What is BHRT?
BHRT is a field that is fast gaining worldwide traction within the medical and aesthetics industry, with the global BHRT market set to reach over $800 million by 2026. But what exactly are bioidentical hormones and why are an ever-increasing number of men and women demanding them?
Bioidentical hormones are identical to the body’s endogenous hormones and so fit their receptors perfectly, ensuring their messages are translated properly, in contrast with synthetic HRT which has a different molecular structure and so can produce undesirable side effects. While bioidentical hormones are available on the NHS, the very limited dosages and formulations may mean that there is no suitable medication for a patient.
This is where compounded BHRT comes into its own – bioidentical hormones tailored to the patient’s personal dosage requirements and preferred route of delivery, allows for the lowest physiological dose to be used whilst providing optimal hormone balance.
If you are a prescribing medical practitioner, the chances are that you have seen patients suffering from hormonal conditions. Whether they are experiencing physical symptoms such as acne, or hormonal shifts like menopause, these conditions require effective diagnosis and treatment. By training in how to prescribe BHRT, practitioners are able to provide patients with every treatment option available to them, offering them hope and opportunity to manage symptoms they will often have been told are unmanageable.
Why train in BHRT?
Training equips practitioners with the knowledge and skills to diagnose and treat patients suffering from a wide range of hormonal imbalances, including peri-menopause, menopause, PMS and andropause.
Practitioners learn how to prescribe medications but also the importance of diagnosis, blood test results, nutrition, consultations and more, giving practitioners every tool they need to effectively treat patients with hormone imbalances. This invaluable knowledge can introduce an entirely new income stream, enabling the shift to private practice or helping a business to expand beyond conventional medicine or aesthetics. Offering patients variety and choice that they cannot get elsewhere will sets a practice apart, no matter what area of medicine a practitioner specialises in.
We are also seeing a shift with patients beginning to educate themselves on the different hormone replacement options available to them, and seeking this treatment from private practitioners, many of whom then enrol on training due to the continued requests for BHRT treatment.
BHRT is a natural fit for those working in the aesthetics industry who are already treating patients who not only want to look younger but also feel younger. Besides adding more value to existing patients, it will also attract new ones. There are still areas of the UK with few, if any practitioners trained in this field, so it could be a great opportunity to venture into this exciting area of medicine.
With minimal investment needed, (a consulting room and basic medical equipment such as scales and a sphygmomanometer), this treatment option can be easily added into your existing offerings.
Patients can be referred for blood tests to check hormone levels and for pelvic ultrasounds to check endometrial thickness and often a good training academy willput a practitioner in touch with a pharmacy to be able to provide the compounded medication.
Who can train?
Any practitioner with a prescribing qualification can train in BHRT. A background in women’s health is helpful, as is a passion for women’s wellbeing.
About the Marion Gluck Training Academy
The Marion Gluck Training Academy delivers a CPD accredited course in BHRT and has been successfully training practitioners since 2016.
If you are a practitioner looking to build your practice, broaden your knowledge base or develop new services for patients, the academy’s courses have been designed to meet your needs. Providing you all the essential information and support you need, our three-part course will give you the know-how and confidence to manage a wide range of hormone related conditions, including menopause, PMS, acne and andropause.
Next classroom course dates: 13th and 14th May 2022, in Dagenham and central London https://www.marionglucktraining.com/
If you have any questions about the courses or BHRT in general, contact Anna Paci on 07473 050800 or anna@marionglucktrainingacademy.com