Estrogens are a major component of Bioidentical Hormone Replacement Therapy. Estrogens, when part of a balanced BHRT plan, offer a wide range of health benefits for the patient. 

What are the bioidentical estrogens?

There are three bioidentical estrogens:

1. Estrone (E-1)
2. Estradiol (E-2)
3. Estriol (E-3)

These three components make up human estrogen.  The most abundant in the body is estriol (60-80% of circulating estrogens), followed by estradiol and estrone (10-20% each). Estriol is thought to be the weakest acting hormone, but provides a natural hormonal balance in the body, whereas estradiol and estrone are thought be the stronger estrogens. The female body produces large amounts of estriol during pregnancy and has protective properties against such things as breast cancer. Estradiol is abundant in pre-menopausal women, and estrone is the primary estrogen found in post-menopausal women.

What are the functions of estrogens?

• Promote proliferation and growth of specific cells in the body
• Responsible for development of most secondary sexual characteristics of the female
• Responsible for normal growth and development of female sex organs
• Provide maintenance of anti-aging mechanisms
• Protect against bone loss (but does not assist in the formation of new bone), heart disease, and other aging dilemnas

What can bioidentical estrogens be used for?

 Bioidentical Estrogens have a variety of uses:

• Symptoms of peri-menopause and menopause
• • Natural and surgical menopause
• Primary ovarian failure
• Infertility
• Female hypogonadism and castration
• Osteoporesis
• PMS

What are some benefits of bioidentical Estrogen Replacement Therapy?

• Relief of menopausal symptoms
• Reduction in risk of heart disease
• Improved lipid profile
• Prevention of osteoporesis
• Prevention of memory disorders
• Maintenance of skin health
• Reduced risk of cancer
• Less potential for undesirable side effects than with conventional synthetics (some side effects of conventional estrogen therapy include: breast tenderness, gallstones, blood clots, vaginal bleeding, endometriosis, increased risk of enometrial cancer and breast cancer)

What is meant by the term "estrogen dominance?"

This is a relatively new term to describe an overabundance of estrogen in the body.  Patients who have been on conventional HRT therapy tend to have this condition.  It can be caused by:

• High fluctuations of peri-menopause
• Overdosing of estrogen
• Lack of progesterone to balance

Symptoms to look for to find cases of estrogen dominance include:

• Fatigue
• Breast tenderness
• Fluid retention
• Headaches
• Sweet cravings
• Decrease in libido
• Heavy or irregular menstruation
• Weight gain
• Fibrocystic breasts
• Uterine fibroids
• mood swings
• Hair loss

If you have any additional questions, please do not hesitate to contact us, either via the web or at the pharmacy (907-488-8555), or fax your questions (907-488-8556)