Biomimetic Hormones | Natural Hormone Replacement Therapy

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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Estrogen is an important hormone which is responsible for a woman’s monthly periods and her feminine characteristics. This steroid compound hormone is actually made up of three different types of estrogen hormones called estradiol, estrone and estriol. Estrogen is synonymous with reproduction and therefore the female sexual characteristics. Produced by the ovaries, the body needs to have a balanced amount of estrogen for performing various different functions. Increased or decreased levels of estrogen could lead to other consequences.

Fluctuating levels of estrogen is the primary reason for many of the symptoms that are typically associated with the onset of menopause. Some of these symptoms include, decreased libido, hot flashes, weight gain, drying thinning skin and night sweats. The functions of estrogen are among the most complex and includes preserving bone density, assisting in regulating the monthly menstrual cycle, accelerating the metabolism and helping to increase uterine growth. It is important for women to follow an active and healthy lifestyle, along with adopting a diet that is rich in fiber content. This is known to help in maintaining hot flashes in the body.

Women usually experience the symptoms of declining levels of estrogen between the ages of 45 to 55, a time when most of them reach the stage known as menopause. The period of life before menopause when hormones start to fluctuate is actually called perimenopause.  Advances in medical science have seen the field of hormone replacement therapy make rapid strides. This therapy helps to correct the imbalance of hormones using what are known as bioidentical hormones. For example, excess of estrogen is controlled by introduction of another hormone known as progesterone in the body. Natural progesterone is known to counter the increased levels of estrogen and rectify the imbalance of hormones in the body. Natural bioidentical hormones are obtained from plant extracts and since they are naturally from natural sources, they are considered safe. These plant extracts are then synthecized in a laboratory.  A doctor would prescribe the amount and type of hormones that your body needs replaced, after a thorough medical examination and a test of your hormone levels.  He or she then prescribed an individual mixture of each bioidentical hormone to balance your own hormones.

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