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People often have a lot of questions about hormone replacement therapy and how it works. transformyou uses Bio-identical Hormone Replacement Therapy, so we thought we'd give you a little crash course into what exactly it is, how it works and how it is different from other hormone replacement therapies.
Bio-identical hormones are identical to hormones occurring in the human body. Bio-identical has to do with the chemical structure of a hormone and not its source. Other hormones like Phytoestrogens (from plants) or Premarin (from animals) or Synthetic hormones are not identical in structure or function to our body's own hormones.
Examples of bio-identical hormones include:
- Estrone (E1), Estradiol (E2), Estriol (E3)
- Progesterone
- Testosterone
- DHEA
Is there a difference between bio-identical and synthetic hormones?
Yes! Bio-identical hormones cause the same response as your own hormones. Synthetic hormones cause some of the same actions, but because they have been chemically altered have many different and/or unintended effects. Frequently the synthetic hormones will block the hormone receptors, so that other hormones can not work.
Our hormones are very specific chemicals and changing only 2 molecules converts Estrogen into Testosterone! We can not fool with mother nature and use man-made chemicals to replace our body's own chemicals.
Why should I consider Bio-identical Hormone Replacement Therapy?
Lot of younger women have signs and symptoms of hormonal imbalance (breast tenderness, fibrocystic breast disease, PMS, migraines, headaches, bloating, mood swings, anxiety, and hot flashes.) Use of bio-identical hormones in the proper doses will not only control menopausal and perimenopausal symptoms, but will greatly improve quality of life both short-term and long-term.
This is true for younger men, though less noticeable symptoms. Chronic fatigue, generalized weakness, increase belly fat, decrease libido and erectile dysfunction are some symptoms men report.
Benefits of Bio-identical Hormone Replacement Therapy
Protection against heart disease, reduced risk of breast, ovary & prostate cancer, improved cholesterol and lipid profiles, and osteoporosis prevention are all valid reasons for using individualized bio-identical hormone replacement therapy.
Types of Bio-identical Hormone Replacement Therapy
Estrogen has many benefits including helping with hot flashes, night sweats, vaginal dryness, sleeplessness, mood and mental clarity. Cardiovascular benefits include increasing HDL and decreasing LDL cholesterol. Estrogen is important for preventing bone loss, but only if it is balanced with Progesterone and Testosterone.
Progesterone is the 2nd most abundant hormone in the body for men and women with receptors present on every cell wall. It balances the negative side effects of estrogens (anti-estrogen).
Testosterone is the "Vigor" hormone and helps with sex drive as well as mental and physical drive. Women need it as much as men do.
Side Effects of Bio-identical Hormone Replacement Therapy
Side effects are usually minimal if physiologic (body's own dose) estrogen is balanced correctly by bio-identical progesterone and testosterone. Side effects may include headaches, breast tenderness, nausea, water retention, facial hair, and anxiety or irritability.
Estrogen Dominance (excess estrogen levels), whether the excess occurs naturally or as a result of BHRT, can be countered by body's natural mechanism of progesterone. Studies have demonstrated its effectiveness in decreasing the risks of breast cancer and cardiovascular disease.
What are the different types of Estrogens?
There are 3 types of estrogens natural to the human body:
Estriol (E3) - The Gentle & Safest Estrogen
- about 80% of circulating estrogen prior to menopause
- Weakest estrogen, not stimulating to breast and uterine tissues
- May be protective for cancer
- produced in high amounts during pregnancy
- excellent for vaginal dryness
- available through compounding pharmacies
Estradiol (E2)
- about 10% of circulating estrogen prior to menopause
- most potent human estrogen; stimulating effect on breast and uterus
- deficiency or excess is often related to symptoms
- precursor to estrone and estriol
- available through compounding pharmacies, and commercially as tablets, patches, and vaginal products
Estrone (E1) - The Worst Hormone for Risk of Heart Disease and Cancer
- about 10% of circulating estrogen prior to menopause
- most abundant estrogen after menopause due to formation in fatty tissues
- can be metabolized from estradiol
- available through compounding pharmacies
If you have any questions about hormone replacement therapy in arizona, call transformyou at 480-839-4131 to schedule your free consultation now.