for Your hormones have far-reaching effects in your body, and hormone deficiencies can therefore wreak total havoc on your health. The effects, of course, are dependent on the severity of your deficiency, and which hormone is being under-produced.
As women and men approach mid-life, many often wonder whether or not hormone therapy is the right option for them. Countless studies have shown that traditional (synthetic) hormone therapy can increase the likelihood of various types of cancer and heart disease. However, many are now taking a natural approach to hormone balance with bioidentical hormone replacement therapy (BHRT).
With natural bioidentical hormones, women and men can find relief from symptoms of hormonal imbalance without the risks that come along with synthetic hormones. But what are bio-identical hormones...?
Bio-identical hormones are derived from naturally occurring sources, such as yams and soy, and are designed to replicate the same chemical structure as the hormones that are produced naturally by our bodies.
Bio-identical hormones refers to hormones that are molecularly identical to those produced by the human body. Chemical substances derived from plant tissues are scientifically engineered in laboratories to precisely match the natural human hormones. The hormones are then compounded into creams, gels, pills and pellets to help your body absorb them more easily.
Contrastingly, synthetic hormones do not match the body's natural chemical make-up. They contain tiny molecular differences that the body recognizes as foreign.
Pharmaceutical companies can't patent bio-identical hormones because each regimen is specifically formulated to treat each patient on an individual basis. Instead, they manufacture synthetic hormones that are patentable.
Are they safe?
Bioidentical hormones are more appealing to the masses when dealing with menopause or andropause because they are derived naturally and our bodies can metabolize them properly. Another advantage of using bio-identical hormones is that they are specifically designed to match your individual hormonal needs - unlike synthetic hormones, which use a one-size-fits-all approach to symptom relief.
Although synthetic and natural bio-identical hormone replacement therapy both aim to help women and men find relief during the transitional years of menopause and andropause, the two methods are vastly different in terms of their safety and efficacy.
Synthetic estrogen-replacement drugs increase the risk of several potentially fatal diseases, especially when combined with progestin. In 2002, a large-scale study called the Women's Health Initiative (WHI) revealed that postmenopausal women who used a combination of synthetic estrogen and progestin had a higher risk of breast cancer, coronary artery disease, stroke and blood clots. In response to this alarming news, many doctors immediately recommended that patients stop synthetic HRT. Interestingly, statistics for the following year showed that breast cancer rates overall dropped about 7 percent and estrogen-sensitive breast cancers (which are more likely to occur when estrogen levels are high) among women ages 50 to 69 fell 12 percent.
There is an overwhelmingly large body of evidence that supports the claim that bioidentical hormone therapy is safer and more effective than synthetic hormone replacement. However, it's important to remember that no drug, supplement or herb is 100 percent safe - there is always a chance that you may experience an adverse reaction. That's why it's critical for women and men to consult with a hormone specialist before beginning any hormone therapy regimen, to safe-guard themselves from side effects.
Unlike non-bioidentical hormones, natural bioidentical hormones fit perfectly into the hormone receptors of your body because they are identical to your natural-made hormones. This perfect fit allows your body to completely utilize the hormone without the side effects that are common with non-bioidentical hormones.
To date, there have been no long-term studies of bio-identical hormones, but each short-term study shows positive results both in the relief of symptoms of hormonal imbalances like insomnia, cognitive problems, depression, anxiety, lower sex drive etc. and in the decreased risk of heart disease and breast cancer for women and erectile dysfunction in men . Meanwhile, both long-term and short-term studies show synthetic hormones to be less effective at treating symptoms and to increase the risk of breast cancer and cardiovascular disease.
For women, bio-identical progesterone and estrogen have repeatedly been shown to reduce and eliminate the breast-cell proliferation rates while synthetic versions of these hormones, especially progestin, have been shown to increase breast cancer risk significantly. In terms of cardiovascular disease, bio-identical progesterone maintains and enhances the heart protective effects of estrogen, decreasing the risk for heart attack and stroke. This occurs in part to the bioidentical progesterone augmenting HDL (the good cholesterol) effects. Synthetic progestin does just the opposite, reducing HDL and working against estrogen, causing increased risk of heart disease.
Bio-identical hormones are your best choice.
When it comes to administering bio-identical hormones, there are several delivery methods.
NOTE: other delivery options exist and are considered on an individual patient basis.
The complexities of hormone testing and monitoring.
For best results, your hormone levels should be monitored by blood, urine, or saliva, to ensure they reach a target level that corresponds to the reference ranges for healthy young people. Unfortunately, this monitoring is yet another factor that adds rather than detracts from the complexity of HRT.
Recent research indicates that if you apply topical (transdermal) progesterone, saliva testing will register approximately 10-fold greater compared to whole blood serum testing, and capillary blood levels are approximately 100-fold greater than what you find in whole blood.
