Can menopause symptoms be safely comforted with bio-identical hormones?
Recent research suggests that menopause can be treated with bio-identical hormones, a natural replacement for a woman’s body, with no reported side effects.
In the past, menopause has been treated like a disease – primarily with Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT) including Premarin, which is made from pregnant mare’s urine, Prempro and Provera – which meant ingesting synthetic chemicals on a regular basis. Now we know that these drugs are causing the very problems we’re trying to avoid including breast cancer and heart attacks.
Bioidentical hormones are an exact structural replica of endogenous hormones. Side effects are rarely observed and in the event that one does experience side effects, the dosage may simply need to be adjusted. Since bioidentical hormones can be custom tailored for your needs, you can have the exact amount needed for you.
Synthetic hormones are typically only available in oral form, but bio-identical hormones come in a variety of delivery systems such as rapid dissolve tab, transdermal patch, cream, lotion or sublingual drops.
Typically a successful approach to dealing with a woman’s menopausal symptoms is to begin with bloodwork to evaluate the hormones. The doctor can then prescribe a precise dosage of bio-identical estrogens, progesterone and testosterone that can be made for you at a compounding pharmacy. This is contrary to HRT treatments that are typically “one size fits all.”
Most doctors prescribing bio-identical hormones find that a large percentage of women find some relief by using medical-grade supplements, bio-identical hormones, and dietary and lifestyle changes (including the proper nutrition, stress management techniques and exercise).
Is it right for you to treat your menopause with bio-identical hormones? First you need to consult with your healthcare provider to get the right answer for you. Once you know what you need, your healthcare provider and you can work out the best alternative for your body.
