Balance Hormones

1. What is Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT)? Back to Top
This treatment is used to restore the important female hormones that the ovaries stop producing after menopause. Estrogen is the main hormone prescribed to relieve menopausal symptoms. If a woman still has her uterus she must also take progesterone.

Progesterone protects the uterus lining from over-stimulation by estrogen, which in the long term may lead to uterine cancer. Women who have had a hysterectomy do not need progesterone. Women experiencing loss of libido (sex drive), lack of energy and on-going fatigue, even when taking Estrogen therapy, sometimes benefit from low-dose testosterone replacement. However, it is important to discuss with the individual woman psychological and relationship issues as well.

There are different ways of taking HRT and different combinations of the three hormones; estrogen, progesterone and testosterone. Usually tablets taken orally are prescribed but there are also patches, gels, implants and vaginal preparations such as creams.

2. What are the benefits of HRT? Back to Top
Estrogen prevents postmenopausal bone loss of calcium and protects against osteoporosis, and estrogen reduces colon or bowel cancer. However, a recent American study (July 2002) in which women aged 50-79 were given combined continuous therapy with Estrogen and a progestin showed a small increased risk of heart disease, stroke and breast cancer.

3. What are the side effects of HRT? Back to Top
The most common undesirable effects from estrogen therapy are extra cases of breast soreness and nausea. These symptoms generally improve over time or by altering the dose or treatment method. Progesterone may cause side effects including bloating, depression and mood swings which are similar symptoms to premenstrual syndrome.

4. Who is the best candidate for treatments? Back to Top
Most women are able to take HRT. However, in some groups of women, therapy is not advisable and alternatives should be used where possible. These include women who have had cancer of the breast or uterus, a history of thrombosis (blood clots in veins or lung), severe liver disease or undiagnosed vaginal bleeding, heart disease or stroke.

5. What are bioidentical hormones? Back to Top
Bioidentical hormones are exactly the same hormones, molecule per molecule that your body produces. They are made in a lab but are still considered natural to your body because they are identical.

Synthetic hormones are also made in a lab, but most importantly are not identical to your body. Bioidentical hormones are superior to types of synthetic hormones commonly prescribed.

6. Why does a woman need hormones during and after menopause? Back to Top
No matter what your age, if your female hormones (estrogen, progesterone, and testosterone) are unbalanced, you may suffer ill effects such as hot flashes, night sweats, depression, vaginal dryness, fatigue, and weight gain.

7. Why does a man need testosterone replacement? Back to Top
Testosterone - which is the hormone that maintains a man's mental focus, his energy, his metabolism, his muscles, as well as keeps fat off and maintains strong bones - declines with age.

8. How long until I see results using bioidentical hormones? Back to Top
While it varies with each person, and depends on which hormone therapy you are using, generally you can expect to see results within three to six months.

9. What is the best age to consider bioidentical hormone therapy? Back to Top
Generally people should have their hormones checked by the age of 40 or earlier if they have symptoms of hormonal loss. The way to prevent illness and to optimize one's health is to take an active role in addressing health care risks before they become a problem.

10. Do I need to take these hormones forever? Back to Top
No. If you decide to stop, your body will simply return to where it was before starting hormone therapy.