According to the study, published in the journal Menopause,10 "high capillary blood and saliva levels indicate high absorption and transport of progesterone to tissues." This means that if you rely on serum levels of progesterone to monitor your topical dose, you may be underestimating your tissue levels, which could lead to overdosing.
As women and men approach mid-life, many often wonder whether or not hormone therapy is the right option for them. Countless studies have shown that traditional (synthetic) hormone therapy can increase the likelihood of various types of cancer and heart disease. However, many are now taking a natural approach to hormone balance with bioidentical hormone replacement therapy (BHRT).
With natural bioidentical hormones, women and men can find relief from symptoms of hormonal imbalance without the risks that come along with synthetic hormones. But what are bio-identical hormones...?
Bio-identical hormones are derived from naturally occurring sources, such as yams and soy, and are designed to replicate the same chemical structure as the hormones that are produced naturally by our bodies.
Bio-identical hormones refers to hormones that are molecularly identical to those produced by the human body. Chemical substances derived from plant tissues are scientifically engineered in laboratories to precisely match the natural human hormones. The hormones are then compounded into creams, gels, pills and pellets to help your body absorb them more easily.
Contrastingly, synthetic hormones do not match the body's natural chemical make-up. They contain tiny molecular differences that the body recognizes as foreign.
Pharmaceutical companies can't patent bio-identical hormones because each regimen is specifically formulated to treat each patient on an individual basis. Instead, they manufacture synthetic hormones that are patentable.
Are they safe?
Bioidentical hormones are more appealing to the masses when dealing with menopause or andropause because they are derived naturally and our bodies can metabolize them properly. Another advantage of using bio-identical hormones is that they are specifically designed to match your individual hormonal needs - unlike synthetic hormones, which use a one-size-fits-all approach to symptom relief.
Although synthetic and natural bio-identical hormone replacement therapy both aim to help women and men find relief during the transitional years of menopause and andropause, the two methods are vastly different in terms of their safety and efficacy.
Synthetic estrogen-replacement drugs increase the risk of several potentially fatal diseases, especially when combined with progestin. In 2002, a large-scale study called the Women's Health Initiative (WHI) revealed that postmenopausal women who used a combination of synthetic estrogen and progestin had a higher risk of breast cancer, coronary artery disease, stroke and blood clots. In response to this alarming news, many doctors immediately recommended that patients stop synthetic HRT. Interestingly, statistics for the following year showed that breast cancer rates overall dropped about 7 percent and estrogen-sensitive breast cancers (which are more likely to occur when estrogen levels are high) among women ages 50 to 69 fell 12 percent.
There is an overwhelmingly large body of evidence that supports the claim that bioidentical hormone therapy is safer and more effective than synthetic hormone replacement. However, it's important to remember that no drug, supplement or herb is 100 percent safe - there is always a chance that you may experience an adverse reaction. That's why it's critical for women and men to consult with a hormone specialist before beginning any hormone therapy regimen, to safe-guard themselves from side effects.
Unlike non-bioidentical hormones, natural bioidentical hormones fit perfectly into the hormone receptors of your body because they are identical to your natural-made hormones. This perfect fit allows your body to completely utilize the hormone without the side effects that are common with non-bioidentical hormones.
To date, there have been no long-term studies of bio-identical hormones, but each short-term study shows positive results both in the relief of symptoms of hormonal imbalances like insomnia, cognitive problems, depression, anxiety, lower sex drive etc. and in the decreased risk of heart disease and breast cancer for women and erectile dysfunction in men . Meanwhile, both long-term and short-term studies show synthetic hormones to be less effective at treating symptoms and to increase the risk of breast cancer and cardiovascular disease.
For women, bio-identical progesterone and estrogen have repeatedly been shown to reduce and eliminate the breast-cell proliferation rates while synthetic versions of these hormones, especially progestin, have been shown to increase breast cancer risk significantly. In terms of cardiovascular disease, bio-identical progesterone maintains and enhances the heart protective effects of estrogen, decreasing the risk for heart attack and stroke. This occurs in part to the bioidentical progesterone augmenting HDL (the good cholesterol) effects. Synthetic progestin does just the opposite, reducing HDL and working against estrogen, causing increased risk of heart disease.
Bio-identical hormones are your best choice.
When it comes to administering bio-identical hormones, there are several delivery methods.
- Hormone creams administered transdermally (i.e. applied to your skin) is one common alternative. However, since hormones are fat-soluble, they can build up in your fatty tissues when applied topically. This buildup in turn can disrupt other hormones. It is difficult to accurately determine the dose when using a cream.
