Bioidentical hormones therapy is a treatment for menopausal women or women with hormonal imbalance using plant compounds that are identical in molecular structure to human hormones.
Bioidentical hormones therapy is a treatment for menopausal women or women with hormonal imbalance using plant compounds that are identical in molecular structure to human hormones. Hormone replacement therapy, on the other hand, is another form of hormonal treatment that specifically made from pregnant mare’s urine but is significantly different to human hormones. The latter was designed purposely in an altered form so that it could be patented (unlike natural hormones which are not patentable) and not be duplicated. Unfortunately, this form of therapy has proven to attach many side effects that can be detrimental to both women and men’s health.
Bioidentical hormone therapy, as the name itself connotes, are hormones molecularly identical to the body’s natural hormones. This therapy has a few side effects that generally occur when it is taken in excessive dosages or is utilized for other purposes other than what it is designed for. In the book written by Dr. John Lee, “What Your Doctor May Not Tell You About Breast Cancer,” he describes bioidentical hormones, particularly progesterone (and not its synthetic counterpart progestin), as a great treatment for hormonal imbalance and is also proven to protect women against breast cancer and lower the risk of heart disease.
Likewise, in a study published in Medical News Today (which was reflected in over 30 years of scientific research and clinical practice), it was seen that bioidentical hormones therapy is less risky than conventional hormone therapy. This article confirmed that over 20 brands of bioidenticals hormone therapy have already been FDA approved and it explained that this form of therapy requires a doctor’s prescription when prescribed in patch, pill or cream form.
How should bioidentical hormone therapy be taken?
Dosing of bioidentical hormone therapy is best measured through individualized analysis. The prescribed dosage for each patient is unique depending on his/her medical and family history, personal habits, current health status and symptoms.
Since the response to bioidentical hormone therapy can be varied due to differences in the absorption of the hormone, it is expected that the first few intakes may not be the correct measurement. There are available hormone specialist who work with patients in developing the proper dosages appropriate for them. Working with a hormone specialist will make it easier to determine the correct measurement of the different hormones required by each patient.
It takes about 3-6 months for the first signs of improvement to show, depending on the diet and exercise plans of the patient. So be patient.
Ideally the best way to apply bioidentical hormone therapy is to take half of the required daily dose every 12 hours. This is particularly true for oral, sublingual and topical formulations. Testosterones, however, is best taken 2 hours before bedtime. Estrogen, on the other hand, particularly for night sweats, is most effective when taken with the evening meal. DHEA is best applied after breakfast and progesterone before bedtime.
It takes about 3-6 months for the first signs of improvement to show, depending on the diet and exercise plans of the patient. So be patient. In a while you will be feeling young again and will be back on your toes. Bioidentical hormone therapy works best with a little patience.
