Bioidentical Hormone Therapy Side Effects
Bioidentical hormones are structurally identical to the hormones produced naturally by your body. They fit perfectly in all the receptors they're supposed to fit in and your body can't tell these hormones apart from its own natural hormones. That's why they don't typically have actual side effects, per se.
Reaching optimal hormone levels is a balancing act that may take some time to get right. Your hormones need to be tested a few times and your dosages may be adjusted over time as we look for the ideal treatment plan for you. During this process, any hormone imbalances that may occur can cause side effects. In some cases, they may be similar to the symptoms you were initially experiencing - or they may even be worse.
The adverse effects that may occur depend upon which hormone levels remain unbalanced. While seeking optimal hormone balance, you may experience a variety of such effects, including but not limited to:
- Headaches
- Irritability
- Mood swings
- Increased acne
- Difficulty sleeping
- Breast tenderness
- Itching at the application site
It may be frustrating to continue to see the same kinds of symptoms that you're seeking treatment for, but as your testing continues and your hormone levels are adjusted, you will feel much better. Once your hormones have reached an ideal balance, you are likely to see a drastic reduction or absence of these adverse effects. The adjustment period may take several visits, but it's well worth the wait!
