The difference between Bioidentical and Synthetic Hormones
Hormone therapy is a treatment used to supplement the body with either
estrogen alone or estrogen and progesterone combination, or
bioidentical hormones. Estrogen and progesterone are hormones that are
produced by the ovaries. When the ovaries no longer produce adequate
amounts of these hormones as in menopause, hormone therapy can be given
to supplement the body with adequate levels of estrogen and
progesterone.
Bioidentical hormone replacement therapy (BHRT) is a modification of
conventional hormone replacement therapy. BHRT is the replacement of
hormones normally produced by the body with hormones that are
biologically identical in chemical structure and function.
Bioidentical hormones are synthetic or nonsynthetic chemicals which can
be extracted and derived from a variety of different sources such as
plants (soy or yams) or animals (pigs or horses). Then hormones are
modified in such a way that the molecular structure is identical to the
hormones normally produced by the body.
Problems with research studies
The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) considers bioidentical hormones
to be natural regardless of their source, and as a result they cannot
be patented. Since pharmaceutical companies cannot patent biologically
identical hormones, they don't have enough financial interest in
funding studies regarding BHRT and producing such products. Instead
they invent synthetic hormones that are patentable, thus making BHRT a
less visible alternative, even to some health care professionals.
However bioidentical hormones have been studied in Europe and found to
be safer than synthetic hormones sold by the drug companies.
Health Risks of Hormone Replacement Therapy
Bioidentical hormones, like their synthetic counterparts (HRT), are
powerful substances that may offer health benefits, but also come with
risks. It is difficult to determine the extent to which BHRT is
associated with most risks and side effects because of the lack of
long-term clinical trials using BHRT or comparing bio-identical hormone
replacement with other forms of HRT in the United States.
Risks and possible side effects include associated with HRT:
Increased risk of endometrial cancer in women with a uterus if estrogen is taken without progesterone or a progestin.
Slightly increased risk of breast cancer after 4 or more years of
HRT, as shown in the WHI study that used continuous combined oral
estrogen and progestin (Prempro). Estrogen alone or other HRT regimens
may not raise the risk of breast cancer significantly.
Increased breast density, making mammograms more difficult to
interpret and possibly increasing breast cancer risk. This appears to
be an effect primarily associated with taking oral progestin
continuously with estrogen (e.g., Prempro).
Slightly increased risk of ovarian cancer.
Slightly increased risk of blood clots, associated primarily with oral estrogens such as Premarin.
Increased risk of gallbladder disease, associated primarily with oral estrogens such as Premarin
Slightly increased risk of heart attack or stroke, both in women
with cardiovascular disease and in healthy women. This effect may be
associated primarily with HRT using continuous combined oral estrogen
and progestin (Prempro) or the daily use of an oral progestin such as
Provera with estrogen.
Breast pain (often a temporary problem).
Nausea, associated primarily with oral estrogens.
Bloating and fluid retention, primarily associated with progestins, e.g., medroxyprogesterone acetate.
Negative effects on mood, primarily associated with progestins, e.g., medroxyprogesterone acetate.
Note: These side effects seem to be associated with oral estrogen and not with transdermal estrogen.
Some women find that trying a different type of HRT, such as switching
to bio-identical hormones, using a transdermal product instead of
pills, or trying a different regimen, may reduce or eliminate side
effects and work better for them.
Women with the following conditions are especially at risk for suffering serious hormone replacement therapy side effects:
Vaginal bleeding of unknown cause
Chronic disease of the liver
History of breast or uterus cancer
History of blood clots in the veins, legs, or lung
BHRT Benefits
Advantages of bioidentical hormone replacement therapy for menopausal
and peri-menopausal women include all of the well-known benefits of
patented hormone replacement therapy-and often more without most of the
unwanted side-effects and risks associated with traditional hormone
replacement.
BHRT was prescribed for it's short-term benefits but, more and more,
doctors and researchers are becoming aware of and prescribing BHRT for
it's long-term benefits. BHRT is used to eliminate or reduce various
problems and symptoms at different stages of women's lives, which may
include:
Premenstrual Syndrome (PMS)
Premenopausal/postmenopausal symptoms
Irregular menstrual periods
Uterine bleeding
Hot Flushes
Osteoporosis (bone-density loss)
Reduces risks of heart disease
Accelerates fat burning for increased weight loss
Reduces nights sweats and insomnia
Enhances sex drive and libido
Protects against fibrocystic breasts
Helps improve memory lapses and foggy thinking
Prevents vaginal thinning and dryness
Increases energy and reduces depression
Improves the skins elasticity
Guards bones from osteoporosis and encourages bone growth
Yes it was very helpful as it seems as though it is safer to use the topical hormones in place of the conventional oral hormones. I went through the menopause at a very young age. I was just 38 and in my prime and like a switch of a light my life as it was changed. I had absolutely no sex drive and couldn't have the big "O" no matter what. I have been like this for over 10 years as I am now 55. I just made an appointment with my gyn doctor and will discussing the possiblity of going on the bioidentical hormones. I have other symptoms in addition to the non existing libido. Vaginal dryness and pain is one so I hope she can help me.
» left by Debra Saunders from Bc Canada (164 days 14 hours ago.)
I have been on Bio Hormone Cream now for 6 months, and literally changed my life for the good. I am back to normal again. I have been reading alot on the controversy and my medical Dr. doesnt really support this, but my Naturopath believes in it!!
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