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When to use Bioidentical Hormone Replacement Therapy
October 23, 2009 by Deb
Filed under Estrogen Dominance Treatment
If your menopause or post-menopause symptoms are not subsiding, you may be considering hormone replacement therapy. Hormone replacement therapy, estrogen replacement therapy, and bioidentical hormone replacement therapy (BHRT) are the three primary forms of medical treatment utilized today to address the ongoing symptoms of menopause.
For women interested in natural, plant based hormone treatments, BHRT is worth consideration, but you should use extra caution when approaching these therapies if you are at risk for developing estrogen dominance.. Like any medical treatment, there are advantages and risks associated.
Advantages of BHRT
- Because this therapy treatment option is derived from plants, it is thought to be more similar to the hormones naturally generated by a woman’s body, otherwise referred to as bio-identical.
- Relief of hot flashes, vaginal dryness, reduction in night sweats and a reduction in the prevalence of dry, itchy skin.
- Reduction in a woman’s risk of developing osteoporosis and brittle bones.
- Mood improvement and increased sense of mental well-being.
Disadvantages of BHRT
Some of the known health risks associated with taking BHRT include:
- Increased risk of developing endometrial cancer for women who have not undergone a hysterectomy.
- Increased prevalence of blood clots and stroke.
- Potentially at greater risk for developing heart disease according to The Journal of Women’s Health issue in January 2006 for menopausal women.
- Known side effects such as irregular vaginal bleeding, increased breast tenderness, and monthly bleeding similar to a monthly period.
- Women who use BHRT while their bodies are still making even a low amount of estrogen can increase their estrogen levels to a point where they begin to suffer from the symptoms of estrogen dominance.
These health risks do not apply to all women undergoing bioidentical hormone replacement therapy but studies have shown that a relatively high percentage of women have experienced these side effects. It is very important to note, however, that the odds of these side effects of BHRT developing can be reduced or eliminated by having a woman’s dosage modified by her health care practitioner. The closer the dosage is to what would normally be found in a woman’s tissues the more effective the treatment.
Despite some negative side effects and risks, many women find tremendous benefit when undergoing this form of treatment for the management of their menopausal symptoms. The risks associated with using bioidentical hormone replacement therapy are far outweighed by the risks associated with estrogen therapies that are commercially synthesized.
When Should Women Use BHRT?
Prolonged, low estrogen levels can cause some women to experience increased bone loss which can increase the risk of developing osteoporosis, a reduction in the collagen found within our body’s skin making sexual activity uncomfortable and causing a greater prevalence of urinary tract conditions as well as a greater risk of developing tooth and gum disease.
For women who are experiencing these symptoms without relief, bio-identical hormone replacement therapy may be an option worth evaluating, as most women will experience short term relief of their menopause symptoms as a result of this therapy. BHRT is growing to be a welcome option for women who are at risk for developing estrogen dominance as the odds of their estrogen levels rising are lower with a natural, plant-based therapy than they are with traditional hormone therapies. Make sure you discuss bioidentical hormone replacement therapy with your doctor to assess whether or not this type of therapy is right for you.
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