Bioidentical Hormone replacement Treatment and therapies [Anti Aging Serives]

What are bioidentical hormones?

bioidentical hormones are derivatives of plant extracts chemically modified to be structurally indistinguishable from human endogenous hormones. Typically, preparations of BHT may include progesterone, estriol and testosterone. They are derived from a natural source; soybean or yam, and are bioidentical to human hormones.

What is the difference between bioidentical and synthetic hormones?

Synthetic agents (Prempro, Estratest, Provera, Premarin, etc.) are molecular cousins of the natural agents, estrogen, progesterone, and testosterone. They are not however; identical in either structure or activity to the natural hormones they emulate. Unlike synthetic hormones, bioidentical hormones have the same molecular structure as the hormones your own body creates. Based upon your personal test results, bioidentical hormone prescriptions are custom formulated to your body’s specific needs. This prescription medicine mimicks your body’s natural hormone production, absorbing slowly through your skin. Some oral prescriptions may also be suggested based upon each patients individual needs.

What are the benefits of bioidentical hormones for women?

The natural progression of aging results in women’s ovaries not producing hormones. This lack of hormones places women into menopause. The effect of menopause is to cause a hormone imbalance, which manifests as symptoms that may include insomnia, lack of sex drive, weight gain, irritability, fatigue, mood swings, hot flashes, night sweats, vaginal dryness, anxiety, and depression. Oral progestagens and oral estrogens have been linked to breast cancer and stroke. Transdermal estrogens and natural progesterone do not appear to have that casual relationship.

There is evidence that natural progesterone, may avoid an increased risk of breast cancer, but this must be proven in further clinical trials. Recently the Esther Study revealed that oral estrogen increased the risk of venous thromboembolism (stroke and bloodclots) while transdermal estrogen did not. The British Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology published an article in 1/08 which revealed that oral estrogen therapy increases the rate of breast cancer, while transdermal estrogen therapy does not.

Will bioidentical hormones benefit men?

Men experience andropause, (testicular failure) which is the male equivalent of menopause. On average, a man’s testosterone level begins to decline after the age of 40. Andropause may cause reduced libido, depression and/or anxiety, erectile dysfunction and osteoporosis.

Transdermal testosterone can increase libido, boost self-confidence, energy levels, improve erectile function and increase bone mineral density.

Blood testing is necessary to determine testosterone levels. Based upon your test results, we will formulate a testosterone prescription for you and you alone. Serum levels, as well as PSA and CBC lab values are followed every six months.

Which are better, bioidentical hormones or synthetic hormones?

bioidentical hormones are much better for you than synthetic hormones, and not just because they are natural. bioidentical hormones, such as Natural Progesterone, Testosterone, and Natural Estrogen creams are easier for your body to utilize without the side effects that synthetic hormones create. Continued research on bioidentical hormones is ongoing. What is abundantly clear is that transdermal estrogens are safer than oral estrogens and that unnatural progestagens increase the risk of breast cancer in women.

Are bioidentical hormones safer than synthetic?

The World Health Initiative Study concluded that combined synthetic hormones increased the risk of stroke, heart attack, breast cancer and blood clots. Conversely, long-term studies of transdermal bioidentical hormone therapy DID NOT increase the risk of heart attack, stroke, or blood clots.

How do I find out if I need bioidentical hormone therapy?

We strongly advise you making an appointment with a Nouveau Health physician to discuss your personal hormonal health issues. To best assess your individual needs, we ask that you come prepared to discuss your hormonal life changes by knowing yourself, your history, and your health philosophy. You may want to write out:

• Your chief complaint and symptoms. (Start with the questions provided below)
• Your current medical issues and medications. (Both over-the-counter and prescription)
• Your past health history as well as your families health history.

Questionnaire:

Energy

• Do you have a hard time getting up in the morning?
• Do you always feel tired?
• Have you lost self confidence?
• Have you lost motivation?

Sex

• Do you lack sexual desire?
• Is it more difficult to climax?
• Are your erections not firm enough?
• Have you lost your attraction towards your partner?
• Do you lack vaginal lubrication?

Sleep

• Are you having insomnia?
• Do you awaken with night sweats?
• Is it hard to get back to sleep?
• Do you awaken when it is time to go to bed?

Memory

• Do you suffer from short or long term memory loss?
• Do you have trouble concentrating?
• Is your thinking foggy?

Mood

• Are you feeling overwhelmed?
• Do you cry easily?
• Are you irritable?

General

• Are you having hot flashes or night sweats?
• Do you feel hot all the time?
• Are you having frequent headaches?
• Are you having a change in your menstrual pattern?

Answering “YES” to 5 or more questions in the questionnaire section may suggest a decreased hormone levels.