Hormone Replacement Therapy

Bioidentical hormones are made in a laboratory, usually from the components of plants and they are chemically identical to human hormones, to match exactly the formula that a woman’s body produces and have been used to…

Recently, there has been a great deal of interest in so called bioidentical hormones as an alternative to the more usual forms of hormone replacement therapy. Bioidentical hormone replacement therapy is safer than synthetic versions.

Bioidentical hormones are made in a laboratory, usually from the components of plants, substances found in soybeans or Mexican wild yams and they are chemically identical to human hormones, to match exactly the formula that a woman’s body produces and have been used to. These plant derived hormones are often called natural hormones, but that confuses some patients and some doctors as well. Another aspect of the bioidentical versus patent hormone controversy is the source material for the synthetic hormones. However, when creating synthetic hormones, scientists did not realize that some of the changes which they originally thought were insignificant would not be. Bioidentical hormones are generally made from plant sources, most commonly soy or Mexican wild yam.

Many practitioners and their patients are now realizing that provera a synthetic not bioidentical progesterone – may be the bad actor in increasing the rate of breast cancer. Premarin, the most commonly prescribed estrogen is natural to a horse, being derived from pregnant mare’s urine, but so are the horses that produce synthetic hormones. The important fact is that the estrogen is not bioidentical to a woman’s own estrogen. Prempro is the combination of premarin and provera.

Women suffering with low energy, obesity, and hot flashes have seen pounds melt away and their sexual energy return with bioidentical hormonal replacement therapy.

Perhaps the most controversial, mystifying, and inadequately approached area of medicine today are hormone replacement therapy. Only relatively recently have women come to question the safety of estrogen and other hormones whose usage has been entrenched in medicine for the past forty years.

Important advantage of bioidentical hormones is that dosages can be tailored to the individual’s unique hormonal requirements.

Oral bioidentical supplements go directly to the liver, which converts them into a different hormone. Thus the preferred method of delivery for bioidentical hormones is transdermal in the form of creams, gels, and suppositories – so the hormones are absorbed directly into the bloodstream.

Compounded bioidentical hormones are another option. Bioidentical hormones are hormone supplements whose biochemical structures are identical to those produced by the human body – a fact that offers important therapeutic advantages and minimizes potential risks. The doctor usually prescribes a hormone test and a hormone supplement is given that consists of numerous hormones harmonized to meet the patient’s exact individual needs either separately or all combined. They may also include estrogen combination, testosterone. Unfortunately, at the moment, very few physicians have any experience with the testing or prescribing of compounded formulas or, just as importantly, the follow-up needed to tailor the formula to the individual patient’s response. According to their proponents, the benefits of bioidentical hormones include:

• Fewer side effects compared with traditional hormone replacement therapy.
• Protection against heart disease.
• Reduced risk of breast cancer.
• Improved lipid profile.

The good news is that more providers are willing to learn as they are hearing about compounding over and over from their menopausal patients. The patient’s body has a lock and key hormonal structure. To put it simply, to the patient’s body either manufactures hormones or takes them as supplements. Bioidentical hormones fit accurately and protect the patient against the many dangers of unbalanced hormones. On the negative side, bioidentical may also pose risks to consumers. These compounds have not been approved; as a result, have not been tested for purity, potency, efficacy, or safety. In addition, bioidentical and other natural hormones bought over the counter or on the internet are frequently not micronized or found in high enough dosages to be effective.

By Jayashree Pakhare
Published: 3/31/2008

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Hormone replacement therapy often referred to, as HRT or Postmenopausal hormone use is the topic of this particular article. Here we will discuss the process and treatment option, dealing with symptoms, the effects, impact, and consequences of menopause, and taking estrogen either alone or in combination with progesterone.

Some of the common symptoms on menopause include: hot flashes, night sweats, vaginal dryness, and an inability to sleep. Estrogen is the generally recommended treatment for treatment of these symptoms. Taking this drug can help menopause sufferers achieve a much better quality of life while going through ‘the change’.

