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Bio Identical Hormones
We explain what these are and how they can be helpful.
The interest in a more natural approach to hormone therapy has focused attention on bio identical hormones - hormones that are identical in molecular structure to the hormones women make in their bodies. They're not found in this form in nature but are made, or synthesized, from a plant chemical extracted from yams and soy. Bio identical estrogens are 17 beta-estradiol , estrone, and estriol. Bio identical progesterone is simply progesterone. It's micronized (finely ground) in the laboratory for better absorption in the body.
Bio identical hormone therapy is often called "natural hormone therapy" because bio identical hormones act in the body just like the hormones we produce. Technically, the body can't distinguish bio identical hormones from the ones your ovaries produce.
How do I find bio identical hormones?
Bio identical estrogens and micronized progesterone are made into a range of products, many of which are FDA-approved. Commercially available bio identical estradiol comes in several forms, including pill, patch, cream, and various vaginal preparations. In New Zealand these products are available with a doctor's prescription and are compounded for an individual by laboratories in Auckland.
Oestrogen
- Protects against Osteoporosis, Heart Disease, Alzheimer's, Colon Cancer, Incontinence, and tooth loss and decay.
- Increases the level of serotonin and endorphins, as well as other neurotransmitters thereby reducing Depression
- Enhances sleep, emotional well-being, mental acuity and focus, memory, attention span, communication ability, sensory function (vision, hearing taste, touch and smell), digestion, libido and skin tone
- Relieves menopausal symptoms, particularly hot flushes and vaginal dryness and atrophy
- Improves sex drive and ability to orgasm
- Reduces aches and pains and the symptoms of fibromyalgia
- May improve cholesterol levels
- Reduces loss of bone density
- Increases tolerance to pain
- Necessary for fertility.
Progesterone
- Has a calming effect
- Regulates fluid balance
- Reduction in mood disorders such as anxiety and depression
- Relieves Endometriosis and Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome
- Increases energy and libido
- Balances blood sugar, thyroid function and mineral balance
- Necessary for fertility and maintaining pregnancy
- Relieves menopausal symptoms
- Reduction in hair loss
- Helps to overcome many of the PMS symptoms
- Decreases risk of Endometrial Cancer and may help protect against Breast Cancer, Fibrocystic breast, and Osteoporosis
- Is effective in treating migraines.
Testosterone
- Builds muscle and promotes muscle tone
- Improves mood and reduces depression
- Increases energy and physical strength
- Restores libido and the ability to orgasm
- Enhances sense of well-being
- Helps strengthen bone
- Helps restore vaginal tissue plumpness
- Reduces the risk of age related diseases eg. Heart Disease, Osteoporosis, Diabetes.
DHEA
- Is touted as the hormone of youth, peaks at approx 25 years and declines at 2% per annum
- Precursor to Testosterone so may enhance libido etc
- May increase and enhance energy levels and well-being
- May reduce the risk of age related diseases eg. heart disease, osteoporosis, diabetes, cancer, Alzheimer's , Lupus and Rheumatoid Arthritis
- May increase life expectancy
- May reduce aches and pains of Fibromyalgia and inflammatory conditions
- May be useful in cases of Adrenal Gland Exhaustion and Chronic Fatigue Syndrome
- May protect against the effects of stress
- May increase bone density
- May aid weight loss and healing of burns
- May relieve dry skin and dry eyes
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