Biomimetic Hormones | Natural Hormone Replacement Therapy

Let’s take a look at the problem of low estrogen and hormonal imbalance.  This would be indicated by two things:  Firstly, you are experiencing the symptoms of low estrogen and hormonal imbalance which include hot flashes, night sweats, dry vagina, urinary urgency, memory loss, brain fog and perhaps feelings of depression and irritability.  With these symptoms you should first visit your bioidentical doctor to get your hormones tested.  When the results arrive, he will then write an individualized prescription for bioidentical hormones.

There are also some natural supplements that you can take that will help solve the worst of your symptoms.  These natural herbal supplements for menopause will help deal with low estrogen and menopause symptoms.  Phytoestrogenic herbs such as Angelica, Black Cohosh, Red Clover Extract, licorice or sage can be used to boost healthy estrogen levels.  Choose one of the following.  You can purchase these at the health store.

Angelica:

Angelica has been used for hundreds of years to combat the symptoms of menopause and a lack of menstruation (amenorrhea), and PMS.  Angelica has anti-inflammatory and anti-spasmodic properties and can also help with painful menstruation.  It is also beneficial in that it counteracts menopause symptoms such as hot flashes.  Usually, a naturopath will recommend that you 400 mg. one to three times per day without food.

Black Cohosh:

Black Cohosh is another traditional herb for the treatment of menopause symptoms such as vaginal dryness, night sweats, hot flashes, urinary problems, etc.  Taken without food, take a 40 mg tablet, two times a day is the usual recommended dose.  However, always check with your doctor or naturopath for the exact dose for yourself.

Red Clover Extract:

Red clover extract contains isoflavones which are natural estrogens found in plants.  It may help with menopause symptoms – there is conflicting research on red clover extract.  Some reports say that it helps with such problems as bone loss, improves blood pressure, increases good cholesterol, thereby reducing heart disease risk.  The best product for red clover extract is Promensil which has been researched the most.  Take 80 mg. per day and see if it helps first with your hot flashes.

Licorice:

Licorice is an herb which contines phytoestrogens and can help with stress and burnout.  Only take it before 3:00 in the afternoon because it is a stimulant.  Recommended dose is 300 – 900 mg. per day, but check with your naturopath for the dosage that is right for you.

Sage:

Sage will assist with hot flashes and night sweats if these are your main issues. This will help restore estrogen balance. Take without food, 400 mg per day.

The above are the best herbal supplements for menopause if you are not taking bioidentical hormones.  As always, we highly recommend that you visit a naturopath or a doctor experienced in supplementing with herbal supplements to explain your symptoms so they can assist you.

Make sure also that a healthy diet, exercise, smoking cessation, reduction in alcohol intake and stress reduction are included in your daily life.  Neither bioidentical hormones or natural supplements are going to work very well if you don’t live a healthy life style.

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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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