Natural Hormone Replacement Offers Women Mid-Life Relief

 

Thirty years ago, Gail Sheely’s landmark book “Passages” defined the critical phases that adults pass through. Menopause, with its accompanying hot flashes, sleep problems, bone-density loss and mood swings, is unquestionably one of those stages. Women in search of some relief from the frustrating symptoms of this mid-life passage will want to look into bio-identical hormones.

Bio-identical hormones are identical in molecular structure to those that the human body produces on its own. Synthesized from a chemical extracted from yams and soy, they are a natural hormone replacement therapy (HRT). But the fact is, any medication made from an animal, vegetable or mineral can also be called “organic.”

Premara, the drug monitored for years in the Women’s Health Initiative, was created from the urine of pregnant mares and was regarded as natural, but not bio-identical. That study was abruptly ended in 2002 as a consequence of issues with elevated risks for breast cancer, heart disease, strokes and blood clots. These risks must always be considered when seeking relief from menopause signs and symptoms, and most professionals agree that therapy should be short term and conducted under close observation.

Bio-identicals can be delivered in several ways – pills, topical creams, patches, gels and ointments. Pills are metabolized in the liver first, thereby activating proteins associated with heart attacks and strokes. Topical applications travel directly into the blood vessels, bypassing the liver and those possible associated unwanted side effects.

Studies have shown good symptom relief with bio-identicals and have been Fda approved. This means they are available from large pharmaceutical companies with a prescription. However, just as “one size fits all” is seldom true with clothing off the shelf, the standardized formulations and dosages of mass medicine don’t usually meet individual women’s needs, either.

A compounding pharmacy can produce a personalized solution on a individualized basis. Dosages can be modified in accordance with symptoms, and additives in commercial preparations that cause allergic reactions can be eliminated.

It is good to remember that some of the same unintended effects in non-compounded HRT, including breast tenderness or bleeding, can still manifest. That is why it is recommended that women work with a medical doctor who is very familiar with this treatment, and with a specific compounding pharmacy. Responsible practitioners will also start out with what is called a hormone panel, which will help guide precise dosing and balance between estrogen and progesterone. As therapy proceeds, subsequent monitoring may modify the dosage as appropriate.

Your compounding pharmacy must also be accredited by the Pharmacy Compounding Accreditation Board and be happy to discuss their quality-control techniques with you. Then you’re able to feel confident with a personalized therapy that is best designed to help you deal with life’s changes.

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