Making An Informed Choice For An Alternative
A large industry produces and sells these alternative health care products, in much the same way that pharmaceutical companies promote the drugs they make. Alternative health care practitioners are subject to influence by these companies, just as conventional doctors are influenced by drug companies.
Regardless of whether they are recommended by a doctor, a nurse practitioner, a naturopath, or the cashier at a health food store, women should be skeptical of products that claim to extend life, reverse aging, restore youth, or prevent disease without any adverse effects. In too many cases, these products not only don’t do what proponents claim but also have dangerous health effects.
How To Choose The Best Menopause Supplements
Because most BDS for menopause symptoms rely on similar ingredients, youll want to focus on the product manufacturer and quality when choosing your product.
When choosing , make sure that the product manufacturer is reliable and trustworthy. You can easily determine a manufacturers trustworthiness by looking at the info provided on their website.
Is there a physical address and contact information?
Are there any details regarding product manufacturing?
The more information was given, the higher the possibility that you are dealing with a responsible company that does not sell ineffective and contaminated products.
You also need to look carefully at the product description, the ingredients listed, and the studies behind their efficiency. When it comes to buying health products, taking safety precautions is of utmost importance.
Why Estrogen Dominance Occurs After Menopause
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All of the information on this websiteDrberg.comis published for general informationand educational purposes only. Drberg.com does not make any guarantees about the completeness,reliability, and accuracy of this information. This information is not intended to treat orcure any medical conditions, provide medical advice, or take the place of your physicians advice.All viewers/readers of this site and content are advised to consult a qualified health professionalregarding health questions and concerns. The dietary and other substances, and/or materials, equipmentor devices discussed on this site may not have undergone evaluation and/or testing by the United StatesFood and Drug Administration or like agency of any other country. Risks that might be determined bysuch testing are unknown. . Any action you take upon the information that you find within this content is strictly atyour own risk. Neither Dr. Eric Berg nor any content publishers will be liable for any damagesor losses in connection with the content on this website. All viewers should consult their physiciansbefore starting any lifestyle, supplement, or nutrition program.
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Natural Hormones Are Powerful Chemicals
Just like hormones synthesized in a lab, hormones made from natural substances are powerful chemicals that affect many parts of the body. The natural hormones most commonly recommended for women going through the menopausal transition are:
- Estriol: Estriol is a weak estrogen that is produced during pregnancy. High doses of estriol relieve hot flashes and other menopausal symptoms. It may also be beneficial in maintaining bone mineral density. Estriol is promoted as an estrogen that does not cause cancer some proponents even claim that it prevents breast cancer. There is no reasonable scientific evidence that estriol has anti-cancer effects or is any safer than other estrogens, however. Additionally, the Food and Drug Administration has not approved any drug containing estriol, thus its safety and effectiveness are still unknown. Estriol is included in the tri-estrogen mixture, which contains estrone, estradiol, and estriol. It is prescribed by health care providers and sold at special pharmacies , which mix the hormone into pills or topical creams.
Added Benefits Of Hrt
HRT reduces the risk of various chronic conditions that can affect postmenopausal women, including:
- diabetes taking HRT around the time of menopause reduces a womans risk of developing diabetes
- osteoporosis HRT prevents further bone density loss, preserving bone integrity and reducing the risk of fractures, but it is not usually recommended as the first choice of treatment for osteoporosis, except in younger postmenopausal women
- bowel cancer HRT slightly reduces the risk of colorectal cancer
- cardiovascular disease HRT has been shown to reduce cardiovascular disease markers when used around the time of menopause.
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Do Local Formulations Of Menopausal Hormone Therapy Have Different Risks
Both systemic and local treatment options for MHT are available in the United States. Which option a woman receives depends on the menopausal symptoms the treatment is meant to address. Systemic MHT is usually prescribed to treat hot flashes and to prevent osteoporosis. Systemic MHT with combined estrogen plus progestin or with estrogen alone can be given as oral medications as transdermal patches, gels, or sprays and as implants.
Local MHT is prescribed to treat genitourinary symptoms such as vaginal dryness. Local MHT contains low-dose estrogen only and is prescribed to women regardless of their hysterectomy status. Local MHT with low-dose estrogen alone includes creams, tablets , and rings.
Findings from the Womens Health Initiative Observational Study showed that, among women with an intact uterus, those who used vaginal estrogen and those who didnt had similar risks of stroke, invasive breast cancer, colorectal cancer, endometrial cancer, and pulmonaryembolism/deep vein thrombosis .
