Hormone replacement therapy is in the news! A major study
using horse estrogens and progestin has been stopped because the expected
advantages of decreased osteoporosis and improved heart health have been
outweighed by an increase in breast cancer and stroke. Is there an alternative?
What Forms of Hormone
Replacement are Available?
Some synthetic estrogens are:
Conjugated
estrogens (Premarin) derived from pregnant mare’s urine
Estradiol (Estrace)
a bio-identical hormone but not in bio-identical proportions
Estradiol
transdermal patch (Estraderm). Yes, estrogens are well absorbed through the
skin.
Progestin/Progestogen
(Provera). Not to be confused with Progesterone.
Methyltestosterone
Some Natural examples are:
Tri-estrogen
consisting of a combination of three different estrogens: estriol, estrone and
estradiol. This is prepared by a compounding pharmacist specializing in natural
products and is available in capsules, topical creams, troches and
suppositories. These are plant source estrogens prepared to be identical to
hormones produced in the human body.
Natural
progesterone is available in suppositories, capsules creams and troches,
also plant source modified to be identical to human progesterone.
Micronized
testosterone is available in capsules and cream.
Why Use Natural
Hormone Replacement?
The main benefit of using natural HRT vs synthetic is that
the natural preparations are compounded to match more closely the way they are
produced in the body. No two women are alike, of course, and the value of
bio-identical hormone replacement therapy is that it can be adapted to fit your
individual body and hormone levels. With the help of your doctor and a
compounding pharmacist, you can start and maintain a bio-identical hormone replacement
regimen that closely mimics what your body has been doing naturally for years.
Are You a Candidate
for the Testosterone Hormone Replacement?
If testosterone drops too low, the result an be loss of
sexual interest, assertiveness or energy, which can create problems. The
addition of small doses of testosterone orally or in a topical cream can help
alleviate these problems. However, not all women need testosterone therapy. Ask
your doctor for more information on testosterone.
Goals of Hormone
Replacement
Alleviate symptoms caused by naturally decreases
in production of hormones by the body.
Replace the hormones to the extent to provide
the positive benefits of hormone therapy.
Bring the body back to hormone balance.
Imitate the body’s natural processes as much as
possible.
Potential Benefits of
Hormone Replacement
Guard against heart disease
Decrease bone loss
Reduce hip fractures
Raise good (HDL) cholesterol
Eliminate or reduce hot flashes
Reduce sleeping difficulties and night sweats
Promote a sense of well-being
Increase energy
Improve midlife short-term memory loss
Prevent vaginal dryness and thinning and
shrinking of vaginal tissue
Lower incidence of urinary tract infections
Improve skin elasticity
Potential Risks of
Hormone Replacement
Risk is dependent on a number of factors such as: age,
family history, lifestyle habits, exposure to estrogen before menopause,
unexplained vaginal bleeding, and present health status. Women with gall
bladder problems, diabetes, fibroids and previous cancers should discuss all
these risk factors with their doctor. The forms and doses of hormone therapy
can have an effect on risk reduction.
Today’s woman has choices of lower doses and safer forms of
hormone therapy which were not previously available. Work with your doctor and
pharmacist to get the benefits you want from hormone therapy . . . with fewer
side effects and risks.
ICP - Providing quality solutions with maximum benefits for a healthier you.
