Bioidentical Or Natural Hormones
Bioidentical hormones are hormone preparations made from plant sources that are promoted as being similar or identical to human hormones.
Practitioners claim these hormones are a “natural” and safer alternative to standard HRT medicines.
However, bioidentical preparations are not recommended because:
- they are not regulated and it’s not clear how safe they are there’s no good evidence to suggest they’re safer than standard HRT
- it’s not known how effective they are in reducing menopausal symptoms
- the balance of hormones used in bioidentical preparations is usually based on the hormone levels in your saliva, but there’s no evidence that these levels are related to your symptoms
Bioidentical hormones are not the same as body identical hormones. A body identical hormone, or micronised progesterone, can be prescribed to treat menopausal symptoms.
Many standard HRT hormones are made from natural sources, but unlike bioidentical hormones, they’re closely regulated and have been well researched to ensure they’re as effective and safe as possible.
Natural Estrogen Replacement After Hysterectomy
Bioidentical estrogen replacement therapy starts with man-made hormones derived from plant estrogen. Chemically, bioidentical hormone replacements are the same as the natural hormones the body produces. This is why bioidentical hormone replacement therapy is considered a natural way to stop of the symptoms of menopause.
This is different from traditional hormone replacement therapy. In traditional therapies, hormones are prescribed like a medication and the drug is supplied by the pharmaceutical company. Custom-made hormones are designed to meet the precise needs of the individual. Custom-made hormones must be overseen by the doctor, who ensures that the corrrect dosages and amounts are given to the patient.
The Pros And Cons Of Hrt
Some women swear by HRT and have found great comfort in relief from their symptoms of night sweats, insomnia, continual hot flushes and vaginal dryness. Unfortunately, when you stop taking HRT, you’ll go through menopause again as your hormones decline.
HRT may also be prescribed if your doctor believes you are at risk of osteoporosis, due to the effects of oestrogen on supporting bone turnover. Some studies suggest that HRT may increase your risk of ovarian and breast cancer. However, the absolute increase in risk is small, and this is something to discuss with your GP based on your family and lifestyle history.
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What Is Known About Hormone Therapy And The Risk Of Breast Cancer
Taking combined hormone therapy can increase your risk of developing breast cancer. Here are some important findings:
- Taking combination hormone therapy showed a rare increase of absolute risk of less than one additional case of breast cancer per 1000 person years of use.
- There was a nonsignificant reduction in breast cancer seen in women with hysterectomies on estrogen only therapy.
- If youve been diagnosed with breast cancer you should not take systemic hormone therapy.
Will Estrogen Therapy Help With Low Libido
Maybe. But what might even work better is also getting a boost of testosterone. Testosterone is the major male sex hormone. But women need adequate amounts of it. This research suggests women suffer symptoms of testosterone deficiency which often go untreated.
Heres what the researchers conclude:
Testosterone supplemental therapy for women following hysterectomy not only can improve the quality of their lives in terms of sexual libido, sexual pleasure, and sense of well-being but also canas does supplementary estrogencontribute to the prevention of osteoporosis.
Testosterone promotes cellular growth in every tissue of the body. Having enough of this hormone also prevents heart disease in women.
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Bioidentical Hormone Replacement Therapy
Bioidentical hormone replacement therapy treats hormonal imbalances and depletion using synthetic hormones derived from plant estrogens.
Doctors refer to bioidentical hormones as hormones with the same molecular structure as ones that the human body produces naturally.
Most BHRTs contain plant hormones that mimic the following:
- Estriol: This is a weaker form of the hormone estrogen that has associations with pregnancy.
- Progesterone: This is a hormone associated with menstruation and pregnancy.
- Dehydroepiandrosterone : This is a type of androgen hormone that assists with the production of other hormones, such as estrogen and testosterone.
- Melatonin:This hormone helps regulate the sleep-wake cycle.
There are two types of BHRT. They are:
- United States Food and Drug Administration -approved BHRT: These medications are similar in safety and efficacy to conventional HRT medications.
- Custom-compounded BHRT medications: A pharmacist mixes these according to a doctors prescription.
The manufacturers of bioidentical hormones claim that custom-compounded BHRTs have fewer side effects and associated health risks than conventional HRT medications. However, there is no scientific evidence to support these claims.
Is Low Estrogen Dangerous
As if hot flashes werent reason enough to correct hormonal imbalances, perhaps the following statistic will.
Getting a hysterectomy has the potential for generating serious consequences in terms of health, says this research study. This includes having 2 to 7 times higher rates of heart disease. This is likely disheartening news for the more than 500,000 American women who get a hysterectomy every year.
The good news is there are a few different options of correcting hormonal imbalances.
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What Other Symptoms Can You Experience After A Hysterectomy
The most obvious symptom of a hysterectomy is actually lack thereof: no more menstrual cycle! For many people, a hysterectomy symbolizes an improved quality of life however, others might experience grief over the loss of fertility or a disinterest in sex.
Dr. van Dis shares that for women whose menstruation or fibroids were interfering signifcantly with their quality of life, they may experience great joy after recovering from a hysterectomy. She elaborates, They may feel free to have more sex, if sex was painful. They may decide to perform exercise that before caused bladder leakage or pain. In short, she says, The majority of women who have hysterectomy experience marked improvement in their quality of life.