Hormone Replacement Therapy Background
The rationale for HRT is that replacing hormones lost with age may help prevent manifestations of declining hormone levels. Although this basic premise that historically spurred the advent of conventional HRT was theoretically correct, we now know that optimal hormone restoration is much more nuanced and complex.
All steroid hormones are derived from cholesterol in a metabolic cascade. The first hormone in the cascade is pregnenolone, which can subsequently be converted into all other steroid hormones including DHEA, progesterone, testosterone, and various forms of estrogen . These hormones are interrelated, yet each performs unique physiological functions. Biologically sound hormone therapy should aim to harmonize the physiological response to the milieu of hormonal signaling that is constantly taking place throughout the body.
One problem with classical HRT is that conjugated equine estrogens stimulate a more pronounced estrogenic signal in some parts of the body compared with the endogenous estrogens produced by a womans body, potentially leading to adverse consequences . CEE, which is obtained from the urine of pregnant mares , is usually given in combination with a synthetic progestin, a chemical that stimulates progestogen signaling. However, CEE and chemical progestins cannot replicate the complex network of signaling stimulated by the diverse array of hormones and their metabolites under natural conditions in a womans body.
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Cardiovascular Disease And Hrt
Women over 60 have a small increased risk of developing heart disease or stroke on combined oral HRT. Although the increase in risk is small, it needs to be considered when starting HRT, as the risk occurs early in treatment and persists with time.
Oestrogen used on its own increases the risk of stroke further if taken in tablet form, but not if using a skin patch. Similarly, tibolone increases the risk of stroke in women from their mid-60s.
Women who commence HRT around the typical time of menopause have lower risks of cardiovascular disease than women aged 60 or more.
The Dangers Of Compounded Bioidentical Hormone Replacement Therapy
Roles:
The menopause is a normal life event for women, not an illness or a medical condition. However, the effects of the menopause often have a negative impact on womens wellbeing and quality of life, and are frequently underestimated by noth women and their doctors. Furthermore, the low estrogen levels and other biological changes that occur in menopausal women are also associated with an increased risk of cardiovascular disease, osteoporosis, type 2 diabetes, and dementia.
Around 75% of menopausal women experience symptoms, with around one-third of these experiencing severe symptoms which are having a negative effect on their lives, both at home and at work.
Over the past two decades, there has been a huge amount of confusion regarding hormone replacement therapy . We now have clear, evidence-based guidelines available to ensure women have individualised care and treatment for their perimenopause and menopause.,
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How Can I Increase My Estrogen Levels After Menopause
When you have low levels of estrogen and progesterone, such as during menopause, it can negatively affect your mood, sexual desire, bone health, and more.Food
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Get Hormone Replacement Therapy You Can Trust With Revitalize You Md
Treatments such as conjugated equine estrogen and estrogen therapy are used to treat menopausal symptoms, but the best one you can go for is bioidentical HRT. And theres no better place to perform bioidentical HRT than Revitalize You MD. Here at Revitalize You MD, our medical staff will first assess your needs before treating you with bioidentical HRT products. We value our patients safety, so we also treat them depending on their specific imbalance.
Our team consists of certified and licensed staff who have a wealth of medical knowledge and experience to serve you. Call us now at or send us an email at to schedule your appointment.
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Hrt Does Not Cause Weight Gain
Weight gain at the menopause is related to age and lifestyle factors. An increase in body fat, especially around the abdomen, can occur during menopause because of hormonal changes, although exactly why this happens is not clear. Normal age-related decrease in muscle tissue, and a decrease in exercise levels, can also contribute to weight gain.
Most studies do not show a link between weight gain and HRT use. If a woman is prone to weight gain during her middle years, she will put on weight whether or not she uses HRT.
Some women may experience symptoms at the start of treatment, including bloating, fluid retention and breast fullness, which may be misinterpreted as weight gain. These symptoms usually disappear once the therapy doses are changed to suit the individual.
Disclaimer And Safety Information
This information is not intended to replace the attention or advice of a physician or other qualified health care professional. Anyone who wishes to embark on any dietary, drug, exercise, or other lifestyle change intended to prevent or treat a specific disease or condition should first consult with and seek clearance from a physician or other qualified health care professional. Pregnant women in particular should seek the advice of a physician before using any protocol listed on this website. The protocols described on this website are for adults only, unless otherwise specified. Product labels may contain important safety information and the most recent product information provided by the product manufacturers should be carefully reviewed prior to use to verify the dose, administration, and contraindications. National, state, and local laws may vary regarding the use and application of many of the therapies discussed. The reader assumes the risk of any injuries. The authors and publishers, their affiliates and assigns are not liable for any injury and/or damage to persons arising from this protocol and expressly disclaim responsibility for any adverse effects resulting from the use of the information contained herein.
