Bioidentical Hormone Therapy for Perimenopause and Menopause 

One of the most challenging phases of life for many women is perimenopause and menopause. The biological changes can begin in the 40s, as hormone production in the body slowly decreases, but a gradually decreasing level of estrogen and progesterone typically kicks in around age 50. At this point, the body will begin to increase its production of FSH, or follicle-stimulating hormone, as compensation for the reduction of estrogen. However, the bump in FSH does not alleviate all the physical symptoms many women experiences as their body changes.

Symptoms of Menopause 

Some of the experiences commonly felt as menopausal changes begin are hot flashes, libido changes, breast tenderness, night sweats, and much more. Many women struggle to lose weight and may even gain weight despite a healthy diet and exercise regimen. Depression, anxiety, and mood swings can add to the frustration for many women. Menopause treatments to counteract the hormonal drop may become necessary if more than one of these symptoms affects the woman's quality of life.
Transitions Often Uncomfortable

Menopause is a natural and normal part of life, but it is not an easy transition for everyone. Some women experience only mild symptoms and can get through the process without changes. For example, some people may need to make minimal changes to their diet or sleep schedules to feel better. Other women discover the symptoms are too overwhelming to manage on their own as the hormonal dip becomes too extreme. These women often receive a recommendation from their physicians to undergo hormone replacement therapy (HRT).
 

Help From Hormones 

Traditional hormone therapy causes concerns for many people. Research in the past has shown the dangers present in the long-term use of the oral estrogen/progesterone therapy women received. Studies revealed that these therapies could increase the risk of stroke, breast cancer, blood clots, and cardiovascular disease. The women undergoing treatment for menopausal symptoms were already entering a stage of life where their risk for these health conditions had increased, making the additional increase in risk more concerning.

To provide relief with less risk, researchers developed bioidentical hormone therapy. Bioidentical hormones are different than non-bioidentical (synthetic) hormones. Synthetic versions are manufactured options designed by pharmaceutical companies. However, most physicians traditionally choose synthetic hormones when recommending HRT for their patients.

The manufacturing of these non-bioidentical hormones happens in a laboratory. Pharmaceutical companies designed the products to copy what happens in the body when it produces hormones. When administered, the patient experiences a suppression of the natural production of their hormones to enable the body to function using the added hormonal treatment instead. Many women experience relief from their menopausal symptoms while on HRT with these drugs, but they are not necessarily getting the best option available to them.

Trusting Bioidentical Hormones

Bioidentical hormone therapy uses a natural product rather than a patented pharmaceutical one. It is important to remember that bioidentical hormones do not go from a field or garden into a bottle. The supplements still come from a lab, but the formulas match those naturally produced in the body. People that use these versions will continue to produce hormones. The bioidentical supplements only add to the level of hormones in the body to counter the drop in production caused by menopause.

The HRT trials that once caused alarm in the medical community were initially based on animal-derived hormones that were not identical to those naturally produced by humans. The testing also included substantially older patients than the average HRT patients and was already at a higher risk of health concerns due to their age. The experts concerned about HRT risks included bioidentical hormone treatments in the warnings after the testing, despite the research not including these products in their tests.

Since the initial research, bioidentical hormones have been used for a couple of decades and have undergone many other tests. The results of newer studies show that most women will experience only minimal cardiovascular risk from natural estrogen replacements. The safest method is to prescribe the product as soon as menopausal symptoms become troublesome to the individual. Patients should use the products while under the supervision of a physician like Dr. Dana Cohen. 

For many women, bioidentical hormones offer a safer option than other forms of HRT. However, risks still exist with hormone therapy, so all patients should only use the products under medical supervision. Only patients in good cardiovascular health should use the treatments, and all should continue to make lifestyle changes as needed to improve their overall well-being. Bioidentical hormones can offer an alternative for the short-term improvement of severe menopausal symptoms. The products can also help those with declining hormone levels to have a better overall quality of life and general health.

About the Author

Dr. Dana Cohen is a leading Manhattan Integrative Medicine Practitioner and author. From hormonal imbalances and autoimmune conditions to cardiovascular disease and gut health, she is renowned for her commitment to finding the root of dysfunction in the body and providing holistic protocols that effectively restore balance and well-being. Learn more by visiting her website at DrDanaCohen.com