Treatments For Vaginal Dryness
Vaginal dryness and discomfort can be bothersome menopausal symptoms for some women.
Devices that use lasers or other forms of energy to ‘rejuvenate’ vaginal tissue are now being studied as well, although it’s not yet clear how helpful they might be. It’s important to discuss the possible risks and benefits of these treatments with your doctor before deciding if one is right for you.
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How Long Should You Take Estrogen After A Hysterectomy
This is a question that should be discussed with your doctor. Typically, patients will take estrogen therapy for the rest of their lives. However, some women may only need to take it for a few years.
If you are considering a hysterectomy or oophorectomy, it is important to talk to your medical provider about hormone replacement before the procedure. Here at Hormones by Design, we specialize in BHRT.
We can help you with determining your estrogen levels and help you make a plan for the best method to replace all your needed hormones.
If you have any questions, please dont hesitate to call our new New Braunfels location at 627-7979. We would be happy to help!
Managing Menopause Without Hormones
Although hormone replacement may improve many menopausal symptoms, it is not safe for every woman. Hormone replacement therapy is usually not prescribed to women in the following categories:
- diagnosed with breast, or other hormone-sensitive cancers
- history of blood clots or clotting disorder
- age 60 or older
For women who cannot, or choose not to take hormone replacement, there are nonhormonal options for treating many menopause symptoms. Importantly, in some women, menopausal symptoms may decrease naturally over time. It is important to speak with your doctor and consider referral to a menopause expert to manage persistent symptoms.
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Traditional Natural Hormone Replacement Therapies
Traditional natural HRTs involve consuming plants or supplements containing compounds that may alleviate hormonal symptoms.
Some plants and supplements that people may take to treat hormonal symptoms include:
- phytoestrogens, which are dietary estrogens found in legumes, seeds, and whole grains
It is also tricky for doctors to track side effects linked to BHRT medications because symptoms may take years to develop.
Compounded BHRT
FDA also state that compounded BHRT medications tend to carry greater risks than non-compounded forms.
Because pharmacists mix compounded BHRT medications, the FDA cannot approve them for quality or consistency. They also carry health risks because the precise dosage and formulation depend on a pharmacists precision and accuracy. As such, it is not possible to guarantee their safety.
It is important to note that pharmacists and drug companies are not obliged to report any side effects associated with compounded BHRT medications.
Non-compounded BHRT
The chemicals in non-compounded BHRT may also cause side effects. These chemicals may differ across medication types and brands.
Managing Low Estrogen Symptoms After Hysterectomy
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February 26, 2019 By Judd Handler
Are you experiencing hot flashes, low sex drive and other low estrogen symptoms after getting a hysterectomy? Discover what you can do to manage your symptoms.
Theres nothing hysterical about the sexist derivation of the word hysterectomy. The root word, hystera, is Greek for uterus. We have much to thank the ancient Greeks for in terms of natural healing philosophy. Hippocrates famous quote, Let food be thy medicine and medicine be thy food, comes to mind. However, the ancient Greeks believed only women were capable of becoming hysterical. Over 2000 years later, a defect in the womb that needs to be surgically removed is called a hysterectomy.
While its indeed sexist to pin the emotion of hysteria to just women, let alone name a surgical procedure after it, theres no denying that starting menopause early can lead to undesired side effects.
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Now For The Second Part Of This Video Let’s Talk About Why You Need To Take Different Approaches To Caring For Your Hormones Depending On Which Surgery You’ve Had
If your ovaries were left intact you won’t need HRT or special remedies for your hormones, and you won’t go into menopause right away.
This is what all women focus on in all the years post menopause. And if it’s safe for you you can also use herbs that are rich in plant estrogens and other hormone building blocks to help your body build up your hormone levels – almost like a replacement for HRT. You can learn more about how your body can keep your hormone levels high enough without relying on your ovaries in this blog postIn this case you also want a hormone friendly diet and lifestyle, because they’ll help your body maximize every bit of hormones it’s able to make – or to better balance and manage side effects of any hormones you’re taking.
That’s the second part of this blog – the different focus you want to have in caring for your hormones with natural remedies depending on which type of surgery you’ve had.
Why Get A Hysterectomy
A woman who suffers from heavy or unusual menstrual periods, uterine fibroids, uterine prolapse, endometriosis, adenomyosis, or ovarian cancer may need a hysterectomy. A woman who is scheduled for a hysterectomy should talk to a doctor about the available options, particularly if the woman is having both ovaries removed. Having both ovaries removed will cause symptoms of menopause regardless of the womans age.
A radical hysterectomy is one in which the uterus, fallopian tubes and both ovaries are removed. Because, in this case, a hysterectomy will cause symptoms of menopause, many women will receive hormone replacement therapy after the procedure. HRT can help to alleviate the symptoms of menopause.
