Synthetic hormones

Too many hormones or too little may also be detrimental to a woman’s health. In July 2002, the conclusion of clinical studies were published in Women’s Health Initiative (WHI). It was said that medication called Prempro (previously the most commonly prescribed hormonal medication) which contained estrogens derived from the mare’s urine and synthetic progesterone (progestine), caused an increased risk of heart attacks, strokes, blood clots and breast cancer. It suggested that the same, identical dose of hormones is not an appropriate dose for everybody. By contrast, synthetic hormones are intentionally different. Drug companies can not patent a bio-identical structure, so they invent synthetic hormones that are patentable (Premarin, Prempro and Provera being the most widely used examples). Drug companies are dependent on hormonal replacement therapy profits, and they push doctors to use hormone substitutes and to ignore our natural hormones and their benefits.

Bio-identical hormones

Though bio-identical hormones have been known for years and used in the United States and Europe for over 60 years, most practitioners are unfamiliar with them. There are several brand name versions now available for use in the kind of hormone replacement therapy (“HRT”) typical of synthetic hormones. This is generally a one-size-fits-all dosage regimen.

Today sex hormones are available in bio-identical form, i.e. in the form they normally exist in our body. They can be given in different ways (orally, transdermally, intravaginally, sublinually or intrarectally). A woman should make decisions regarding bio-identical hormonal supplementation with her physician based on results of the blood tests. The great appeal of bio-identical hormones is that they are natural, and our bodies can metabolize them as it was designed to do, minimizing their potential side effects. Moreover, the compounded bio-identical hormones can be matched to the individual needs of each woman’s or man’s needs-approach that is almost impossible with mass produced products. On the contrary, synthetic hormones often produce intolerable side effects. European medical studies suggest that bio-identical hormones are safer than synthetic versions. We must be cautious here though, because they have not been studied yet for long term use. I recommend them only with a complete risk assessment on the individual basis. I also do not support the notion that bio-identical hormonal therapy be used indefinitely as some kind of “fountain of youth”.

Hormones constantly interact among themselves. The hormonal profile of every woman is unique. This means that the amount of hormones taken is dependent on every individual and the dosage right for one woman may be too high or too low for another. The need for hormones changes as we age. Therefore, interval tests to determine their current levels need to be undertaken.

There is no doubt that hormones prevent osteoporosis. Osteoporosis is a disease that is the result of a depletion of bone cells, making bones more fragile and susceptible to fracture. Nearly half of women over 50 are likely to suffer from osteoporosis over the course of their lifetime.

Supplementation of missing hormones decreases colon cancer risk by 35%, increases libido, improves memory, mental acuity, insomnia as well as the quality of skin, hair, bones, teeth, muscles and in general, prolongs ones life.

Sex steroid hormones also play a role in controlling and regulating your metabolism and blood sugar, your energy output, digestion, and the way your body stores and burns fat. They help to regulate fluid and mineral balance, thyroid function, dramatic mood swings that lead to food cravings, erratic eating and weight gain. Hormone replacement may encourage weight loss and support your body’s insulin response, energy levels, and lipid profile. I think that the greatest success lies in an individual approach. I begin with laboratory test of hormone levels (“female hormone panel”). When warranted I then prescribe a precise dosage of bio-identical estrogen, progesterone, testosterone or DHEA that is made up at a compounding pharmacy. Each patient is then monitored carefully through regular follow-up hormone panels to ensure adequate levels of hormones. Initially I do a hormone panel every three months. Once balance is restored, I perform hormonal panels once a year at the time of the annual exam.

Cortisol and melatonin are two additional hormones of paramount importance. When experiencing stress of any kind, your body releases cortisol, one of your steroid hormones, into your blood stream to help you cope. Cortisol is actually called the stress hormone and functions to help your body to mobilize the energy you need to manage the stressful experiences in your life. It also assists your body in maintaining blood pressure and suppressing reactions like pain, allergy and inflammation. Elevated cortisol levels can lead to abdominal weight gain, loss of memory, insulin resistance and type II diabetes.

Melatonin is the hormone responsible for maintaining the day and night cycle. Beginning in our thirties melatonin levels fall and in perimenopause often manifest as insomnia. Melatonin increases killing of cancer cells and also makes us look younger.

Symptoms of menopause include:
hot flushes,
night sweats,
vaginal dryness, itching, and odor,
mood swings, irritability, insomnia, depression,
facial hair,
pain during intercourse (dyspaurenia),
panic attacks,
lethargy,
tension/irritabilty,
anxiety,
fears of aging/health deterioration,
loss of confidence,
loss of feminity,
depression,
loss of cocentration,
loss of libido (sex drive),
muscle/joints pains,
weird dreams,
urinary tract infections, urinary leakage, frequent urination,
bloating, indigestion, flatulence,
aching joints,
sore breasts,
varicose veins,
low back pain,
osteoporosis,
hair loss,
snoring,
palpitations,
dizzy spells,
crawly feeling skin,
migraine headaches,
memory lapses,
sleep disturbances.

Balanced hormones may prevent obesity. They can help to lose weight, promote insulin work, maintain or increase energy, and maintain the appropriate level of cholesterol, improve memory, and our look.