It is important however to remember that this is a natural process of aging and not a disease that simply must be treated. There are however, preventative therapies and products that help manage some of the more severe symptoms while protecting the body from the bone loss that sometimes occurs as a result of the lack of estrogen after menopause.

Quick facts about HRT and Menopause

The symptoms of menopause are actually the ‘coping mechanism’ that your body creates in order to deal with the hormonal and chemical changes taking place.

1)Estrogen use whether with or without progesterone serves to double the estrogen levels of menopausal women.

2)While hormone treatments are effective, they rarely return the levels to those of pre menopausal women. They are not designed to completely replace original hormone levels.

The hormone use is actually intended to ease the discomfort of some of the symptoms that are often associated with menopause such as vaginal dryness, hot flashes, night sweats, and the inability to sleep. These same hormones are also used to prevent certain medical conditions and diseases that are common for postmenopausal women. These diseases include: heart disease, osteoporosis, and some cancers.

There is a great deal of ongoing research concerning menopause, dealing effectively with the symptoms of menopause, HRT, and alternative therapies. These studies include clinical trials as well as in depth and wide ranging observational studies. Participants of these studies are sometimes given placebos instead of the hormones they think they are receiving and studied over time to see how they react to the hormones, if their symptoms subside, and to see if other diseases or conditions arise consistently. Typically there are no intervention only comparisons between those who take the hormones and those who do not.

Many of these studies concluded that the long-term health risks of HRT far outweighed the short-term benefits. If you are considering this type of treatment it is vitally important that you seriously discuss with your doctor whether or not this is the right treatment option for you, what the risks are, and if there are other options available to you that might be just as effective without the high risks. Some of the risks include risks of breast cancer, heart disease, stroke, and blood clots. On the other hand there were fewer hip fractures and instances of colon cancer among HRT patients so there are some benefits as well.

Eclectic sampling of findings

1)Women over the age of 65 using estrogen and progestin had double risks of developing dementia as well as a negative impact on cognitive function.

2)Women aged 50-79 experienced no significant change in vitality, mental health, general health, or sexual satisfaction as the result of using estrogen plus progestin.

3)The use of estrogen alone presents even less clear and conclusive results. As a result of the lack of clarity, studies and trials are ongoing.

4)There are indications that hormone replacement therapy increases not only the risk of cancer of the lining of the uterus but also endometrial cancer, and bleeding of the uterine. These side effects lead to the more frequent biopsies and ultrasounds for women who underwent HRT than those using placebos.

5)Increased risk of breast cancer.

6)HRT is a very effective treatment for the short-term symptoms of menopause.

7)Gal bladder disease and strokes are also more common among patients receiving HRT type treatment.

Ultimately, the choice of whether or not the short-term benefits are worth the long-term risks associated with HRT is yours. Regardless of what you decide, it is always a good idea to run your thoughts and concerns by your doctor and listen to the advice and caution he provides.

About the author:
Rob Buenaventura is a successful webmaster and publisher of MenopauseTime. He provides a website on menopause symptoms and related questions on menopause heath. For additional information on menopause hormone replacement therapy and how it can reduce uncomfortable symptoms, check out MenopauseTime.com

By Rob Buenaventura
Published: 11/22/2006

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Years ago, hormone replacement therapy was a popular way to control menopause symptoms. Today, that is no longer the case. Find out why?

It wasn’t until 2002 that the true health risks of hormone replacement therapy were discovered and communicated openly. Up until that time, doctors routinely prescribed HRT to women who were experiencing any sort of menopause symptoms. The most common symptoms where HRT was used were for severe hot flashes and vaginal discomfort. Hot flashes for some women can be extreme where visible sweating occurs while the body attempts to cool it self off. Hot flashes tend to be most severe during the late evening and early in the morning. There are often accompanied by night sweats.

