Hormone therapy has been a hot topic since the 1990’s. Like anything else out there, some of what you’ve read is true. Some, is not. Today, I’m here to help you sort through all of the clutter so that you can determine if hormone treatment might be a good option for you. Don’t worry, before I start tossing medical terms over the fence we’ll review the basics …
Umm, what are hormones?
While “hormones” has become a popular buzzword, I’ve realized many people don’t really understand what they’re all about. Let me help … hormones are produced in the endocrine glands and serve a variety of different purposes. They help us respond to stress, they aid in our sleep cycle, they influence our sex drive, and so much more. Put simply, they’re like little messengers that help us stay balanced. Thank goodness.
And, how do I know if my hormones have gone mad?
Hormonal imbalances present themselves in many ways. In the short-term the list of warning signs includes hot flashes, night sweats, sleep issues, loss of libido, poor concentration, fatigue, irritability, and more. Along with these unpleasant symptoms hormonal imbalances also have long-term impacts. These can include allergies, osteoporosis, hypoglycemia, cardiovascular disease, and even certain types of cancer.
Now that I’ve listed a bunch of scary medical conditions, don’t freak out! In most cases the symptoms of hormonal imbalances are reversible with therapy. My best advice is to start treatment when you first start to feel “off”. After all no one deserves to be uncomfortable, moody, and tired. No one!
What’s the different between natural and synthetic hormone replacement?
In the world of hormone therapy there are two varying approaches that you want to be familiar with – bioidentical hormone therapy {a.k.a. natural} and conventional hormone therapy {a.k.a. synthetic}.
With conventional hormone therapy oral medications such as Premarin™ or Prempro™ are used to introduce foreign hormones into the human body. While these prescriptions have been successful in reducing some menopausal symptoms for some women, they don’t come without a cost.
Through a research study, the Women’s Health Initiative found that women on Premarin™ or Prempro™ had an increased risk of breast cancer, blood clots, heart attacks and strokes. If we take a step back and look at it, it’s not all that surprising. These drugs are comprised of substances completely unfamiliar to the human body making them difficult to metabolize.
The other option available is bioidentical hormone replacement, also referred to as “natural hormone therapy”. Unlike conventional methods, bioidentical hormones are derived to have the same molecular structure as those hormones found naturally in the human body. Treatment plans are also tailored to each individual patient. Blood tests or saliva tests are leveraged to find the ideal dosage, as well as monitor effectiveness over time.
While treatment plans will vary from patient to patient, at Amy Brenner & Associates we prefer to use bioidentical hormones whenever possible.
How does treatment work?
If you opt for conventional hormone therapy, treatment plans tend to be “one-size-fits-all”. Generally you will be prescribed a drug, such as Premarin™ or Prempro™ to be taken orally each day.
Treatment for bioidentical hormone therapy is a little more complex, beginning with a series of tests to identify your imbalances. With the test results your practitioner will create an individualized plan, leveraging a compound pharmacy to create a custom dosage for you. There are a variety of treatment methods available including creams, troches, and pellets. Huh, you say? Here’s a break down …

• Creams: Hormone creams are applied topically once or twice daily. After roughly 15 minutes the hormones absorb into the blood stream.
• Troches: Troches are a lozenge that you place under your tongue. For hormone therapy dosage is at least two per day.
• Pellets: Unlike other treatment methods, pellets are implanted. This allows for a steady release of hormones for up to six months.

Based on our experience, we’ve found all of these treatment methods to be affective in maintaining optimal hormone levels. That said, we have found that pellets do provide significantly greater symptom relief.
Still with me? Well, there you have it. Hormone Therapy, explained … at least I hope so! If you still have questions, don’t hesitate to contact us. If you’re suffering from a hormone imbalance the most important thing is to find a treatment plan that you’re comfortable with. We’re here to support you, no matter which direction you take.