As women approach the premenopausal and menopausal stages of their lives, they often become interested in learning and experimenting with different ways to ease or alleviate the symptoms and issues that accompany these life changes. While bio-identical hormone replacement has become very popular and many enjoy success with this course of action, there are also other methods, including natural ones, to address hormone concerns.When using bio-identical hormone replacement you must have a doctor's prescription. A blood or saliva test is commonly used to find out which hormones you lack. The hormones in bio-identical hormone replacement therapies come from plants as opposed to from synthetic chemicals, like the hormone replacement therapy of the past that was questioned when in 2002 the results of a large-scale study brought many questions about its health risks.Bio-identical hormone replacement is packed for each patient and compounded by a pharmacist. Creams and lotion forms are very popular as they are easy to apply. The pellet version, which involves inserting a small pellet, about the size of a grain of rice under the skin, is also gaining many followers. With all of these delivery systems minute amounts of bio-identical hormones are released into the bloodstream daily.
As for those who have reservations about bio-identical hormone replacement therapy, I spoke with two women in the medical field who have experience with the procedure. Here are their comments:For Nurse Practitioner Donna Duvall, her number one focus is the health of her patients and women in general."My concern," Duvall said, "and the concern of most doctors, is the contents of bio-identical hormones and the fact that they are not FDA approved. Since bio-identical hormones are not FDA approved they do not carry the estrogen warnings that are required for all FDA approved estrogen products. The assumption is that they are safer. However, most conventional estrogens use the same active ingredients as the compounded products. The term bio-identical hormone refers to an exogenous hormone that has a chemical structure identical to a hormone produced in the body."Duvall continues by describing that over the counter medications are considered foods and their labels can say whatever they choose. "As for the compounded estrogens, made by a pharmacist, none have been able to provide consistent blood levels to prevent osteoporosis," Duvall said.Duvall reminds that estrogen is a very powerful hormone and that clinicians have many formulations and dosages of estrogen that are FDA approved. Women need to find a doctor or a nurse practitioner that takes an interest in them and is willing to take the time to listen to the patient to see what is important to her. Clinicians are able to adjust the dose, use a patch, pill, topical cream or gel, vaginal ring or vaginal estrogen.She also expressed that women are spending thousands of dollars out of their pockets when they could have the same result with an exam, lab work and a prescription, all covered by their insurance."If you are using compounded products and have a uterus," Duvall advises, "make sure you have your annual gynecological exam. Blood tests can not determine uterine or breast cancer."Dr. Susanne Bennett, an integrative doctor with a California license in Chiropractic and CEO of Wellness For Life Center, shared information about her experience with bio-identical hormone therapies.These are the pros when administered through creams, oral liquid and pills, pellets, and a cervical ring:
These are the cons that I have experienced with my patients:
"Alternative methods to bio-identical hormones are gentler, with less side effects and do not cause diseases," Dr. Bennett said. "I use all natural formulas, including plant stem cells from Belgium called gemmotherapy, progesterone drops, DHEA drops, pregnenolone drops."
As with any health related decision, hormone therapy is very personal and involves determining exactly what you need and how best to receive it. Trial and error may be involved, with your health care provider and with the treatments and doses prescribed. It never hurts to do your own research, again with respect to your provider and the treatment options available, so that you go into your appointment armed with knowledge and confidence. With the variety of options currently available, premenopausal and menopausal women have a greater chance of finding relief for their symptoms and regaining their happy, healthy lives.
