Bio-Identical Hormone Therapy uses hormones found naturally in the human body to return the body to a more healthy and balanced state. Bio-Identical hormones are derived from natural plant compounds and developed to match the structure and function of the hormones produced within the human body. They are identical to endogenous (self-made) human hormones, so the body is able to metabolize and process them normally, thus minimizing side effects.
Hormones are the messengers of the body, helping your body’s various parts communicate with each other. They are essential to life, and maintaining healthy hormone balance is a key to optimal wellness in both men and women.
At Healthy By Nature, we formulate an individualized plan which may include Bio-Identical Hormones that are tailored specifically to your needs. The levels used are dependent upon individual hormone needs as assessed by comprehensive laboratory analysis. Hormones assessed may include sex hormones (Estrogen, Progesterone, Testosterone, and various metabolites), thyroid hormones, and adrenal hormones. Lab analysis may include blood, saliva, or urine assessment depending on specific individual needs.
Because hormones have so many functions in the body, imbalances can lead to a host of health complaints. Though this list is not exclusive, some common symptoms of hormone imbalances include:
- Irritability
- Insomnia (difficulty with sleep)
- Fatigue
- Night sweats
- Hot flashes
- Weight Gain
- Irregular menstruation
- Menopause
- Andropause (hormonal decline accompanying aging in men)
HORMONE REPLACEMENT: ESTROGEN AND PROGESTERONE
Frequently Asked Questions
What are hormones and why do I need them?
Hormones are an essential part of the metabolic process of living., Hormones are important for the cells, organs and metabolism. Our hormones decline through aging, menopause, disease, or trauma. When this happens, we begin an accelerated aging process. Loss of hormones is one of the major reasons for our deterioration as we get older, both physically and mentally. Hormones are beneficial at any age, but the best long term protective benefits are achieved if hormones are replaced when you begin to lose them, usually in our 40’s.
What are the typical hormones that are prescribed?
Synthetic estrogen (i.e. Premarin) and progestins (i.e. Provera) are produced in a laboratory. They are chemically altered so that they can be pateneted by the pharmaceutical companies. They are not identical to human hormones. They are designed to try to elicit the same responses in your body as your natural hormones. Because synthetic hormones are not identical to human hormones, they might adversely stimulate the cells and lead to side effects or cancer. Premerin is an estrogen obtained from pregnant horses and is not human identical. Prevera is a progestin. Both have been implicated in causing problems in some women, including breast cancer.
How are bio-identical estrogen and progesterone produced?
Hormones that are identical to human hormones are found in yams and soy. We call then “natural” because they are natural to the body. The hormones are extracted from these vegetables and then processed by a specialty compounding pharmacy into a prescription dose and form. They body accepts and metabolizes these hormones as if it made them.
What are the problems with synthetic hormones?
When first developed, synthetic hormones were well received because they proided some of the benefits of hormone replacement: controlling the symptoms of menopause and fighting osteoporosis and heart disease. However, the long-term results have shown that synthetic hormones sometimes elicit a negative metabolic response. Some women cannot tolerate synthetic hormones – often suffering with side effects such as bloating, bleeding or mood swings. In some patients, synthetic estrogens and progestins contributed to the development of breast and uterine cancer.
Synthetic hormones are not a perfect match in the body. Synthetic hormones produce abnormal metabolites that can cause side effects and increase the risk of cancer. A natural hormone is a perfect fit in the body- it is a biologically identical to hormone replacement.
Why doesn’t my gynecologist prescribe bio-identical hormones?
Natural supplements such as vitamins and hormones are protected by federal regulation and may not be patented. Major pharmaceutical manufacturers are interested only in patentable drugs that are exclusive and profitable. A lot of what physicians learn is from the drug companies who are promoting their products. Therefore, your doctors are primarily taught only about synthetic products. Bio-Identical hormones do not come under specific brand names. Your physician must be self-educated and experienced in prescribing and monitoring natural hormones. They probably just don’t know a lot about them or must prescribe within the constraints of your health insurance.
What’s the truth about the recent publicity about the risks of taking hormones?
