Dr. Mike’s Healthy Lifestyle Advice: Bio-Identical Therapy
Filed Under: Health & Wellness
Natural hormones are commonly becoming more preferred than Synthetic hormones across the globe. Also known as Bio-identical hormones or human identical hormones, natural hormones are derived from plants, such as the wild yam or soybean plant, and are chemically and functionally identical to human hormones. The wild yam is rich in precursor molecules that can be converted in the laboratory into estrogens and other hormones whose molecular structure is the same as those produced in the human body. The key in distinguishing what is “natural,” is not where the hormone originated, but whether it’s chemical make-up matches the one it is intended to replace.
Biologically identical hormones are believed to produce the same physiologic responses in the body as endogenous hormones (those made by the body).
Substances that are most similar to what our body produces naturally are thought to support human functioning without increased risk of allergic reactions and sensitivities. For example, studies have shown human-identical insulin to be more effective for diabetic patients. Moreover, an often over-looked aspect of biologically identical HRT is that it may vastly improve the quality of life for women suffering from a wide range of physical, mental, and emotional symptoms.
Although there have been a number of smaller studies on biologically identical hormones, there have been no large-scale efforts similar to the WHI research.
In the late 1800’s, laws were passed in the United States that allowed medicines to be patented only if they were not natural substances. Because biologically identical hormones occur naturally in the female body, they cannot be patented and therefore large pharmaceutical companies have no financial incentive to fund research on these types of hormones. Even the WHI authors acknowledged that results might have been different if biologically identical hormones had been used: “The results do not necessarily apply… to estrogens and progestins administered through the trans-dermal route. It remains possible that trans-dermal estradiol with progesterone, which more closely mimics the normal physiology and metabolism of endogenous sex hormones, may provide a different risk-benefit profile.”
Today’s women prefer natural hormones. In a survey of a nationally representative sample of 1009 women age 40 and older, 83% said they would prefer to use hormones that are similar to their own body’s hormones. Bio-identical hormones include estrone (El), estradiol (E2), estriol (E3), progesterone, testosterone, dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA), and Pregnenolone.
To summarize,
SYNTHETIC = SUBSTITUTION
BIO-IDENTICAL = REPLACEMENT
Synthetic hormones are not found in humans, and are not identical in structure or function to the bio-identical hormones they are intended to replace.
Biologically identical hormones can be prepared by a compounding pharmacy in dosages and various administration forms to suit one’s individual needs.
What are the benefits of BHRT?
1. Fewer side effects versus synthetic derivatives.
2. Protection against heart disease.
3. Reduced risk of breast cancer.
4. Improved cholesterol and lipid profile.
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What are the major Goals of BHRT?
1. Alleviate the symptoms caused by the natural decrease in production of hormones by the body.
2. Give the protective benefits, which were originally provided by our naturally occurring hormones.
3. Re-establish a hormonal balance.
How does hormonal balance relate to weight loss?
Well, many women gain weight prior to or during menopause, after a partial or complete hysterectomy or any other condition affecting hormones.
Even when these women (or men) eat semi-healthy, and exercise….the body will not respond and weight loss does NOT occur! Why? The body is not in balance and is therefore unable to respond; or unable to heal itself!
It is advised to balance one’s hormones naturally FIRST, and then incorporate a sensible weight loss program! Does that make sense? Sure, especially knowing that most weight loss candidates are women in their pre-menopause or menopause.
To learn more about BHRT, read Suzanne Somers’ books: The Sexy Years (2004) & Ageless (2006).
If you are a physician or healthcare professional, visit www.eliteambt.com. You can learn more about BHRT and get certified in the application of BHRT.
If you are a women or a men on prescription hormones, I highly recommend you switch to bio-identical hormones. Your physician most likely will disagree with these recommendations, and this is why: he/she is NOT trained in bio-identical hormones and therefore can NOT recommend them; he/she is NOT trained in health, but only in disease; he/she is bombarded on a daily basis with prescription drug information from the medical representatives of drug companies. Regardless, YOU need to take control of your health. How? Read my first book!
Yours in Optimal Health,
Dr. Mike.
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Great article,, I am going to now get off of my HRT pills and look in to bio-identical hormones. I just bought the Sexy Years. Thanks again Dr Mike.
Comment by Diana — December 13, 2009 @ 5:31 pm
I am currently on bioidentical hormones, which are all natural medications. Since being on them I have been sleeping better, hot flashes are gone, and have lost all the extra weight that I have put on.
Comment by Olivia — December 16, 2009 @ 9:54 pm
[...] Bio-Identical Hormones – A Match Made in Heaven? [...]
Pingback by When to Say NO to Your Doctor? | Dr Mike's Wellness Revolution | Join The Wellness Program! — January 4, 2010 @ 5:52 pm
[...] Bio-Identical Hormones – A Match Made in Heaven? [...]
Pingback by What is This ACTION PLAN Going to Cost me? | Dr Mike's Wellness Revolution | Join The Wellness Program! — January 4, 2010 @ 5:58 pm
It’s disheartening to know that FDA will not patent medicines if they were not natural substance even if research shows that it is a healthy alternative to synthetic medicine. Bioidentical hormones showed positive results to women who tried taking it and it will help millions more if this were approved by FDA.
Comment by Lance Chambers — January 7, 2010 @ 9:15 pm