Risks and Benefits of Bioidentical Hormone Replacement Therapy
Posted: Sunday, July 23, 2006
by Yury Bayarski
http://www.originaldrugs.com/
The difference between Bioidentical and Synthetic Hormones
Hormone therapy is a
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
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
- Improves blood flow
To read more Bioidentical Hormone Replacement Therapy please visit authour's website - www.price-rx.com
This Article has been viewed 10,419 times. (Not updated in real-time.)
Top-level comments on this article: (4 total)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.Thank you!SincerelySheila
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!!
I have recently read an excellent book called "The Miracle of Bioidentical Hormone". Excellent read with case studies to support different approaches in treating assorted type of issues faced by hormone imbalance. I found a dr. close to my home and have sIcheduled an appointment. I had a hysterectomy ten years ago in my early 40's and my ovaries out about 4 ago. After my hysterctomy my cholesterol went up. I have bladder ugency, low labido, and most recently hot flashes and night sweats. Medication such as Sancturia, Lipitor, and topical Estradiol left me with a lot of side affects that complicated my total health. I have been off medication for over one year now. My hair started to grow back and I feel a lot better. It is amazing to me the research one has to undertake to find solutions that work and do not further aggravate the situation. I believe that the medical profession has to change their approach from treating symptoms to preventive medicine. It is vital that patients take an active part in educating themselves and find a doctor that is willing to work with the patient in addressing their health needs in a hoslistic approach that does not further complicate matters by prescribing medication. My advise to all women out there is if your doctor is not working with you to this end....find another doctor who will.
I have been on this treatment for 1 month.. I had a complete hysterectomy at 36. I am now 66. the difference in me is wonderful... no more vaginal bleeding due to dryness, no restless legs at night, no sleepless nights, and I am beginning to feel more energy more get up and go.... got my first bloodwork results today and they were very good...... no side effects at all from treatment. I am sure I will continue to improve even more......I was so lucky to find a Doctor who believed in this therapy....
Sheila
We want your comments! If you can read this, you don't have javascript enabled, so you can't use this comment system. Please enable javascript.