Bio-identical hormones, often termed natural hormones, are increasingly used to address hormonal imbalances and alleviate menopausal symptoms. With approximately 70% of women experiencing menopausal symptoms, understanding the distinction between bio-identical hormones (BHRT) and synthetic hormones (HRT) is crucial.
Bio-identical hormones are derived from plant sources like yams and soy. They are chemically identical to the hormones produced by the human body. This similarity allows them to be more easily recognized and utilized by the body, potentially leading to fewer side effects.
Synthetic hormones, such as Premarin and Provera, are manufactured and patented by pharmaceutical companies. Some of these hormones are derived from the urine of pregnant horses. While they mimic human hormones, their chemical structure is altered to allow for patenting, which can lead to different and sometimes adverse effects.
The Women's Health Initiative (WHI) study conducted in 2002, which included thousands of women across multiple sites, found that synthetic hormones should not be used to prevent heart disease, strokes, venous thrombosis, or breast cancer. The study was halted early due to these findings, which indicated an increased risk of these conditions over time (source: NIH).
Bio-identical hormones cannot be patented, which means pharmaceutical companies have less financial incentive to fund large-scale studies. However, numerous smaller studies have shown promising results. For instance, Dr. Rebecca Glaser's website, hormonebalance.org, lists hundreds of studies on topics ranging from breast cancer to cortisol and testosterone.
Bio-identical hormones have been shown to improve heart health. A study published in the Journal of the American College of Cardiology found that hormone replacement therapy using bio-identical hormones could reduce the risk of heart disease in postmenopausal women (source: JACC).
Bio-identical hormones can help maintain bone density, reducing the risk of osteoporosis. According to the Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism, women using bio-identical hormones had a lower rate of bone density loss compared to those using synthetic hormones (source: JCEM).
There is evidence to suggest that bio-identical hormones can improve memory and cognitive function. A study in the Journal of Alzheimer's Disease found that women on bio-identical hormone therapy had better cognitive performance compared to those on synthetic hormones (source: JAD).
Bio-identical hormones have been shown to slightly lower cholesterol levels. A study in the Journal of Women's Health found that women using bio-identical hormones had improved lipid profiles compared to those using synthetic hormones (source: JWH).
There is a common belief that hormone replacement therapy increases the risk of breast cancer. However, when taken in the correct dosage, bio-identical hormones do not appear to increase this risk. A study in the International Journal of Cancer found no significant difference in breast cancer risk between women using bio-identical hormones and those not using hormone therapy (source: IJC).
Bio-identical hormones offer a promising alternative to synthetic hormones, with benefits that include improved heart health, bone density, cognitive function, and cholesterol levels. While more large-scale studies are needed, the existing research suggests that bio-identical hormones can be a safer and more effective option for many women.
| Benefit | Bio-Identical Hormones | Synthetic Hormones |
|---|---|---|
| Heart Health | Improved | Increased Risk |
| Bone Density | Maintained | Decreased |
| Cognitive Function | Improved | No Improvement |
| Cholesterol Levels | Lowered | No Change |
| Cancer Risk | No Increase | Increased Risk |
For more detailed information, you can visit authoritative sources like the National Institutes of Health and the Journal of the American College of Cardiology.
Do you know when to adjust your BHRT dosage?
If you are using bioidentical hormone replacement therapy, you need to be aware of the symptoms that indicate hormone levels changing. Anyone being treated for hormone replacement has different needs and should understand there comes a time when their hormone levels fluctuate which may indicate a need to adjust dosage.
Understanding Menopause: What You Need to Know
Menopause is a significant phase in a woman's life, typically occurring between the ages of 45 and 55. This natural biological process marks the end of menstrual cycles and can bring about a variety of symptoms. While some women experience minimal discomfort, others may face more severe symptoms. This article delves into the nuances of menopause, its symptoms, and the treatments available, including the use of bioidentical hormones.