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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.
Causes Of High Estrogen
High levels of estrogen can develop naturally, but too much estrogen can also result from taking certain medications. For example, estrogen replacement therapy, a popular treatment for symptoms of menopause, may cause estrogen to reach problematic levels.
Your body may also develop low testosterone or low progesterone levels, which can upset your hormonal balance. If you have estrogen levels that are abnormally high relative to your progesterone levels, its known as estrogen dominance.
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Types Of Hormone Replacement Therapy
Estrogen-only hormone therapy and combination hormone therapy are the two main types of hormone replacement therapy. If you still have your uterus, your doctor will suggest combination therapy because progesterone reduces your risk of endometrial cancer.
If you have had a hysterectomy and no longer have a uterus, you typically will not need progesterone. This is important to know because taking estrogen alone has been shown to have fewer long-term risks compared to combination hormone therapy.
There are two ways a woman can receive hormone replacement therapy systemically or locally:
- Systemic hormone therapy is mainly taken in a pill, injection, or patch. It works by releasing hormones into the bloodstream and reaching the organs and tissues that need them. This type of therapy can help systemic symptoms like hot flashes, vaginal dryness, and mood changes.
- Local hormone therapy is a cream, ring, or suppository used on a localized area and doesn’t get into the bloodstream. It’s mainly used to help women suffering from vaginal dryness due to the loss of estrogen by rebuilding the vaginal lining and promoting lubrication. Fewer risks are associated with localized hormone therapy, but it does not help prevent or alleviate systemic symptoms like hot flashes.
here to get a closer look at the main hormones within a womans body and their important roles.
Is It Safe For Women Who Have Had A Cancer Diagnosis To Take Mht
One of the roles of naturally occurring estrogen is to promote the normal growth of cells in the breast and uterus. Some cancers also use estrogen to promote their growth. Thus, it is generally believed that MHT may promote further tumor growth in women who have already been diagnosed with breast cancer. However, studies of MHT use in breast cancer survivors have produced conflicting results, with some studies showing an increased risk of breast cancer recurrence and others showing no increased risk of recurrence .
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Bioidentical Hormone Replacement Therapy For Menopause
It is important to understand that you don’t just wake up one day and find yourself in menopause. It is a process that typically occurs over many years. In fact, once you actually reach menopause many of the unpleasant symptoms you may be feeling will likely go away.
The menopause transition can be a really confusing time for many women. Likely hormonal imbalances have left you feeling out of sorts. And juggling all of the responsibilities midlife brings your way doesn’t give you much time to focus on yourself.
And if you do take the time to talk to your healthcare provider you may be frustrated by their lack of knowledge about treatment options for the management of the menopause and the menopause transition. Feeling awful and overwhelmed can make you vulnerable to misinformation and leave you confused about what you can do to feel better.
Perhaps one of the most confusing topics in the management of menopause and the menopause transition is the controversy surrounding the use of bioidentical hormone replacement therapy.
Hot Flashes During Perimenopause
Most women dont expect to have hot flashes until , so it can be a big surprise when they show up earlier, during perimenopause. Hot flashes sometimes called hot flushes and given the scientific name of vasomotor symptoms are the most commonly reported symptom of perimenopause. Theyre also a regular feature of sudden menopause due to surgery or treatment with certain medications, such as chemotherapy drugs.
Hot flashes tend to come on rapidly and can last from one to five minutes. They range in severity from a fleeting sense of warmth to a feeling of being consumed by fire from the inside out. A major hot flash can induce facial and upper-body flushing, sweating, chills, and sometimes confusion. Having one of these at an inconvenient time can be quite disconcerting. Hot flash frequency varies widely. Some women have a few over the course of a week others may experience 10 or more in the daytime, plus some at night.
Most American women have hot flashes around the time of menopause, but studies of other cultures suggest this experience is not universal. Far fewer Japanese, Korean, and Southeast Asian women report having hot flashes. In Mexicos Yucatan peninsula, women appear not to have any at all. These differences may reflect cultural variations in perceptions, semantics, and lifestyle factors, such as diet.
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What Are The Symptoms Of Menopause
Every womans period will stop at menopause. Some women may not have any other symptoms at all. As you near menopause, you may have:
- Changes in your periodtime between periods or flow may be different.
- Hot flashes getting warm in the face, neck, or chest, with and without sweating.
- Night sweats that may lead to problems sleeping and feeling tired, stressed, or tense.
- Thinning of your bones, which may lead to loss of height and bone breaks .
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