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.