Women can feel powerless when their bodies begin to make the transition to menopause. Symptoms can sometimes be severe and debilitating, and uncontrollable mood swings can make it hard to maintain relationships, but women do not have to stand by and let menopause control their lives thanks to bio-identical hormone replacement therapy.
Bio-identical hormone replacement therapy treats the symptoms of menopause by correcting the hormone imbalance that causes them. Bringing hormones back to their optimal levels helps lessen, and sometimes eradicate, uncomfortable symptoms like hot flashes, night sweats, vaginal dryness, mood swings, trouble sleeping and decreased sex drive. In addition to easing menopause, female hormone therapy can reduce the risk of colorectal cancer by 65% and hip fracture by 70%. It may also help protect against osteoporosis.
Bio-identical hormones are better than synthetic hormones because they are altered to match molecule for molecule the chemical structure of hormones produced in the body. They are created from compounds extracted from plants, usually wild yams and soy beans. Synthetic hormones, on the other hand, have a different chemical structure from natural human hormones. They may increase the likelihood of having a heart attack or developing blood clots, breast cancer and gall bladder disease.
Two other important factors to consider is when to start hormone replacement therapy and the method in which the hormones are delivered to your body. Studies show that it is better for women to begin hormone therapy sooner rather than later. Women who start estrogen replacement in their 50s can reduce their risk of developing heart disease by 41% and the risk of heart attack by 46%. As for how to administer bio-identical hormones, it is best to do it transdermally through creams, gels, patches or pellets. Pellets are placed under the skin and gradually release the hormones as they dissolve over the course of 10 to 12 weeks.
To learn more about the many benefits of female hormone replacement therapy call Dr. John R. Woodward at (972) 566-7872.