Before women agree to hormone replacement therapy, they need to be fully aware of the health risks associated with this treatment. The combination of estrogen and progestin, a popular HRT, can result in heart disease, blood clots, strokes, breast cancer and dementia. In fact, if you are a breast cancer survivor, any sort of hormone replacement therapy is discouraged strongly even if you suffer from severe menopause symptoms.

HRT is effective at reducing the severity of menopause symptoms as well as decreasing the risk of hip fractures from osteoporosis and colorectal cancer. If you opt to participate in HRT treatment, it is recommended that you go for the smallest dosage possible for the shortest length of time to reduce your risk of the above side effects.

If you don’t want to participate in hormone replacement therapy while going through menopause, there are some things that you can do to help alleviate some of the symptoms. First, change your diet and eliminate any processed foods. Eat lots of fresh fruits and vegetables. Hot flashes can be brought on by hot, spicy food so limiting these can definitely help.

Limiting alcohol and caffeine will also help you sleep better and reduce hot flashes, insomnia, anxiety and mood swings. If you smoke, it may be time to consider stopping for a number of health reasons. Make sure to get plenty of rest and finally, exercise you be the most important thing you can do to help reduce or eliminate symptoms. Walking is great, so are running, golfing, swimming, biking, hiking and weight lifting. The more active you are, the easier it will be getting through menopause.

There are a number of menopause herbal supplements on the market that make big claims. Before taking anything, it is recommended you speak to your doctor to ensure they are right for you and won’t cause other side effects.

By Amy Strutt

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Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT) is administration of external hormones for treatment of menopausal symptoms in women. Let’s look into the details of HRT.

Menopausal disorders form an important part of diseases associated with women’s health. Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT) refers to the therapeutic use of exogenous hormones in order to substitute those hormones that the body fails to produce naturally. Generally, HRT is used to treat menopausal symptoms in women, resulting from abnormal production of sex hormones. HRT is also called menopausal hormone therapy or estrogen replacement therapy.

Hormone Replacement Therapy

Menopause (ending of menstrual cycle) marks the process of aging in a woman’s life. Usually, natural menopause happens between ages of 45 to 54. In fact, estrogen and progesterone are the two main sex hormones produced by ovaries, which regulate menstruation. About 3-5 years before menopause (perimenopause), the functions of the ovaries deteriorate, resulting in the abnormal production of sex hormones. Hormone levels go up and down, thus disturbing the normal menstrual cycle. Lack of estrogen also increases the risk of osteoporosis and heart diseases. Overall, there are many problems observed at the time of menopause.

Some of the symptoms of menopause are irregular menstruation, hot flashes (feeling of intense heat with rapid heartbeat and sweating), vaginal dryness, fat redistribution and sometimes, depression and lack of concentration. Symptoms can be mild or severe and may last for several months to even years. These symptoms can be treated with HRT in which a group of medications is prescribed for supplementing hormone levels so as to restore the hormonal functions of the body. Other benefits of HRT include preventing osteoporosis, maintaining skin thickness and reducing wrinkles.

In hormone replacement therapy, estrogen and progesterone hormones are used. Progestins are synthetic progesterone that can be used instead of progesterone. For women who have had a hysterectomy (removal of uterus), only estrogen is prescribed and is referred to as unopposed estrogen therapy. In case of women who have not undergone hysterectomy, estrogen in combination with progesterone is prescribed.

Dosage of the hormones can be taken in two ways – sequentially combined and continuous combined. In sequentially combined, estrogen is taken everyday and progestins are taken 10-14 days for every month or two, whereas both hormones are taken daily without any breaks in case of continuous schedule. Hormones can be taken in many ways depending upon the specific purpose of using. Some of the common ways of delivering hormone are tablets, gels, creams (progesterone cream) and vaginal rings. They can also be given via skin patches or intrauterine devices (IUDs) and sometimes through injections.