- Sublingual drops (absorbed through the mucous membranes of the mouth) can be a good option, as it enters your blood stream directly and will not build up in your tissues like the cream can. It's also much easier to determine the dose you're taking, as each drop is about one milligram.
- Trans mucosal administration (in the form of a dissolvable gummy, cream or suppository absorbed through the mucous membranes of the mouth, vaginal or rectal tissues), is an ideal administration system, as applying hormones to your mucous epithelial membranes allows for more complete absorption.
- Pellet implantation (testosterone and/or estradiol) delivered by subcutaneous implants (in the hip). Pellets deliver consistent, physiologic levels of hormones and avoid the fluctuations of hormone levels seen with other methods of delivery.
NOTE: other delivery options exist and are considered on an individual patient basis.
The complexities of hormone testing and monitoring.
For best results, your hormone levels should be monitored by blood, urine, or saliva, to ensure they reach a target level that corresponds to the reference ranges for healthy young people. Unfortunately, this monitoring is yet another factor that adds rather than detracts from the complexity of HRT.
Recent research indicates that if you apply topical (transdermal) progesterone, saliva testing will register approximately 10-fold greater compared to whole blood serum testing, and capillary blood levels are approximately 100-fold greater than what you find in whole blood.
According to the study, published in the journal Menopause,10 "high capillary blood and saliva levels indicate high absorption and transport of progesterone to tissues." This means that if you rely on serum levels of progesterone to monitor your topical dose, you may be underestimating your tissue levels, which could lead to overdosing.
Whole Body Approach. In order to balance your hormones, you have to address your diet first.
Treating hormone imbalances requires a whole-body approach; the best approaches are often preventive and involve diet, exercise and other lifestyle-based strategies. For instance, both estrogen and progesterone are necessary in the female cycle, and their balance is key for optimal health. Many premenopausal women have an imbalance of these hormones. If you have insufficient levels of progesterone to counter excessive estrogen, this imbalance can be further exacerbated by chronic stress. Therefore, your answer might not necessarily lie in taking hormones, but rather addressing your stress levels so that your body can normalize your hormone levels naturally.
A healthful diet, low in processed foods (which are high in health-harming sugars/fructose, grains, genetically engineered ingredients, trans fats, processed salt, and other chemical additives) and high in whole organic foods, along with regular exercise, can also go a long way to keeping your hormones balanced as you age.
It's important to realize that processed foods—all those refined carbohydrates, and processed and heated fats, all serve to raise your estrogen to abnormal levels—as much as twice the normal, which are maintained for the better part of the adult lives of most American women. This is a MAJOR contributing cause of menopausal symptoms in the first place. Processed foods also decrease a number of other hormones critical to your health and wellbeing.
Here's a quick list of dietary recommendations to maintain healthy hormone levels:
Treating hormone imbalances requires a whole-body approach; the best approaches are often preventive and involve diet, exercise and other lifestyle-based strategies. For instance, both estrogen and progesterone are necessary in the female cycle, and their balance is key for optimal health. Many premenopausal women have an imbalance of these hormones. If you have insufficient levels of progesterone to counter excessive estrogen, this imbalance can be further exacerbated by chronic stress. Therefore, your answer might not necessarily lie in taking hormones, but rather addressing your stress levels so that your body can normalize your hormone levels naturally.
A healthful diet, low in processed foods (which are high in health-harming sugars/fructose, grains, genetically engineered ingredients, trans fats, processed salt, and other chemical additives) and high in whole organic foods, along with regular exercise, can also go a long way to keeping your hormones balanced as you age.
It's important to realize that processed foods—all those refined carbohydrates, and processed and heated fats, all serve to raise your estrogen to abnormal levels—as much as twice the normal, which are maintained for the better part of the adult lives of most American women. This is a MAJOR contributing cause of menopausal symptoms in the first place. Processed foods also decrease a number of other hormones critical to your health and wellbeing.
Here's a quick list of dietary recommendations to maintain healthy hormone levels:
- The Paleolithic diet (unprocessed, nutrient-rich organic), which includes fermented and cultured foods, promotes healthy hormone levels, even as you age.
- Avoid unsprouted grains, sugar or fructose as they decrease seven of the 12 most important hormones.
- Alcohol decreases your human growth hormone (HGH), one of your most potent built-in anti-aging hormones. Having just one alcoholic drink per day can decrease your HGH by 75 percent.
- Magnesium supplements improve your sex hormone levels, including your testosterone and HGH.
- High-quality protein from meat and fish, as well as healthy fats such as egg yolk, lard, and butter, will improve progesterone and DHEA secretion, as will an otherwise healthy Paleolithic diet.
- Progesterone can also be increased by several nutritional supplements, including vitamin A. As a general rule, fat-soluble vitamins will have a beneficial effect on sex hormones.