now available for women as young as their early 20’s. At Body By Barker, we offer bioidentical hormone replacement therapy (BHRT) in the form of pills, creams, patches and pellets.