After the spotlight given to the dangers of synthetic hormones, many women stopped using hormone replacement therapy to help alleviate the symptoms of menopause. The bad publicity suddenly made all hormone replacement appear dangerous, but that is simply not the truth. A safe and effective female hormone treatment option to be considered is bio-identical hormone replacement therapy.
Bio-identical hormones vary greatly from synthetic hormones. First, their chemical formula matches molecule for molecule the chemical formula of hormones produced naturally in the body. This “match” is possible because the hormones are tailored for each patient using compounds extracted from plants like wild yams and soybeans. Second, bio-identical hormones are administered non-orally so they are not altered with a pass through the liver. They are administered through creams, gels, patches and pellets imbedded in the skin, decreasing the risk of abnormal blood clotting, gallstones and high blood pressure.
On the other hand, synthetic hormones such as Premarin, Prempro or Provera have a different chemical structure from natural human hormones, making them a foreign substance to the human body. Premerin, for instance, is made from the urine of a pregnant mare. Synthetic hormones are also usually taken orally which may alter them. They carry many risks and may increase the likelihood of having a heart attack or developing blood clots, breast cancer and gall bladder disease.
The benefits of bio-identical hormone replacement therapy are many. Not only do they treat menopause symptoms like hot flashes, dizziness, weight gain, vaginal dryness, hair loss, burning tongue and mood swings, but they can also help treat other hormonal issues like premenstrual syndrome, polycystic ovarian syndrome and infertility. Hormone therapy is also shown to bring a 65% decrease in colorectal cancer and 70% protection against hip fracture, as well as improved mental and bladder function.
To learn more about the benefits of bio-identical hormones and to determine if they are the right treatment option for you call the office of Dr. John R. Woodward at (972) 566-7872. Dr. Woodward is board certified in gynecology and has 30 years of experience with bio-identical hormone replacement therapy.