Hormone Replacement Therapy: Risks

Studies conducted in 2002 have found out that HRT is associated with certain risks, such as breast cancer, ovarian cancer, vaginal bleeding, liver diseases, stroke and heart attack depending upon lifestyle and medical history of the woman. Other common side effects of HRT include weight gain, breast enlargement, mood swings, skin irritation, nausea and headaches.

It is observed that hormone replacement therapy usually relieves from natural menopausal symptoms for about one to two years. For those women with oophorectomy (surgical removal of ovaries) or premature ovarian failure, HRT can be followed until the age that normal menopause is likely to happen.

One should be aware about the benefits and the risks associated with hormone replacement therapy. It is advisable to consult and seek advice from a physician before actually taking HRT. It is recommended to take lower doses of HRT for a minimum period, since it has been suggested that the risks of HRT outweigh its benefits in some women.

By Ningthoujam Sandhyarani

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HRT is not always recommended after a hysterectomy, though it is important in some cases. Find out more about the role it plays here.

HRT, or Hormone Replacement Therapy, is a form of treatment that is designed to replace estrogen hormones in women. It comes in the form of a pill, patch, spray, gel, or implant.

This type of treatment is administered in order to try and combat menopausal symptoms, which can include mood swings, hot flushes, excessive sweating, urinal and vaginal problems, vaginal bleeding, emotional problems, and a variety of other changes or symptoms. Most women will reach menopause between the ages of forty five and fifty five.

Taking HRT after a hysterectomy

Although for most women the menopause comes about naturally in their forties or fifties, having a hysterectomy performed whilst still at a pre-menopause age can actually bring about the menopause. This is known as a surgical menopause.

Not all women will experience menopause as a result of a hysterectomy. But if both ovaries are removed, or the ovaries fail after the operation, then HRT is recommended. The ovaries produce the hormones estrogen, progesterone, and in small amounts, testosterone. Losing the ovaries, or the functioning of the ovaries, will disrupt a woman’s hormonal system before her body has had time to adjust.

Taking HRT after a hysterectomy is one option for those that have had both ovaries removed, although it is not necessary if the ovaries are present and functioning. The sudden onset of menopausal symptoms following a hysterectomy can be very distressing and difficult to cope with. Therefore, many women do seek treatment in the form of hormone replacement therapy.

For those experiencing surgical menopause the symptoms can seem more severe than those dealt with by women going through a natural menopause. Seeking appropriate treatment is important in order to try and relieve some of these problems. These symptoms are unlikely to go away for some time, so it’s important to speak to your doctor about taking HRT, or to discuss an alternative if you prefer.

In the event that you do take HRT after menopause, you will usually be prescribed an estrogen-only replacement therapy. The regular combination HRT, which includes the progestogen component, is normally prescribed to reduce the risk of thickening of the uterus. This will not be an issue for those whot have had a hysterectomy, as they will no longer have their uterus.

There are other steps that you can take to try and ease menopausal symptoms following a hysterectomy. These can be pursued alongside HRT or as an alternative if you don’t want to take synthetic hormones. These steps include eating a balanced diet which has plenty of calcium and phytoestrogens, taking regular exercise, (although you should obviously avoid strenuous activity until the healing process has been completed), and trying herbal and natural treatments where appropriate.

By Rebecca Prescott Published: 5/1/2007

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Beware of falling into the trap of thinking that any hormone made from plants is really natural hormone replacement therapy. What really distinguishes natural HRT is whether a hormone is bioidentical or not. Learn more here.

Natural hormone replacement therapy uses what are called bioidentical hormones. These natural hormones may or may not be made from plants. They could be made in a lab from a plant extract, or they could be made from other chemicals. The reason they are called natural hormones is because they are identical to the hormones that are in your own body. This means when they are metabolized, the breakdown products are also similar to what your body knows from metabolizing its own hormones.

