Are bioidentical hormones safe?
The history of hormone replacement therapy is one of controversy and confusion.
Initially, only SYNTHETIC hormones were given to women experiencing menopause related symptoms. These synthetic hormones were derived from horse urine, conjugated equine estrogens (CEEs). We now know these genes are their metabolites active over 2300 discrete genes, which lead to the upregulation of some negative genes resulting in stroke, cardiovascular issues, breast cancer, and blood clots. Our bodies are unable to break down these synthetic hormones and this is the difference that leads to the negative outcomes listed above. (WHI, 2002)
Bioidentical Hormones, our biologically identical. Our bodies know how to use them, but also, how to break them down without activating a series of damaging processes as listed with synthetic hormone replacement.
Bioidentical hormones, when used properly, at low physiologic appropriate doses, are not only safe, but they are actually protective for women. They may have beneficial outcomes for heart health, cognitive health, bones, sleep, mood and mental health, cholesterol, weight loss, and so on.
Bioidentical hormones are also more efficacious at controlling symptoms compared to traditional synthetic HRT (Holtorf, 2009).
They may help alleviate perimenopausal and menopausal related symptoms including:
- Hot flashes, Night sweats
- Mood changes, irritability, depression, anxiety
- Insomnia
- Weight gain
- Vaginal dryness, painful intercourse, frequent UTIs
- Breast pain or tenderness.
They can also be used in women with PMS/PMDD related concerns, along with fertility optimization.
Initially, only SYNTHETIC hormones were given to women experiencing menopause related symptoms. These synthetic hormones were derived from horse urine, conjugated equine estrogens (CEEs). We now know these genes are their metabolites active over 2300 discrete genes, which lead to the upregulation of some negative genes resulting in stroke, cardiovascular issues, breast cancer, and blood clots. Our bodies are unable to break down these synthetic hormones and this is the difference that leads to the negative outcomes listed above. (WHI, 2002)
Bioidentical Hormones, our biologically identical. Our bodies know how to use them, but also, how to break them down without activating a series of damaging processes as listed with synthetic hormone replacement.
Bioidentical hormones, when used properly, at low physiologic appropriate doses, are not only safe, but they are actually protective for women. They may have beneficial outcomes for heart health, cognitive health, bones, sleep, mood and mental health, cholesterol, weight loss, and so on.
Bioidentical hormones are also more efficacious at controlling symptoms compared to traditional synthetic HRT (Holtorf, 2009).
They may help alleviate perimenopausal and menopausal related symptoms including:
- Hot flashes, Night sweats
- Mood changes, irritability, depression, anxiety
- Insomnia
- Weight gain
- Vaginal dryness, painful intercourse, frequent UTIs
- Breast pain or tenderness.
They can also be used in women with PMS/PMDD related concerns, along with fertility optimization.