Hormones are necessary to provide optimal wellness and vitality. When hormones are out of balance, we may experience PMS, insomnia, fatigue, hot flashes, weight gain, loss of sex drive, hair loss, mood swings, increased facial hair, vaginal dryness, frequent bladder infections, and suboptimal aging. Bio-identical hormones are natural hormones that mimic what the body should be producing. Many women prefer bio-identical hormones over synthetic hormones based on warnings coming from The Women’s Health Initiative Study showing synthetic hormone use can increase risk for strokes, breast cancer, colon cancer, heart disease and blood clots. It is important to mention that there have not been similar studies done on bio-identical hormones on safety, therefore the side-effects of high dose, long-term BHRT are theoretically similar to the side effects of synthetic hormones. What makes BRT more appealing is that I recommend the lowest dose based on your symptoms and a laboratory test of hormone levels. In addition, you will be carefully monitored to ensure safe and effective symptom relief with the lowest dose possible (for the shortest time necessary).