It can be confusing looking at the source of a supplemental hormone. This is because synthetic hormones can actually be made from ‘natural’ substances. A good example of this is Premarin, which is made from the urine of pregnant mares. This may seem like it makes it a good candidate to be considered natural. However, Premarin, and other synthetic hormones, are structurally quite different to our own hormones. This is true of their breakdown products as well.

Because the breakdown products are also structurally different, synthetic hormones expose women to foreign chemicals that can cause side effects and potentially other harm over a period of time. Some synthetic hormones are even made from plants. So don’t assume a plant derived hormone is ‘natural’ (and hence safe), unless it is also a bioidentical hormone.

Bioidentical natural hormones include:

Estrogen:

* dermestril septem
* elleste-solo MX40 & MX80
* estraderm MX
* evorel
* femseven
* oestrogel
* aerodiol
* hormonin
* ovestin
* climaval elleste-solo progynova
* estring
* vagifem
* ovestin
* ortho-gynest

Progesterone:

* crinone
* cyclogest
* gestone

Natural hormone replacement therapy medication is available as pills, creams, gels, patches and sprays. They have much fewer side effects than synthetic HRT, although some women may not respond to them. In that case, synthetic hormones may be the best option.

Before taking any form of hormone replacement therapy, even a natural hormone, it is worth making dietary changes, and exploring the use of herbs and phytoestrogens. Vitamins may help as well.

There are three types of phytoestrogens – isoflavones, lignans, and coumestans. Isoflavones are relatively well known. They are found in soy products and things like chick peas, lentils, and red clover (a herb). Try eating more tofu, and drinking more soy milk. These are often supplemented with calcium as well. It’s better to consume isoflavone rich food rather than taking isoflavone supplements, as the protein in the food is needed to make the isoflavones active in the body. If you do decide to take an isoflavone supplement, make sure it has soy protein in it, or take it with a glass of soy milk.

Lignans can be found in flaxseed, as well as many fruits, vegetables, and cereals. Coumestans are found in alfalfa and bean sprouts.

References: Dr L E Corio and L G Kahn, The Change Before The Change

By Rebecca Prescott Published: 10/22/2006

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A man’s body produces less testosterone around the age of 40, it is the main male hormone after all. However, the testosterone therapy has its known risks and what’s more, it has unknown risks as there are no concluding long terms studies on the subject. See more and make your decision.

Restoring the testosterone levels at youth levels, is it the answer for aging men? The therapy with hormones seems a great solution; at least it looks so at first glance. However, even if the increase of muscle mass, the sharper memory and mental focus, the libido boost, and the improved energy level sound great, the possible side effects must be seriously taken into account. If you’re an aging man, this may sound like the ultimate anti-aging formula, but is it really so?

There is a debate regarding this subject and maybe it would not hurt to remember that women thought the hormone therapy was the perfect solution…until they realized that no one can predict the long time effects, even if it seemed to be of tremendous help in menopause. Research show now that there are serious risks involved.

Right, but let’s get back to men. Indeed, testosterone is the primary androgenic hormone responsible for normal growth and development of male sex organs and maintenance of secondary sex characteristics.

Dr. Todd Nippoldt, M.D. from Mayo Clinic Rochester said: "We just can’t predict all the potential harmful effects of taking hormones even though on the surface they may seem beneficial."

The classical Testosterone therapy has been administrated as treatment to men with low testosterone levels (hypogonadism) but lately healthy aging men have taken the hormone with the sole purpose to increase their testosterone levels assuming that the other benefits of youth so to speak, will follow.

Although this has a sound logic, there have not been extensive long term studies on this subject, therefore the testosterone therapy must be looked at taking into consideration that behind the mask of the evident positive effects, there can be hidden some serious possible risks.

Even if there in not enough research on this subject, the possible risks of testosterone therapy include prostate problems and infertility.

