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Bioidentical Hormone Replacement Therapy involves using hormones that are identical in molecular structure and function to the hormones produced in the human body. Bio-identical hormones are usually made from plant sources, such as soy or yam, and when they are introduced into the system, the body recognizes them, knows why they are there, and knows how to metabolize them.
On the contrary, synthetic hormones are usually made from animal waste, and they are not always compatible with the body’s chemistry because the molecules of the hormones are not identical to the hormones produced in the body. Because of this, synthetic hormones may attach themselves to cell receptors that are not specific for the hormone they are supplementing. For example, a molecule of synthetic estrogen may attach itself to a cell receptor site for progesterone. Estrogen promotes tissue growth, while progesterone inhibits it, and if progesterone cannot attach itself to cell receptors, it cannot be in an active form in the body.
When this occurs, a woman on synthetic estrogen could develop estrogen dominance, which can lead to the formation of breast cancer, due to augmented tissue growth and an abnormal ratio of estrogen and progesterone. Synthetic estrogen, which is usually derived from the urine of a pregnant horse and progestin, which is synthetic progesterone, have been linked to rising cases of malignant breast cancer and aggressive uterine cancers. Some physicians may feel that this is due to the incompatibility of animal derived hormones with the human body and the binding of the hormones with cellular sites that do not coincide with the hormones.
Bio-identical hormone replacement therapy can reduce the effects of hormone decline that occur during menopause, andropause, and perimenopause. While taking Bio-identical Hormones, decreasing stress, getting adequate amounts of sleep, and maintaining a healthy diet can all help with hormone related symptoms and other illnesses. The body functions at optimal levels with regular rest, relaxation, and proper nutrition, and these healthy habits can greatly enhance the effects of Bio-identical Hormone Replacement Therapy.
Bioidentical Hormones
Both men and women can suffer from the effects of hormone decline and may suffer from unwanted ailments. Treating the symptoms of hormone decline usually requires people to take prescription drugs. However, this can only treat the symptoms and not the root of the issue, and many times, the prescription drugs cause vicious side effects. Bio-identical hormone replacement therapy can drastically reduce the need for prescription drugs by supplementing hormonal deficiencies and allowing for the hormone related symptoms be eliminated.
Bio-identical Estrogen helps to promote tissue growth in the breast and uterus, which helps the body to repair breast and uterine tissues, and it also helps to promote calcium absorption in order to prevent osteoporosis. Bio-identical estrogen can reduce the effects of estrogen deficiencies, and many of the symptoms experienced during perimenopause and menopause, such as insomnia, thinning bones, hot flashes, vaginal dryness, weight gain, and depression can be related to a lack of estrogen. Usually, patients are prescribed drugs for insomnia, weight loss, and anti-depressants for depression; however, bio-identical estrogen may be able to eliminate these symptoms by giving the body the balance it needs to function properly.
Bio-identical Progesterone can help to balance estrogen and inhibit tissue growth. Estrogen promotes the growth of breast and uterine tissue, and progesterone can protect the breasts and uterine tissue when it is properly balanced with estrogen.
Women who have suffered from breast and uterine cancer are often prescribed Tamoxifen in order to prevent cancer. Ironically, Tamoxifen is a known carcinogen and may also cause liver disease, asthma, vision damage, and blood clots. Bio-identical progesterone is able to produce the same preventative effects as Tamoxifen without the same risks.
Bio-identical Testosterone can supplement testosterone deficiencies in both men and women, and a decrease in testosterone can cause weight gain, low libido, muscle atrophy, hair loss, decreased athletic performance, and erectile dysfunction. Patients with high blood pressure cannot take medication for sexual function, and weight loss drugs can negatively affect the kidneys. Because the adrenal glands sit on top of the kidneys and produce the main amount of hormones after menopause and andropause, they may also be negatively affected. This would be even more counterproductive because it would create even more of a hormonal deficiency in one of the body’s only sources of hormone production. Bio-identical testosterone can give patients a natural option to improving muscle, sexual performance, libido, and athletic performance without negative side effects.
Because bio-identical hormones are naturally occurring substances, it is illegal to patent them, and therefore, drug companies cannot profit from them to the same degree they can profit from synthetic hormones. For this reason, they have not been marketed to the extent that synthetic hormones have been, and recently, several books, articles, and medical websites have begun to offer plentiful amounts of information on hormones and the subject of Bio-identical Hormone Replacement Therapy. However, consulting with a BHRT specialist in the directory is the best way to obtain valuable information about unique situations and health issues.
