If you’re suffering from menopausal symptoms, bioidentical hormone therapy can provide a more natural form of relief.
Menopause is a natural biological transition that occurs when ovaries stop producing estrogen and progesterone hormones. Menstruation stops and the ovaries no longer produce eggs. The menopausal transition often begins between ages 45 and 55, sometimes earlier. It usually lasts about 7 years, but may last up to 14.
Once the ovaries stop producing estrogen and progesterone a variety of biological processes can be influenced by the hormone imbalance. Estrogen not only affects reproduction, but also contributes to cognitive, bone and cardiovascular health. Women who are perimenopausal, menopausal and post-menopausal may experience symptoms caused by the change in hormone levels.
Menopausal Symptoms Caused by Low Estrogen Levels
- Less frequent periods
- Hot flashes and/or night sweats
- Insomnia
- Vaginal dryness and thinning
- Low sexual desire
- Mood swings, anxiety, depression
- Dry skin
- Menstrual migraine headaches
What is BioIdentical Hormone Therapy?
Many menopausal women have tried using synthetic hormone therapy such as CEE and MPA to balance their hormone levels to reduce menopause symptoms. However as stated in Mayo Clinic Proceedings, “In 2002, results from the estrogen plus progestin arm of the Women’s Health Initiative revealed an increased risk of breast cancer, cardiovascular disease, stroke, and thromboembolic events in women taking conjugated equine estrogen (CEE) and medroxyprogesterone acetate (MPA) compared with those in the placebo group. These findings prompted many women to discontinue (synthetic) hormone therapy or to seek a safer alternative to FDA-approved (synthetic) hormone therapy for treatment of menopausal symptoms.”
In order to avoid the risks of synthetic hormone therapy, Bioidentical Hormone Replacement Therapy (BHRT) is a natural solution to restore hormone balance. The Endocrine Society has defined bioidentical hormones as “compounds that have exactly the same chemical and molecular structure as hormones that are produced in the human body.”
Bioidentical hormones are made from plants such as soy and yams. Bioidentical estrogen derived from plant sources (17β-estradiol) is available in pellets, pills, patches, sprays, creams, gels, and vaginal tablets. Micronized progesterone is available in a capsule or as a vaginal gel.
3 Health Benefits of BioIdentical Hormone Therapy
1. BioIdentical Hormones Act Like Ovarian Hormones
There are a variety of “natural” hormone replacement therapies that claim to be natural because they aren’t made from synthetic chemicals. However, bioidentical hormones are the only natural alternative that your body can’t distinguish from the ones your ovaries produce. Premarin hormone therapy is made from pregnant mares’ urine. It is sourced naturally, but the molecular structure is not bioidentical to human estrogen. The same goes for Cenestin, which is made from plants, but is not bioidentical.
2. BioIdentical Hormones Can Be Delivered More Effectively
According to Harvard Health, when estrogen is taken as a pill, it’s first processed through the liver. This stimulates proteins associated with heart disease and stroke, such as C-reactive protein, activated protein C, and clotting factors. When delivered by transdermal (skin) patch, estrogen isn’t first processed by the liver and — at the same level of blood concentration — doesn’t have these effects.
3. BioIdentical Hormones Can Be Customized
Menopausal women who cannot tolerate the non-hormonal ingredients contained in synthetic hormone therapy can have compounded bioidentical hormones (CBHT) speciality formulated to their unique body type. Practitioners can prescribe custom dosages based on individual biochemistry and health history.
An Australian survey of 366 women using compounded progesterone identified symptom improvement, the perception of compounded progesterone as safe and natural, and the tailoring of treatment as key factors impacting the acceptability of compounded progesterone to women. In interviews with 25 women seeking anti-aging care, all of whom reported using CBHT, Fishman and colleagues found that women pursued anti-aging services for two overarching reasons: first, for treatment of symptoms they attributed to menopause-related hormonal imbalance or decline, and second, out of frustration with conventional medical care they viewed as “unwilling or unable to adequately treat their hormonal imbalance.”
Contact Natural Bio Health Today
Since 1999, Natural Bio Health has helped thousands of people regain their quality of life, prevent disease and maintain a strong immune system for optimal health. Through a careful review of health history, genetics and lifestyle, our providers are able to create individualized wellness plans to address the root-cause of your underlying health concerns.
Whether your personal struggles are with hormone imbalance, weight, sleep, energy, libido, migraines or depression, Natural Bio Health is committed to help you restore your quality of life and achieve optimal mental and physical health.
Contact Natural Bio Health to learn more about hormone replacement therapy for women.