I began taking bioidentical hormone therapy in September 2006 for severe menopausal symptoms. I started with progesterone cream 3 times a day, and a small amount of testosterone cream every other day. The results were nothing short of astonishing!
Within three days, my restless leg syndrome disappeared. Within two weeks, I was off five medications: antihistamine (cured severe seasonal allergies), acid reflux medication, sleeping medication (now I use Melatonin), blood pressure medication, and most importantly, the Ritalin/Concerta I took for Attention Deficit Disorder. I took longer to wean off the antidepressant I was taking as those meds must be gradually tapered off to minimize side effects.
Besides the obvious health benefits of not poisoning my body with all the medications listed above, I honestly have more energy now than I did when I was 30, and I turned 50 in June 2008. My mind is much clearer, my focus much sharper, and my anxiety level has decreased dramatically. I now work out at our local YMCA 5-6 days per week, which has tremendously benefited the back, hip and pelvis problems I have from a car crash in 1992. Oh, yeah, did I mention I am down 80 pounds from my high weight (and still working on it)!
I often get asked about why I only take progesterone and testosterone, but not estrogen. Right now, my estrogen levels are fine, the only estrogen I need to take is a little estriol cream intravaginally for dryness, but I get my estadiol and FHS (follicle stimulating hormone) checked, and if I need some estrogen to balance out, of course, Dr. Carr (my physician in Rancho Mirage, CA) will discuss it and appropriate prescriptions will be given. May 2009 update: my FSH and estradiol levels indicate I still do not need to take supplemental estradiol at this time. I have the levels checked regularly!
I am also often asked why I take my hormones transdermally (using creams on my skin) rather than just pop a pill. By using creams, I am able to bypass the liver and the absorption rate for my hormones is faster. The creams are in no way an inconvenience, They come in a little dispenser jar and it took me less than a week to remember my three daily doses.
As a society, we overuse the phrase that something has "changed my life". In this case, it's not hype---I absolutely know that bioidentical hormone therapy has not only improved the quality of my life, but has literally saved my life. I am looking forward to living the second half of my life as a healthy, productive, hormonally balanced woman! I want very much to educate women that there is help out there, I have a blog at holyhormones.blogspot.com that deals with bioidentical hormone replacement therapy and related women's issues. I can be reached through the blog and am happy to share a whole list of resources including recommended reading and how to find a compounding pharmacy and/or a doctor who specializes in BHRT in your area.
All user-generated information on this site is the opinion of its author only and is not a substitute for medical advice or treatment for any medical conditions. Members and guests are responsible for their own posts and the potential consequences of those posts detailed in our Terms of Service.
Add a CommentComments
There are no comments yet. Be the first one and get the conversation started!