What are Bioidentical Hormones?
Bioidentical hormones are processed hormones that resemble the original hormone of the body and are designed specifically to mimic the natural hormones produced by your body's glands. These bioidentical hormones are beneficial to people who experience or have symptoms of low hormones or hormonal imbalance. This condition can be observed in people with symptoms of perimenopause or menopause.
What is Conventional Hormone Replacement Therapy?
Conventional hormone replacement therapy involves supplementing women with hormones that are lost during their menopausal transition. To relieve the uncomfortable symptoms associated with menopause, conventional HRT often includes an estrogen and progesterone component. These components mimic hormones created by the human ovary.
What are the Reasons People Take BHRT?
• Hot Flashes: A hot flash is a feeling of intense heat but it is not caused by external sources. Hot flashes can occur at any time, or you may feel them coming on. However, the use of bioidentical hormone replacement therapy may serve as a suitable option.
• Night Sweats: These are similar to hot flashes, but they happen during the night and result in sleepless nights or disturbed sleep. They can also result in profuse sweating. Night sweats occur for the same reason as hot flashes, which makes bioidentical hormones a suitable option for relief.
• Vaginal dryness: One very common symptom of menopause is vaginal dryness which in turn results in painful intercourse. But with BHRT, this can be improved. Estrogen pills may help in the reduction of vaginal dryness by replacing the lost hormones of the body and those that the body is no longer able to produce.
• Loss of Interest in Sex: This is common among women experiencing menopause due to the reduction in their libido.
What are the Side Effects of BHRT?
• Headache/migraine
• Nausea
• Breast tenderness
• Cramping/Bloating.
• Mood swings.
• Increased facial hair
• Weight gain
• Mood changes
• Vaginal discharge
• Blurred vision.
• Memory loss or confusion.
What are the Complications of Bioidentical Hormones?
Breast Cancer: Bioidentical hormones are compounds produced to resemble naturally occurring hormones like estradiol and progesterone. BHRT can increase the risk of endometrial cancer in women who have not had a hysterectomy and may increase the risk of breast cancer in some women.
Heart Disease: Bioidentical hormones pose a risk to the heart and can also cause strokes and heart attack. This is because estrogen therapy and estrogen with progesterone therapy may cause blood clots which obstruct the flow of blood to the heart.
Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT) and Pulmonary embolism (PE): DVT is a blood clot in a deep vein, often found in the legs. This condition is critical because blood clots can loosen and accumulate in the lungs resulting in a condition called Pulmonary Embolism.
Mood changes: BHRT can cause mood changes, such as depression, anxiety, or irritability.
Skin irritation: BHRT can cause skin irritation, including rashes and itching, at the site of application.
Are BHRTs Safe?
There are risks to taking compounded bioidentical hormones. Compounded bioidentical hormones are not approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). They are also not tested for safety or effectiveness. Many major medical groups do not support their usage because of the uncertainty of their safety and long-term side effects.
Self-Care Tips:
Black Cohosh: A herb that has been traditionally used to treat menopausal symptoms, including hot flashes. Black cohosh is a plant native to North America that has been used for centuries by Native American tribes for medicinal purposes. It is also sometimes called "black snakeroot" or "rattleroot." The root of the black cohosh plant is used to make dietary supplements, which are commonly used to treat menopausal symptoms such as hot flashes, mood swings, and vaginal dryness.
Flaxseed: Flax seeds are a good source of lignans, and may help alleviate menopausal symptoms, including hot flashes. Some studies have suggested that flax seeds may help reduce the frequency and severity of hot flashes in women going through menopause. For example, a study published in the Journal of the Society for Integrative Oncology found that women who consumed flaxseed experienced a significant decrease in the frequency and severity of hot flashes compared to the control group.
Vitamin E: Vitamin E is a fat-soluble vitamin that acts as an antioxidant in the body. A study published in the Journal of Women's Health and Gender-Based Medicine found that women who took vitamin E supplements experienced a significant reduction in the frequency and severity of hot flashes compared to the placebo group. The National Institutes of Health recommends a daily intake of 15 mg of vitamin E for adults.
Exercise: Regular exercise can help to reduce the frequency and intensity of hot flashes by improving overall health and reducing stress.
Essential Oils: Some essential oils, such as peppermint and lavender, may help to reduce hot flashes when used in aromatherapy or applied topically.
Avoid Triggers: Certain foods and drinks, such as caffeine and alcohol, can trigger hot flashes in some women. Avoiding these triggers can help to reduce the frequency and severity of hot flashes.
Disclaimer: These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. The contents of this website are based upon the views of Dr. Walker and his experience. This product is not intended as medical advice nor to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease. The information is likewise not to replace the advice of a qualified health care provider. The information provided herein is intended as a sharing of general knowledge only and is not intended to be, nor is it, medical advice or a substitute for medical advice. That being said, please consult your healthcare provider before using supplements or providing supplements to children under the age of 18. If you have or suspect you have, a specific medical condition or disease, please consult your healthcare provider.
© Dr. Dennis D. Walker 2022. All Rights Reserved