The only accurate way to determine if your testosterone level is lower then normal is to have it tested by your doctor within a blood test. There are some symptoms that show a possible low testosterone level but they can be misinterpreted if the tests are not performed, so it is recommended that you have your doctor tell you whether you need this kind of therapy or not.

Let’s see the changes that occur in the body due to testosterone deficiency:
1. Decrease in muscle mass and strength, with an increase in body fat.
2. Changes in cholesterol levels.
3. Decrease in hemoglobin and possibly mild anemia.
4. Fragile bones (osteoporosis).
5. Decrease in body hair.
6. Changes in cholesterol levels and lipid levels.
7. Decreased energy
8. Less sexual interest or potency
9. Depressed mood

If you’re experiencing these signs and symptoms, talk to your doctor. This way you can get the proper help and he/she can determine the cause of your symptoms and recommend the best treatment plan.

Let’s look now at the benefits of testosterone therapy as well as at the possible hidden risks involved.

Pros:
-restore sexual function
-prevent bone loss increasing bone mineral density
-protect against heart disease (atherosclerosis)
-improve muscle mass and strength
-thicken body hair and skin
-improve sexual desire
-boost energy
-decrease irritability and depression
-improve cognitive function

To increase the level of testosterone in older and healthy men is said to provide the same benefits – according to the opinions of some testosterone therapy enthusiasts. For these reasons this therapy seems ideal, however it doesn’t mean it doesn’t have any risks. I will enlist them below:

Cons:
– stimulate noncancerous (benign) growth of the prostate and cause or worsen urinary symptoms
– stimulate growth of prostate cancer that’s already present
– enlarge breasts (gynecomastia)
– stimulate growth of breast cancer that’s already present
– cause testicle shrinkage (testicular atrophy)
– limit sperm production (infertility)
– stimulate excess blood production (polycythemia that can lead to stroke)
– cause skin reactions
– cause fluid retention
– cause baldness
– cause or aggravate sleep apnea (brief, repeated cessation of breathing during sleep)
– cause acne

The debate continues and even if no significant scientific studies have been made, the number of testosterone therapy prescriptions appears to be growing, the popularity of testosterone therapy is uprising.

The question is the following: Is the gradually declining testosterone level a natural phenomenon, or is it a health problem? Therefore, should the doctors treat it, especially in the absence of scientific evidence?

Make sure you find out what’s known and not known about testosterone therapy before you start using it so that you can make the best decision for you and your long-term health.

By Claudia Miclaus

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Hormone replacement therapy often referred to, as HRT or Postmenopausal hormone use is the topic of this particular article. Here we will discuss the process and treatment option, dealing with symptoms, the effects, impact, and consequences of menopause, and taking estrogen either alone or in combination with progesterone.

Some of the common symptoms on menopause include: hot flashes, night sweats, vaginal dryness, and an inability to sleep. Estrogen is the generally recommended treatment for treatment of these symptoms. Taking this drug can help menopause sufferers achieve a much better quality of life while going through ‘the change’.

It is important however to remember that this is a natural process of aging and not a disease that simply must be treated. There are however, preventative therapies and products that help manage some of the more severe symptoms while protecting the body from the bone loss that sometimes occurs as a result of the lack of estrogen after menopause.

Quick facts about HRT and Menopause

The symptoms of menopause are actually the ‘coping mechanism’ that your body creates in order to deal with the hormonal and chemical changes taking place.

1)Estrogen use whether with or without progesterone serves to double the estrogen levels of menopausal women.

2)While hormone treatments are effective, they rarely return the levels to those of pre menopausal women. They are not designed to completely replace original hormone levels.

The hormone use is actually intended to ease the discomfort of some of the symptoms that are often associated with menopause such as vaginal dryness, hot flashes, night sweats, and the inability to sleep. These same hormones are also used to prevent certain medical conditions and diseases that are common for postmenopausal women. These diseases include: heart disease, osteoporosis, and some cancers.