The Women’s Health Initiative (WHI) is a study that focused on synthetic estrogen (Premarin) and progestin (Provera). NOTE: PROGESTIN IS NOT PROGESTERONE. There were different “arms” of the study using different drug combinations. The arm of the study using Premarin and Provera (PremPro) was discontinued before completion because of the increased risk of breast cancer detected in the early stages of the study. The risk is attributed to the Provera portion of the regimen. This is not the first time progestins have been implicated in increasing risks for women. The arm of the study using Premarin did not show an increased risk of breast cancer, but was discontinued due to an increased incidence of strokes in older women. A recent study showed that natural estrogen did not have the same effects.
Unfortunately, the media has misrepresented the facts of this study by targeting all hormone therapy. This conclusion is incorrect. Again, the culprits are synthetic progestin, Provera, and horse estrogen (equilinin) not natural estrogen or natural progesterone. There are numerous studies showing the long term benefits of hormone therapy. Essential to safety is ensuring the use of the right hormones (bio-identical) and in the right balance. It is also imperative to begin hormone replacement as soon as hormone levels start to decline or become imbalanced, as having a healthy hormone balance provides many protective benefits.
What are the signs of low Progesterone and what are the health benefits?
Progesterone is responsible for balancing estrogen and the female reproductive cycle. Deficiency results in symptoms of PMS, bloating, headaches, cramping, mood swings, breast tenderness, and irritability. A deficiency in Progesterone can be a factor in frequent miscarriages.
Research shows that natural progesterone stimulates bone building osteoblasts, thus providing protection against osteoporosis. Progesterone protects against heart disease, and is necessary for adequate sexual response, lubrication and vaginal vasodilation. Progesterone is responsible for the physiological equilibrium with estrogen. At menopause, women lose both estrogen and progesterone and both should be replaced. Progesterone replacement is important, even if you have had a hysterectomy because progesterone does much more in the body than just protecting the uterus.
What if I have been taking synthetic hormones?
You need hormones, but you need the right kind, the natural, bio-identical and bio-available hormones, in the correct balance. There is no reason to tolerate the risks and side effects of synthetic hormones when a safe alternative is readily available. There are doctors trained and experienced in prescribing natural hormones that can assist you in making the switch.
What about over-the-counter creams and saliva tests?
Products purchased over-the-counter are not usually of a strength sufficient to produce a long term therapeutic difference. A sufficient dose requires a prescription. Over-the-counter products might give you some symptomatic relief, but it is necessary to maintain certain hormone levels to achieve the long term protective benefits.
Because hormones are delivered to the organs by the blood and not saliva, we rely primarily on blood tests to determine accurate and optimal levels. However, there are certain circumstances where saliva or urine assessment is preferable. Knowing which test is most appropriate, and prescribing hormones in an appropriate manor is why it is essential to have a trained doctor oversee the safe use of hormone replacement therapy.
How does one know whether they are receiving adequate amounts of replacement hormones?
Blood tests determine deficiencies. Blood tests also determine whether adequate replacement has been prescribed. Each person differs in how they absorb, assimilate, and respond to hormones. If the proper level is not achieved, then the full benefit of hormone replacement therapy is not realized. We want hormone levels to be optimal and protective.
What about Evista and Fosamax
Evists (Raloxifine) is in a class of drugs known as designer estrogens. Studies show that these compounds are somewhat effective in increasing bone mass although not as effective as estrogen, progesterone, and testosterone. Designer estrogens do not relieve any of the side effects of menopause and might even increase them. Fosamax is a non-hormone treatment to block bone loss and prevent osteoporosis. It has been associated with a multitude of side effects, especially gastrointestinal problems. Neither designer estrogens or Fosamax are as effective as natural estrogen, progesterone, and testosterone at preventing osteoporosis.
Are there other hormones I should replace?
After an in depth initial intake with your holistic doctor, appropriate lab work should be performed to assess if there are other hormones that are imbalanced and require replacement. Some of these hormones include testosterone, DHEA, thyroid, and cortisol.
