Menopausal women considering hormone replacement therapy are faced with a lot of information to sort through before making a decision about treatment. Most women don’t know when they should begin hormone therapy, and others are unsure if they should even contemplate hormone replacement therapy due to the warnings about synthetic hormones. Women on the fence about hormone replacement should consider bio-identical hormones.

Bio-identical hormones are considered better than their synthetic counterparts because they are derived from plant compounds and manufactured to match the chemical structure of natural human hormones. Synthetic hormones differ in that they can sometimes contain types of hormones not produced by the human body, ultimately making them a foreign substance to the body. Bio-identical hormones can also be specially tailored for each patient, where synthetic hormones are patented and mass produced by pharmaceutical companies.

Another important factor to consider is when to begin hormone replacement therapy. Studies show it is better to start hormone therapy sooner rather than later. For instance, women who start estrogen in their 50s can reduce their risk of developing heart disease by 41%. The risk of heart attack is also reduced by 46%. On the other hand, women who wait until their 70s to begin estrogen see an 83% increase in the risk of developing colorectal cancer.

The method in which hormones are received by the body is also important. Bio-identical hormones should be taken non-orally so they do not pass through the liver. They can be taken transdermally through creams, gels, patches or pellets. Pellets are placed under the skin and gradually release the hormones. The pellets do not need to be removed because they slowly dissolve.

Female hormone replacement therapy can be used to treat pre-menopausal, menopausal and post-menopausal hormone deficiencies, as well as other hormonal issues like premenstrual syndrome, polycystic ovarian syndrome and infertility. To learn more about bio-identical hormones call (972) 566-7872 to make an appointment with Dr. John R. Woodward of Dallas, Texas.  Dr. Woodward has 30 years of experience with bio-identical hormone replacement therapy and is board certified in gynecology.