Sandra Justice, P.D.,FACA
Today millions of men and women concerned about aging and maintaining
a quality of life are undergoing hormone replacement therapy (HRT).
Hormone-related problems- such as mood swings, PMS, infertility, endometriosis,
fibrocystic breasts, weight gain, low libido, vaginal dryness, frequent
bladder infection, heart disease and osteoporosis - can be relieved
by achieving a proper hormone balance. In considering the benefit
risk ratio, it is important to take into account alternatives to traditional
therapy.
Aternatives to traditional HRT include the use of natural plant-derived
bio-identical hormones which have the same chemical makeup as those
produced by the human body. Synthetic hormones and hormones from animal
sources do not allow the body to produce the full range of other hormones
which are needed to function at full potential, and therefore are
more likely to produce side effects.
Many people, including doctors, haven't heard much about bio-identical
hormone replacement. Because bio-identical hormones cannot be patented
for the same reason natural air, water, or vitamins cannot be patented,
there's little or no incentive for the pharmaceutical industry to
spend millions of dollars to develop, test, submit to the FDA for
approval, and market these hormones. It is important to note, bio-identical
hormones were not included in the study released concerning the negative
effects of traditional hormone therapy on the heart.
Bio-identical hormone replacement isn't just estrogens and progesterone.
Bio-identical estrogens and progesterone are just part of a complex
and closely interlinked hormonal system that includes many other hormones
such as testosterone, DHEA, pregnenolone, and melatonin, to name just
a few. Many of these hormones have been found to decline with age.
Restoring them to normal levels with natural replacement versions
can have a remarkably revitalizing effect on hearts and immune systems
to moods, energy, and libido.
The best way to reap the benefits of HRT and bypass the side effects
is to customize. HRT needs to be carefully initiated by a physician
after a personal history, family history, and current medical situation
are reviewed. Everyone is unique and will respond to therapy in their
own way: therefore the selection of hormone(s), dose and dosage form
should be specific to each patient. Close monitoring is important
to ensure proper dosage adjustments and avoid unnecessary side effects.
Compounding pharmacists can make natural hormones in a variety of
doses, regimens, and preparations designed to make you more comfortable
with your therapy while gaining long-term benefits.
Information regarding bio-identical hormones and their role in
the body, both female and male, can be found at www.noraapothecary.com
under archives/natural hormone replacement.
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