Hormone FAQs
Synthetic or Natural Hormones?
Patients have several types of hormone replacement therapy to choose from based on their needs. Natural or bioidentical hormone therapy uses hormones extracted from yams and soybeans, which are chemically identical to what the human body makes. The body uses these natural hormones to potentially reduce the likelihood of developing certain cancers, as well as support bone, heart, and overall health. On the other hand, synthetic hormones are created in the lab, and mimic natural hormones. All hormone medications have a similar balance of benefits and risks. Your doctor can help you decide which type of hormone you need to regain health and balance in your life.
Hormone Therapy for Hypothyroidism
Do you ever feel tired even when you have had a good night's sleep? Are you continuing to put on weight even when you watch your diet and exercise? You may be one of 21 million in the United States who suffers from thyroid disorders. Everything from how quickly your body burns calories to your mood is controlled by your thyroid. As long as your thyroid is producing the right amount of hormones, your body will function normally. Hypothyroidism, however, occurs when you have an underactive thyroid that is not producing enough hormones to keep your body going. Once diagnosed, hypothyroidism is easily treated by hormone therapy. Every day, you will need to take a pill to replace the hormones your thyroid is not producing.
Hormone Replacement Therapy for Women
As a woman ages, her ovaries stop releasing eggs, resulting in low estrogen and progesterone. These falling hormone levels affect her entire reproductive system. Perimenopause and menopause will affect most of the 153 million women in the United States today.s & more.
Am I experiencing Menopause?
Menopause begins when a woman hasn't had a period for 12 months in a row, and the symptoms are often unpleasant: you may experience hot flashes and find yourself feeling tired, forgetful and absent minded. These symptoms may also be a sign of perimenopause, the process during which your body prepares for true menopause. Perimenopause can occur any time between ages 35-50 and may last for several years.
Menopause Hormone Therapy
If your menopause symptoms are affecting your quality of life, it may be time to consider hormone therapy. When combined with a healthy diet and recommended supplements, a prescribed combination of natural testosterone, progesterone and estrogen replacement for women can effectively prevent these symptoms and provide relief. Hormone therapy and weight loss have also been linked in women who use the former to treat menopause.
Estrogen vs Progesterone
Estrogen and progesterone are the two primary hormones produced by the ovaries. Both are steroid hormones, but estrogen is vital to reproductive development while progesterone works specifically to prepare the body for pregnancy. Taking estrogen and progesterone together is important in hormone therapy, as progesterone reduces the risk of uterine cancer associated with estrogen alone.
How else can women benefit?
Menopause isn’t the only reason a woman might seek out hormone replacement. Hormone therapy for endometriosis is a common solution to a painful condition, and hormones after hysterectomy can help replace the naturally-occurring hormones you’ve lost after your surgery.
Are there pros and cons with Hormone Therapy?
The North American Menopause Society, the American Society for Reproductive Medicine, and the Endocrine Society assures that hormone therapy is acceptable and relatively safe for health.