There is a great deal of ongoing research concerning menopause, dealing effectively with the symptoms of menopause, HRT, and alternative therapies. These studies include clinical trials as well as in depth and wide ranging observational studies. Participants of these studies are sometimes given placebos instead of the hormones they think they are receiving and studied over time to see how they react to the hormones, if their symptoms subside, and to see if other diseases or conditions arise consistently. Typically there are no intervention only comparisons between those who take the hormones and those who do not.

Many of these studies concluded that the long-term health risks of HRT far outweighed the short-term benefits. If you are considering this type of treatment it is vitally important that you seriously discuss with your doctor whether or not this is the right treatment option for you, what the risks are, and if there are other options available to you that might be just as effective without the high risks. Some of the risks include risks of breast cancer, heart disease, stroke, and blood clots. On the other hand there were fewer hip fractures and instances of colon cancer among HRT patients so there are some benefits as well.

Eclectic sampling of findings

1)Women over the age of 65 using estrogen and progestin had double risks of developing dementia as well as a negative impact on cognitive function.

2)Women aged 50-79 experienced no significant change in vitality, mental health, general health, or sexual satisfaction as the result of using estrogen plus progestin.

3)The use of estrogen alone presents even less clear and conclusive results. As a result of the lack of clarity, studies and trials are ongoing.

4)There are indications that hormone replacement therapy increases not only the risk of cancer of the lining of the uterus but also endometrial cancer, and bleeding of the uterine. These side effects lead to the more frequent biopsies and ultrasounds for women who underwent HRT than those using placebos.

5)Increased risk of breast cancer.

6)HRT is a very effective treatment for the short-term symptoms of menopause.

7)Gal bladder disease and strokes are also more common among patients receiving HRT type treatment.

Ultimately, the choice of whether or not the short-term benefits are worth the long-term risks associated with HRT is yours. Regardless of what you decide, it is always a good idea to run your thoughts and concerns by your doctor and listen to the advice and caution he provides.

About the author:
Rob Buenaventura is a successful webmaster and publisher of MenopauseTime. He provides a website on menopause symptoms and related questions on menopause heath. For additional information on menopause hormone replacement therapy and how it can reduce uncomfortable symptoms, check out MenopauseTime.com

by Rob Buenaventura
Published: 11/22/2006

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Options for hormone replacement therapy include synthetic and bio-identical hormones, which can be administered in a variety of ways for both women and men.

Bio-identical or natural hormone replacement therapy is often simply referred to as BHRT. Hormone replacement is a widely used treatment modality and has the ability to effectively treat symptoms of menopause in women and a similar age related condition called andropause that occurs in men.

Bio-Identical hormones are biologically identical the hormones that our bodies naturally produce, thus are a great treatment option for those who have hormonal deficiencies or experience fluctuations in their hormone levels with age. BHRT can be tailored to meet most patient’s individual needs and can be administered via custom formulated creams, patches, pills, or through the placement of subcutaneous pellets.

Options for HRT
Gels or creams can be applied to various parts of the body, including the stomach, inner arms, and thighs. These types of hormones are painless and easy to use.

While gels, creams, and patches are an easy and painless option for those seeking HRT, they must be applied using a strict schedule, to avoid uncontrolled fluctuations in hormone levels. Pills also need to be taken on a precise schedule, often along with food.

Hormone pellets, placed just under the surface of the skin, offer patients a safe and effective way to maintain consistent hormone levels. This form of HRT uses the bodies cardiovascular system to help regulate the release of hormones in a stead stream, into the bloodstream. Some patients opt for treatment with pellet therapy because a single dose can last for up to 4 to 6 months. Patients using this form of HRT must be prepared to schedule a visit to their doctor for regular testing and for insertion of pellets as needed.

Men and women of all ages can benefit from treatment with naturally derived hormones. Those considering HRT should take the time necessary to learn about all their options, as well as meet with a specialist to better determine if HRT is appropriate for them.

