Bio-Identical Hormones: Hormonal Replacement

Bio-Identical Hormones: Hormonal Replacement

Bio-Identical Hormones: Hormonal Replacement
By: Misty Sightler
PT 146
Mrs. Martin


Bio-Identical Hormones: Hormonal Replacement

The word bioidentical means that the hormones are exactly the same as the hormones that the human body produces. Bioidentical hormones have the same exact molecular structure as the hormones produced naturally within the body. The body does not distinguish between supplemental bioidentical hormones and the hormones produced within the body. As a result, bio-identical hormones are properly utilized, and are then able to be naturally metabolized and excreted from the body. The use of bioidentical HRT has increased during the last several years as women have sought out a more natural approach to restoring hormonal balance. Bioidentical hormones therapy is safe as long as the amounts of hormones used and the levels of hormones in the body are carefully monitored. Bioidentical hormones include estradiol, progesterone, testosterone, cortisol, human growth hormone, thyroxine (T4), and triiodothyronine (T3). I don’t recommend non-bioidentical chemicals such as medroxyprogesterone and norgestimate because they are not produced by the human body and because they have known side effects such as cancer, hypertension, depression, and fluid retention. They are more appropriately referred to hormone disrupting chemicals. Not all women experience hot flashes, night sweats, insomnia, or any of the other classical symptoms of perimenopause. However, sometimes there more subtle changes that occur, these may include decline in memory (“senior moments”), decreased libido or sexual satisfaction, skin changes, hair changes, vaginal dryness, and loss of sense of feminity
There are two main reasons for recommending bioidentical hormone replacement therapy: 1) Relief of symptoms, 2) Reduction of disease risk. We know that properly dosed and monitored bioidentical hormone replacement is a safe and effective therapy for relieving symptoms of...

Similar Essays