Hormone therapy is an effective treatment for women but due to its higher risk of heart disease, blood clots, stroke and breast cancer they are opting for safer ways. It is assumed that natural hormone is better but word ‘natural’ is debatable.
A product whose main ingredient is sourced from plant, animal or mineral is termed technically as natural. Women don’t mind if the substance is powdered and inserted in capsules before selling it OTC or formulated by pharmaceutical company that needs a prescription.
The main problem in such natural drugs is compliance of regulations. As they are not tested rigorously in humans, there is no evidence that they are effective and safe. For example, soy supplements include elements that stimulate breast tumor. Soy is natural and safe but the synonym here is ‘unregulated’.
Fortunately, bioidentical hormone therapy is the latest development to treat women suffering from night sweats, vaginal dryness, and hot flashes. Bioidentical hormones are similar to natural molecular structure women produce in their body. Even though they are formulated in a lab, bioidentical hormones simulate natural hormones human body produces. Due to this, your body cannot differentiate between hormones naturally produced and bioidentical ones.
Sources of bioidentical hormones
- 17-beta-estradiols
- Estradiol acetate
- Estradiol hemihydrate
- Micronized progesterone USP
Several large pharmaceutical companies formulate FDA approved bioidentical hormones. There are specific compounding pharmacies that blend their proprietary formula to produce bioidentical hormones but are not FDA approved.
Benefits of bioidentical hormones
Symptoms of menopause can be treated in a woman, which can result in potential benefits.
- Less dry skin
- Reduced fatigue
- Enhanced sleep
- Less hair thinning
- Decrease in hot flashes
- Low bloating issue
- Augmented sex drive
- Better concentration
Menopause is the time, when she stops experiencing monthly cycle periods. Perimenopause is the phase that leads to menopause when estrogen level drops.
Who requires bioidentical hormones?
- Women experiencing perimenopause phase.
- Women not responding well to other treatments.
Forms of bioidentical hormones
- Creams
- Injections
- Tablets
- Lotions
- Gels
Hormonal product risk basically depends on how hormone is formulated. Therefore, it is crucial to work with a doctor to decide the right formulation suitable to your needs. First, you will undergo a hormone level test by blood or saliva sample. The doctor will them decide what hormones is needed and the pharmacist will blend a treatment of evidently natural ingredients. You will need to assess your hormone level several times during the treatment.
