Bio-identical Hormone Replacement Therapy


Bio-identical hormone replacement therapy (BHRT) has been a treatment option for women since the 1930’s. The hormones were initially delivered through intramuscular injection. BHRT was not sup- ported by the drug industry because these hormones were derived from plants and as such could not be patented. Unfortunately, doctors get most of their information about drug therapies from drug companies so most practitioners have not learned about BHRT. Because BHRT is hor- mone therapy, much of the medical community assumes that bio-iden- tical hormones, like synthetic hormones, are harmful. In 2004 Suzanne Somers introduced BHRT to the masses in her book “The Sexy Years.” BHRT use has increased significantly in the US since then, though it has been used successfully for decades in Europe. The term bio-identical is not a marketing scheme. These hor-


mones have the exact chemical structure as the hormones which our bodies produce so they function well in the body. They are manu- factured in laboratories from soy and yam oils but because they do not come directly from nature some might say they are not natural. Bio-identical estradiol, progesterone and testosterone are FDA ap-


proved. Estriol, the weaker estrogen which is produced during pregnan- cy is not FDA approved. Because it is the estrogen which the body pro- duces during pregnancy, a time when the fetus is most vulnerable to the effects of any exposures, it is felt by many to be a safer alternative to us- ing estradiol, the most potent estrogen the body produces. Progesterone is the only one of these hormones which is available over the counter. There are commercially available bio-identical hormones including the Vivelle patch, Climera and Estraderm delivered via the skin and oral Es- trace. These hormones contain only estradiol, the most potent estrogen. Prometrium is oral progesterone and Androgel is testosterone applied topically. The downside to these hormone products is the higher dosing. With compounded BHRT, the dosing is often ten to twenty times lower and is individualized based on each patient’s salivary hormone levels and symptoms. There is no one size fits all approach. However, it is recom- mended to all hormone patients that they eat whole foods, move daily, eat every 2-3 hours and reduce stress and exposure to environmental toxins. Avoiding caffeine and alcohol can also help achieve healthier hormone balance in the body.


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16 Natural Nutmeg May 2013 Bio-identical hormone replacement therapy is often the answer to


many people’s prayers when it comes to improving health and reduc- ing or eliminating symptoms. If we know that it is our lifestyle choices that create hormone imbalance in the first place why can’t we just start there? For some people this is a viable option but for many it is not. They are too tired, overwhelmed and stressed to do what is necessary. They know that they need to do. They just cannot do it. BHRT very often gives patients the energy, motivation and desire to take the steps required to improve their health. Balancing hormones can bring balance into our lives just as balancing our lives can bring our bodies into greater hor- monal balance.


Dr. Deanna M. Cherrone is a board certified Internist who practices Functional Medicine at Natural Health & Healing, LLC located at 60 E. Main St. in Avon, CT. She can be reached at 860-677-4600 or via email at drcherrone@naturalhealthandhealing.net. See ad on back cover.


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