Using Bioidentical Hormones for Menopause Relief
For those of you unfamiliar with the term ‘bioidentical hormones,’ here is a brief explanation.
Bioidentical hormones are made to duplicate the molecular structure of the hormones in your own body. Do not confuse them with synthetic hormones. Bioidentical hormones are manufactured for your own body. They cannot be patented. Synthetic hormones such as Premarin, Prempro, and Provera, on the other hand are manufactured and patented and sold by drug companies.
Bioidentical hormones replacement therapy has been around for about fifteen years. Each patient is taken care of individually by a hormone level test and then prescribed specific dosages of estrogen and testosterone. These levels are monitored on a regular basis until there is a balance in your hormone levels. After that, the hormone levels are tested yearly.
The blessings of bioidentical hormones are that they are natural and can be easily metabolized in your body with minimal side effects. On the other hand, the synthetic hormones sometimes come with a great deal of side effects.
About 85% if women will be able to get relief with a combination of
- Medical grade nutritional supplements
- Over the counter bioidentical progesterone
- Changes in diet and lifestyle
It is still not recommended that any kind of hormone replacement therapy be used for long term.
Bioidentical hormones and breast cancer
Are bioidentical hormones safe for women who either have had or do have breast cancer? For the most part, any kind of HRT has been ruled out in the past. As far as bioidentical hormones go, there is not enough data right now to rule either for or against the bioidentical hormone replacement therapy (BHRT).
Some women with breast cancer have stated they have done the research, weighed the pros and cons and chose to use BHRT in low doses.
When undergoing this bioidentical hormone replacement therapy, it is strongly suggested that you change your eating and exercising habits to the following:
- Eat the proper amounts of protein
- Eat more fruits and vegetables
- Avoid carbohydrates that are unhealthy
- Exercise on a daily basis
Are bioidentical hormones good for you?
By researching and educating yourself on the pros and cons, you will be at more of an advantage to answer that question. It will then be your decision as to whether or not you want to start your hormone evaluation. You can feel good through menopause. You just need to get your body and your hormones on the right track.