Hot flashes, night sweats, mood swings and vaginal dryness are symptoms that many women deal with as they move through menopause. These symptoms impact women’s daily lives and their quality of life. In an effort to get their lives back, women are looking for solutions for symptoms of menopause.
One solution is using bioidentical hormones to even out the changes in female hormones that cause these problems. What are bioidentical hormones and how do they work?
Bioidentical hormones are hormones that have the exact same chemical structure as ones that our body produces. They are also hormones that are made from plant substances, usually soy and yams, and converted into the exact form of estrogens our body produces. They can help balance hormones and reduce menopausal symptoms.
The bioidentical estrogens are 17 beta-estradiol, estrone and estriol. The body cannot tell the difference between these and the hormones your ovaries produce.
In addition to estrogens, there's also bioidentical micronized progesterone. This is used in combination with estrogens to reduce symptoms.
This combination of estrogens and progesterone is used for all women with a uterus. The combination can prevent the increased risk of endometrial cancer that happens if only estrogens are being prescribed.
If a woman has had a hysterectomy a more personalized bioidentical treatment that does not necessarily include progesterone may be included.
Bioidentical estrogens can be prescribed in pill, patch, cream, gel, lotion or vaginal preparation form. Progesterones are in capsules or gel form only. Bioidentical hormones have been shown to reduce menopausal symptoms without side effects.
One of the concerns some patient express about hormone replacement therapy is in regards to the controversy surrounding the use of hormones during the 2002 Women’s Health Initiative (WHI).
During that study it was found that taking synthetic hormones increased the risk of breast cancer, heart disease, stroke and blood clots. The recommendations for that study were clear. Women need to have discussions with their doctors before taking hormone replacement therapy.
Since that time the medical community has more options for treatment, e.g., creams, gels and patches that were not studied during WHI study, and that cause different actions in the body. Bioidentical hormones fall into that category, too.
So if you are have moderate to severe symptoms what should you do?
Consult a licensed doctor about the best overall treatment for you, which may include bioidentical hormones. The reason you must be under the care of a qualified doctor is to monitor your hormone levels during the treatment, to create the right balance for your body's needs.
Live Vibrantly,
Dr. Dae
Dr. Daemon Jones
Dr. Dae's website: www.HealthyDaes.org
Dr. Dae's Bio:
Dr. Daemon Jones is your diabetes-reversal, hormones, metabolism and weight loss expert. Dr. Dae is a naturopathic doctor who treats patients all over the country using Skype and phone visits. Visit her or schedule a free consultation at her website www.HealthyDaes.org/
Sources:
"What are bioidentical hormones? - Harvard Health Publications." Health Information and Medical Information - Harvard Health Publications. N.p., n.d. Web. 3 July 2013.
http://www.health.harvard.edu/newsweek/What-are-bioidentical-hormones.htm
The Reproductive Systemß. "The Reproductive System of the Female." College of Arts and Sciences. N.p., n.d. Web. 3 July 2013.
http://www.as.miami.edu/chemistry/2086/chap28/newchap28-female.htm
"Hormones and Menopause | National Institute on Aging." National Institute on Aging | The Leader in Aging Research. N.p., n.d. Web. 3 July 2013.
http://www.nia.nih.gov/health/publication/hormones-and-menopause
Reviewed July 3, 2013
by Michele Blacksberg RN
Edited by Jody Smith