Bioidentical Hormone Replacement Therapy
A personalized hormone replacement therapy plan that utilizes natural hormones based on a complete patient assessment
What is “natural” hormone replacement therapy and why consider it as an option for you?
Bio-identical hormones are biologically identical to the hormones your body makes, meaning the chemical structures of the replacement hormones are identical to those synthesized in your organs. The body recognizes bio-identical hormones as familiar and responds to them in natural ways. One size does not fit all–dosages are customized to each individual. Each patient is put on a dose specifically chosen according to their individual symptoms, genetic profile, stress level, and overall health assessment. Since the product is compounded at special pharmacies, any dose of any hormone can be added, subtracted, and adjusted as is appropriate. This individualized hormone replacement therapy takes into account the fact that all women and men are not the same. There are multiple modalities of administering natural hormones: creams, lozenges, gels, sublingual drops, injections, capsules, and hormone pellet implants.
Recent Research: certain forms of estrogen that are metabolized by the liver as the hormones pass through are more toxic than others. This greater proportion of toxic metabolites produced by the liver could increase the risk of cancers that are affected by estrogen, especially breast cancer. In our clinical experience, this risk can be modulated by certain supplements and by the removal of toxins from the body.
- The first is 2-hydroxy estrone (good for you). It does not stimulate cell division. It attaches to estrogen cell receptors and blocks the attachment of more aggressive estrogens.
- The second is 16-hydroxy estrone (bad for you). This one strongly attaches to receptors and stimulates DNA synthesis and cell replication. It can bind permanently to receptors, whereas other estrogens attach briefly and are released.
- The third metabolite is 4-hydroxy estrone (also bad). This may directly damage DNA and can cause mutations that are carcinogenic.
Equine estrogens could promote metabolism of the 4-hydroxy estrones, causing mutagenic damage (cancer potential) five times more rapidly than human 4-hydroxy estrones.
The risks and benefits of hormone replacement therapies must be considered for each patient. Testing, regular monitoring, and minimizing risk factors are essential.
