There has been much controversy
surrounding the topic of Hormone Replacement Therapy
(HRT) over the past couple of years. Negative attitudes
and conclusions dominate the media. Combine this with the
Women's Health Initiative (WHI) study that was halted two
years ago because of health risks, and it leads to much
confusion for women trying to make informed decisions on their
health.
Lets clear some of this confusion. First, the
WHI study and the subsequent media reports about HRT are based
on Commerical HRT only. They are based off
findings about the combination of conjugated estrogens and
medroxyprogesterone (called PremPro). Thus, when you hear
about HRT in the news, this is what they are referring to.
There are alternatives.
Over-the-counter, there are products containing phytoestrogens, and
topical products containing low-dose progesterone. These will
provide temporary relief in PMS, perimenopausal, and menopausal
symptoms. Additionally, nutrititionals and
exercise programs can provide benefit. Long-term benefits
and improved health can be achieved through Bioidentical Hormone
Replacement Therapy, a prescription alternative.
What is Bioidentical Hormone Replacement
Therapy?
Bioidentical Hormone Replacement Therapy (BHRT) is
a prescription alternative to conventional hormone replacement
therapy (conjugated estrogens, medroxyprogesterone,
etc.). Bioidentical medications are plant-derived,
and chemically changed in a laboratory until they are identical to
what your body would naturally produce. BHRT is customizeable;
in other words, it can be adjusted to fit your needs, unlike
conventional HRT, which has a few standard dosage strengths.
What are the goals of BHRT?
Alleviate symptoms caused by the natural decrease
in hormone production in the body
Reestablish the individual's hormonal
balance
Provide protective benefits that were originally
provided by the body's naturally occurring hormones
What are the benefits of BHRT?
BHRT offers a number of health-related benefits:
Helps in the prevention of Osteoporesis and
restoration of bone strength
Protection against heart disease and stroke
Reduced hot flashes and reduced vaginal
dryness
Muscle mass and strength are better
maintained
Improvement in cholesterol levels
Risk of depression reduced
Reduced risk of breast and endometrial
cancer
Improved libido
Prevention of senility and Alzheimer's
Disease
Improved sleep
Mood, concentration, and memory become
better
Far fewer unwanted effects than synthetic
hormones
There are six types of hormones prescribed for
BHRT:
Estriol
Estradiol
Estrone
Progesterone
Testosterone
Dehydroepiandosterone (DHEA)
(Estriol, Estradiol, and Estrone are the three
estrogens found in the human body.)
For more information on Estrogens, click
here
For more information on Progesterone, click
here
