Biomimetic Hormones | Natural Hormone Replacement Therapy

Hormone replacement therapy is has been researched intensely in the field of medical science. Researchers have discovered some ways to provide relief from the symptoms of menopause and andropause. However, not enough research has been done in North America on the subject of bioidentical hormones, but women here and in Europe are now turning to bioidentical hormones in the millions.  For over 55 years in Europe, women have been using bioidentical hormones and it is only in the last ten or so years that women here have been demanding this more natural approach to menopause.

It used to be very difficult in the United States to find doctors who understood menopause and andropause and could provide prescriptions to bioidentical hormones.  It is now much easier in the U.S. to find a bioidentical doctor.  However, in Canada, it is still very difficult to find a doctor to prescribe bioidentical hormones.

Since hormonal imbalance is one of the first consequences of menopause and andropause, supplementation of hormones is known to give relief from the symptoms. Reently, television hosts such as Oprah and Dr. Phil have presented the subject of bioidentical hormones to millions of viewers in North America and the demand for the services of these doctors has increased dramatically.  Oprah and Dr. Phil’s wife are both using bioidentical hormones.  Other celebrities such as Suzanne Somers who has written numerous books on bioidentical hormones are also using them.

Bioidentical hormones are used for supplementing decreased levels of certain hormones in hormone replacement therapy. Both estrogen and progesterone must be used biomimetically.  For example, hormones such as estrogen and progesterone play a vital role in the smooth functioning of many bodily processes. Any imbalance that leads to either decrease or, in cases such as that of estrogen, increase of hormones, leads to many potential diseases of aging. Hormonal imbalance also causes accelerated aging process.

Bioidentical hormones are introduced in the body in a systematic manner and they work biomimetically, ensuring improved overall health. Natural bioidentical hormones work in tandem with the natural biological process and mimic the natural rise and fall in levels, something that is characteristic of all hormones. This is what is meant by the biomimetical dosing of bioidentical hormones.

Natural bioidentical hormones are obtained from plant sources such as soy bean extract and yam compounds.  They are then processed in a laboratory. A doctor will usually conduct a hormone tests to determine the various levels of different hormones in your body before prescribing bioidentical hormone replacement therapy. The hormone levels are then checked after a particular period of time. Based on regular checking of your hormone levels after starting to supplement with natural hormones, certain adjustments can be made to your individual prescription.

Bioidentical hormones are also taken by men and they are usually prescribed testosterone and natural progesterone to balance their hormones as they age.

Your doctor will prescribe your bioidentical hormones prescription in one of several different formats which are either in cream, pills, pellets, lozenges or patches. The best way to take bioidentical hormones is to take them biomimetically, mimicking the natural biological rhythms in your body in the cream format.

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The gradual natural aging process in a woman results in the decline of normal ovarian function. This, in turn, results in the onset of cessation of menstruation, which signals the onset of menopause. Contrary to popular perception, keeping in mind the advances that medical science has made, entering menopause need not be a difficult phase of one’s life. Although it signifies the end of your childbearing years, it is a time for new beginnings, a time to concentrate on your Self.  In fact, one can lead a perfectly normal, healthy, productive and happy life after menopause. Millions of women around the world would testify to this fact. The strange itches, night sweats, hot flashes, vaginal dryness, depression and anxiety are some of the most common symptoms of menopause.  They can all be dealt with by improving lifestyle, diet, exercise and bioidentical hormones.

The decreased production of certain hormones in the body results in the symptoms of menopause. For example, decreased levels of estrogen, an important hormone is a chief  reason for some of the symptoms. Also, at this time in life, some women which actually experience elevated levels of estrogen resulting in estrogen dominance – which a a dangerous place to be in.  Excess estrogen is dangerous because it can cause breast cancer.  Similarly, the levels of progesterone, another important hormone, also decreases resulting in certain symptoms associated with menopause. Estrogen dominance can be corrected by supplementing the body with natural progesterone.

The symptoms of menopause can vary from one woman to another. While for one it may be that of urinary incontinence, for another it could be a decrease in libido. Mood swings are also common when a woman enters this phase in her life. In fact, a vast majority of them suffer from acute depression and panic attacks, with the onset of menopause. Dry skin and hair loss are some other symptoms experienced by women during the onset of menopause. Certain women are also known to gain weight during this point in time of their life, especially around the waist and stomach area. Fortunately, hormone replacement therapy is available to provide relief from these symptoms.  It becomes necessary to balance your hormones and supplement the ones that are missing or decreased.

Hormone replacement therapy involves supplementing certain hormones by what are known as bioidentical hormones. These natural bioidentical hormones are produced using botanical extracts, synthesized in a laboratory.  Many women, aware of the dangers of synthetic hormone therapy, now seek out bioidentical hormones. These natural bioidentical hormones are prescribed by a doctor and taken in different methods such as troches, creams, gels, patches or pellets and may be taken biomimetically, mimicking the natural cycle of the rise and fall of hormones in the body.  It depends on what the doctor thinks your individual needs are to help you face this new phase of life called menopause.

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