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Hormone Replacement Therapy And Hysterectomy
Women who go through natural menopause experience a slow decline in hormone production. The symptoms of menopause, if they occur at all, may also happen slowly. That is not the case for women who undergo a hysterectomy and oophorectomy. Surgical menopause often starts quickly, bringing with it a host of menopausal symptoms. That is the basis for this report on hormone replacement therapy and hysterectomy.
Now, just because a woman undergoes a hysterectomy does not mean she will enter menopause. If the doctor leaves behind the ovaries, she will continue to produce the hormones progesterone, testosterone, and estrogen. It is only when an oophorectomy removes the ovaries will a female experiences a decline in hormone levels.
There are also differences between the types of hormone replacement therapy for hysterectomy following surgery. The treatment depends on whether ovarian removal occurred, or if just the uterus was removed.
There is also a difference in the use of hormone replacement therapy without hysterectomy. The doctor will determine the type of treatment best suited to each womans needs.
Hormone replacement therapy after a hysterectomy depends on symptoms, and whether the ovaries were removed.
Natural Alternatives To Hormone Therapy
Protection against uterine cancer vs. the risk of breast cancer. The decision to take estrogen and progesterone supplements can be daunting. In the world of women’s health, it could be the decision of decisions: Should I take hormone replacement therapy? The considerations can be so deep, and the scientific debates so confusing, many women are turning to herbal and food supplements, hoping they will calm the symptoms of menopause while staving off heart disease and osteoporosis.
Though the science is still young, research offers some encouragement for women seeking non-pharmaceutical ways to cut down on mood swings and hot flashes.
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Supplement To Fill Nutritional Voids
While a healthy diet is key for all aspects of health, its sometimes necessary to supplement in order to fill nutritional voids that can be leading to a hormone imbalance.
Here are the top supplements to focus on in order to balance hormones:
Evening Primrose Oil
Evening primrose oil contains omega-6 fatty acids, such as GLA, that support overall hormonal function. Supplementing with evening primrose oil can help relieve premenstrual and PCOS symptoms. It also helps to create a healthy environment for conception.
Vitamin D
What is the best vitamins to take for hormonal imbalance? Vitamin D is definitely one of them, since it almost acts like a hormone inside the body and has important implications for keeping inflammation levels low.
This is why people who live in dark areas often suffer from seasonal depression and other health problems unless they supplement with vitamin D. Sunshine is really the best way to optimize vitamin D levels because your bare skin actually makes vitamin D on its own when exposed to even small amounts of direct sunlight.
Most people should supplement with around 2,0005,000 international units daily of vitamin D3 if they live in dark areas, during the winter and on days when theyre not in the sun.
Bone Broth
Probiotics
Probiotics are healthy bacteria that can actually improve your production and regulation of key hormones like insulin, ghrelin and leptin. They can also aid in repairing your gut lining, which in turn can balance your hormones.
Use Certain Essential Oils
To balance your hormones naturally, its important that you eliminate toxins in your body by avoiding conventional body care products that are made with potentially harmful chemicals, including DEA, parabens, propylene glycol and sodium lauryl sulfate. A better alternative is to use natural products made with ingredients like essential oils, coconut oil, shea butter and castor oil.
The Environmental Working Group evaluated tens of thousands of products and ranked them in an easy-to-understand guide to make sure you have a resource to keep your family safe. Check out EWGs Skin Deep Cosmetic Database today for recommendations for which products to use and avoid.
To replace toxic body care and cleaning products, use these hormone-balancing essential oils:
Clary Sage
Clary sage helps balance estrogen levels because it contains natural phytoestrogens. It can be used to regulate your menstrual cycle, relieve PMS symptoms, treat infertility and PCOS, and even reduce the chances of uterine and ovarian cancer.
It also serves as a natural remedy for emotional imbalances, like depression and anxiety. Diffuse three to five drops of clary sage to help balance hormone levels and relieve stress.
To ease cramps and pain, massage five drops of clary sage with five drops of coconut oil into your stomach and any other area of concern.
Fennel
You can rub two drops of fennel into your stomach or add one to two drops to a class of warm water or tea to take it internally.
Lavender
Sandalwood
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How Long Does Estrogen Therapy Last
If youve had a complete hysterectomy, youll likely be on a medically-supervised hormone replacement therapy for at least a few years. This is longer than a woman undergoing regular menopause . This is especially true if youve already had the surgery and youre closer to normal menopause age .
In fact, some experts recommend estrogen therapy until you hit the age of natural menopause . And some experts favor ET until age 60 and beyond
Common Side Effects Of Hysterectomy
Hysterectomy may affect the physical and mental health of a woman, especially when it is performed in the menopausal or perimenopausal stage. The woman suddenly and directly enters the post menopause stage without passing through the phases of perimenopause and menopause. The body cannot accept this drastic change and therefore a woman usually faces a lot of problems.
Hormonal changes do have a major impact on the womans health. Levels of hormones after hysterectomy decrease considerably. This increases the risk of cardiovascular and skeletal diseases. A reduction in the testosterone level may cause height loss and osteoporosis . Side effects of partial hysterectomy and side effects of total or radical hysterectomy are almost the same. They may vary slightly, depending upon the reason for which the surgery is performed and the procedure followed. Surgical complications are not discussed in this article.
Common side effects of hysterectomy include
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