HRT For Men
Andropause, often referred to as male menopause can very often be successfully treated with many different forms of hormone replacement therapy. Bio-identical hormones that are derived naturally are an ideal treatment for men who are experiencing the effects of andropause from age related declines in hormone levels, as natural hormones used in BHRT precisely match the hormones created by the body. The fact that bio-identical hormone preparations can be custom-tailored or "compounded" by special pharmacies, allow for treatment protocols to be specifically designed by doctors, to meet the needs of each individual patient, thus reducing the likelihood that those on a closely monitored treatment plan, will experience negative side effects while on HRT.

More traditional HRT using what are known as "synthetic" hormones are derived from animals or created in labs are indeed similar, but not biologically identical to the body’s natural hormones.

Right For You?
The best candidates for hormone replacement therapy or testosterone replacement therapy are those men who experience symptoms related to andropause, who are otherwise healthy, and have undergone a thorough physical exam prior to treatment.

Patients should expect that before being prescribed a course of HRT, doctors will require that diagnostic testing, including lab work be performed to determine what current hormone levels are. Even if a large hormonal deficiency exists, men with a previous history of certain types of cancer including prostate cancer are generally not deemed to be appropriate candidates for testosterone replacement therapy.

Those Individuals with liver, heart, or kidney disease, edema, which causes the swelling of the face, hands, feet, or legs, diabetes, or men with an enlarged prostate need to be screened and evaluated carefully by a trained HRT specialist to determine if they are suitable candidates for hormone replacement therapy.

By Andrew Dobbleu
Published: 5/11/2009

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Today, the number of women turning to herbs for menopause relief is staggering. With great concern about hormone replacement therapy in recent years, we now see women interested in avoiding chemicals and toxins, preferring a natural path.

Because there are so many women now seeking alternatives to traditional treatment for menopause, more investigation is being done to find new options in addition to those that have been used by naturalists for hundreds of years. If you are like so many women who want to find relief from night sweats, hot flashes, joint pain, insomnia, and depression the natural way, then we believe this article will expose you to some excellent options.

First, a great herb for menopause relief, especially when it comes to many of the annoying symptoms is called Dong Quai. In Chinese medicine, Dong Quai, the root of the angelica sinesis plant, helps with many menopausal symptoms. Interestingly, while many women will use this natural herb for menopause relief alone, in Chinese medicine, it is always used as a supportive herb. Regardless, many studies have been performed whereby women taking 1500 mgs of this herb three times a day had improvement in symptoms.

Another popular herb for menopause relief is red clover. Affordable and easy to find, this herb has been used in the United States for more than 100 years. Containing phytoestrogens, which are hormone-like substances, found in certain plants such as soy, red clover is wonderful for treatment of vaginal dryness and hot flashes. Typically, a woman would take between 40 and 60 mgs for about 12 weeks. The reason this is not a long-term treatment option is that red clover has been shown to stimulate cancer cells in the breast.

Next on the list of herbs for menopause relief is black cohosh. This herb is a member of the buttercup family and considered one of the most popular, natural treatment options for menopause. You can purchase black cohosh as a supplement from a health food store or in brand form such as Remifemin. When it comes to anxiety, depression, night sweats, and hot flashes, black cohosh works exceptionally well. Other herbs for menopause relief to consider include evening primrose oil, chaste tree berry, tribulus, St. John’s Wort, soy, and ginseng, which seem to ease symptoms overall.

In addition to herbs for menopause relief, you have many other options such as vitamin E. In recent years, a number of studies have been performed showing that vitamin E brings relief for miserable hot flashes. Wild yam is also an option, which can be found in many types of progesterone creams. For this, women experience fewer and less intense hot flashes, the number one complaint among menopausal women. With so much negative attention on hormone replacement therapy, you might consider herbs for menopause relief. In many cases, the natural approach is more successful in treating the body during the change of life than traditional drugs.

by: Dawn Olsen

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