Hormone Replacement Therapy
Men: Here is your link:
Natural Testosterone Replacement
Ladies: If you know that you want Bio-Identical hormone therapy, click this link: Natural Hormone Replacement for Women. If you are undecided, read on...
Risks vs. Benefits of Hormone Replacement Therapy and
The Advantages of Bio-Identical HRT
The Women's Health Initiative study was designed to identify the potential risks and benefits of Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT). A portion of the clinical trial was stopped early after results showed that a synthetic hormone combination increased the women's risks of developing invasive breast cancer, heart disease, stroke, and blood clots. The data and safety monitoring board concluded that the risks of using a synthetic estrogen - synthetic progestin drug combination outweighed the benefits.
It is interesting that the researchers considered this finding to be
"news". In fact, many published clinical trials have already reported
that the risk of breast cancer is increased by long-term use of
conjugated equine estrogens, and further increases when the synthetic
progestin medroxyprogesterone acetate is added to the regimen.
At our pharmacy, we compound customized bio-identical hormones including
estriol, estrone, estradiol, progesterone, and testosterone, using the
exact dose of the specific bio-identical hormones needed by each woman
in the most appropriate dosage form for that individual. This
customization allows the prescriber to maximize the therapeutic benefits
that can be obtained through the use of bio-identical hormones, while
minimizing the potential for adverse effects.
Bio-identical hormones were NOT used in the WHI study. Bio-identical
hormones are structurally identical to hormones that are naturally
produced by the human body, and intended to replace these hormones when
their levels decline either as a consequence of aging, disease, or
surgery. Research has shown that bio-identical hormones can effectively
control symptoms of menopause, including hot flashes, insomnia, vaginal
dryness, and frequent urinary tract infections. Women's experiences and
clinical outcomes of HRT differ vastly depending on whether the hormones
are synthetic or bio-identical, the dose, dosage form, and route of
administration. For years, physicians have been prescribing
bio-identical HRT for women who have experienced problems or have other
concerns about the use of synthetic hormones.
Progesterone is a term that is incorrectly used interchangeably to
describe both natural bio-identical progesterone and synthetic
substitutes. Synthetic progestins (also called progestogens or
progestational agents) are derivatives of bio-identical progesterone,
and have been developed because they are longer-lasting, more potent,
and patentable. Although synthetic progestins such as
medroxyprogesterone acetate are clearly beneficial in preventing
estrogen-induced overgrowth of the uterine lining and endometrial
cancer, their other effects may be less desirable. Medroxyprogesterone
can negate the beneficial effects of estrogen on lipid profiles,
atherosclerosis, and vascular reactivity. Natural progesterone, on the
other hand, can maintain the benefits of estrogen on cholesterol while
minimizing the side effects associated with synthetic progestins.
According to some studies, medroxyprogesterone may reduce the dilatory
effect of estrogens on coronary arteries, increase the progression of
coronary artery atherosclerosis, increase the clot-forming potential of
atherosclerotic plaques, promote insulin resistance and consequent
hyperglycemia (high blood sugar), and may significantly lower high
density lipoproteins (HDL, "good cholesterol"), thereby decreasing the
cardioprotective benefit of estrogen therapy. Studies at Wake Forest
University School of Medicine have concluded that synthetic
medroxyprogesterone, in contrast to bio-identical progesterone,
increases the risk of coronary vasospasm. Bio-identical progesterone
plus estradiol protected against vasospasm.
The benefits of progesterone are not limited to prevention of
endometrial cancer in women who are receiving estrogen replacement.
Progesterone can build bone density, promote glucose utilization, and
improve sleep patterns. Mayo Clinic researchers surveyed 176 women
taking natural micronized progesterone who had previously taken
synthetic progestins. After one to six months, the women reported an
overall 34% increase in satisfaction on micronized progesterone compared
to their previous HRT, reporting these improvements: 50% in hot flashes,
42% in depression, and 47% in anxiety. Micronized progesterone was also
more effective in controlling breakthrough bleeding.
When considering treatment options for preventing heart disease and
osteoporosis and relieving menopausal symptoms, it is important to
address not only benefit-versus-risk ratios but also quality-of-life. A
woman's need for HRT may transcend statistics of heart disease,
osteoporosis, and cancer. Without HRT, many women (and consequently,
their families) feel totally miserable, exhausted, and unable to cope.
Yet, only 20% of women continue to take synthetic hormones after two
years, mainly due to the development of side effects. The quality of
many women's lives has been dramatically improved through the use of
bio-identical HRT.
Statistics and fear abound, yet the absolute risk of cancer attributable
to HRT remains low, and the risk of some forms of cancer is reduced. For
example, an analysis of 18 studies involving thousands of women
concluded that the risk of developing colorectal cancer is reduced by
34% in current estrogen users.
Decisions about whether to stop, start, or change your HRT should made
on an individual basis only after consulting your physician and a
knowledgeable pharmacist. Our goal is to work together with physician
and patient to solve medication problems and optimize each patient's
health and well-being.
Studies and the media continue to provide conflicting and confusing
information. We are here to help clarify the issues that surround HRT.
Your questions are welcome.
Natural Hormone Replacement for Women