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Article from www.sensible-alternative.com.au Natural Hormone Replacement Therapy
Can Natural HRT help me?Natural HRT using Bio-identical hormones has helped millions of women world-wide, but it is not the answer for everyone. The best way to determine whether Natural HRT will be appropriate is to consult one of our practitioners at Sensible-Alternative Hormone Clinic. What are Bio-identical hormones?Bio-identical hormones are supplemental hormones that are exactly identical to hormones found in the human body. It is different than cnventional HRT which, in order to be patented, was synthesized to be different from, and stronger than, human hormones. The way that conventional HRT differs molecularly from human hormones is the source of its side effects and cancer risk. Where are they available?Bio-identical hormones are available by prescription from compounding chemists. Any doctor can prescribe, but many doctors are not familiar with how the prescription should be written. At Sensible-Alternative, we act as an advocate between you and your GP. We provide your GP with information about natural hormones, as well as a detailed assessment of your requirements, and a suggested prescription. For the majority of GPs, this is a simple and effective process. If your GP is not cooperative, we can organise a script for you with another doctor. What does "bio-identical" mean?This is a term first used by Dr. Christiane Northrup. It means identical to biology, and is used to distinguish human hormones from hormone-like drugs. They can also be called 'nature-identical'. Are they effective?Yes, when they are used properly, nature-identical hormones definitely work. They are real hormones. Are they safe?There have been numerous studies documenting the safety of bioidentical hormones, particularly progesterone. For example, a 2005 French study published in the International Journal of Cancer found that, unlike the progestins used in conventional HRT, natural progesterone does NOT cause breast cancer. (Fournier, A et al. Breast cancer risk in relation to different types of hormone replacement therapy in the E3N-EPIC cohert. Int. J. Cancer 2005: 114: 448-454) The safety issue that receives criticism from the conventional medical community is the fact that some bio-identical hormone formulas contain oestradiol (a strong oestrogen), and that in those cases, the formula's natural progesterone may not be strong enough to protect against uterine cancer. This issue was picked up by the Austrialian media in August 2007. As it turns out, there have been medical studies showing that natural progesterone may protect the uterus. The safest approach, however, is to use bio-identical formulas that do not contain oestradiol (bi-est or tri-est), in which case there is no risk to the uterus. Please see Lara's Sept 2007 newsletter for more information about this controversy. Contact Sensible-Alternative for more references. The SAFETY problem with some Natural Hormone prescriptionsIf you obtain a script for bioidentical hormones from another doctor, be careful. At the right dose, natural hormones are a fantastic treatment for PCOS, endometriosis, fibroids, PMS, depression and menopause. At the wrong dose, they will not work for you. There are three main problems with the way that natural hormones are typically prescribed in Australia.
At Sensible-Alternative, we recommend "minimal dose" hormone prescriptions, and almost always in a cream form. We try to use non-oestradil formulas. There are some cases when troche or capsule are more appropriate. What is natural progesterone cream?Progesterone is the most popular and well-known bio-identical hormone. It is used to treat many hormonal problems including PMT, painful breasts, infertility, osteoporosis, and peri-menopause. The safety of natural progesterone itself is NOT in question. In fact, studies have shown that it protects against breast cancer:
In parts of Europe, 'micronised progesterone' (natural progesterone) has become standard care in gynaecology. (The artificial progestins used in oral contraceptive and conventional HRT in Australia are NOT progesterone.) Even though the safety and effectiveness of progesterone has been established, the minimal dose necessary for relief of symptoms should be used. Founders of progesterone therapy like Dr John Lee used only 10-20 mg of progesterone per day. This is about what the ovaries would make under normal circumstances. Holistic doctors have been recommending up to 10x this amount. As a patient, if you are using more than ½ gram of a 3% cream, or more than 0.5 of a 70mg troche, you need to reconsider what you are doing. Are there natural estrogens?Yes. Bio-identical estriol, estrone and estradiol are available from compounding chemists and in some conventional HRT. Except for estriol which is very mild, even bio-identical estrogens have some cancer promoting effects if they are not balanced by progesterone. (This is the source of the controversy discussed above.) Why doesn't my doctor know about natural hormones?Although bio-identical hormones have been available for decades, very few doctors know about them. Alternatively, they may know about them, but have dismissed them because they are not well researched. Bio-identical hormones are non-proprietary and unpatentable. For this reason they have been of little financial interest to pharmaceutical research, and have not been promoted to doctors. Where can I buy natural hormones?Individualised natural hormone prescriptions are available from compounding chemists. A script is required. How long do I have to take them?It depends on why you're taking them. PMS symptoms due to progesterone deficiency can be corrected with just a few months of treatment. Menopausal symptoms may require treatment for approximately one year. Long-term use may be used for prevention of osteoporosis. Will I have to stop my medication?No. You may choose to obtain a prescription for bio-identical hormones to replace the hormone replacement that you are using now. Most other medications are safe in combination with natural medicines. Please bring a list of your medication to your appointment, so that Lara or Suzie can advise you of any interactions of which you need to be aware. Will they interact with my supplements or herbal medicines?No. As your health improves with natural remedies, you may need to decrease the dose of the hormones. This can be easily determined by symptom evaluation and saliva testing. What are Phyto-estrogens?Phyto-estrogens are plant hormones, and although they are different from human hormones, they are gentle, with an adaptogenic effect. They stimulate estrogen sensitive tissue if estrogen is low, and protect it when estrogen is too high. Is Wild Yam Cream the same as Natural Progesterone Cream?No. Wild yam cream contains phyto-estrogens, and it may increase the body's production of progesterone, but it, in itself is not a hormone or a precursor to a hormone. Natural progesterone cream is a bio-identical hormone. What are Natural HRT formulas available in health food stores?They are combinations of nutrients and herbs containing phyto-estrogens. Phyto-estrogens are effective for menopause and hormonal imbalance. They are part of the treatment plan at Sensible-Alternative, but they are not hormones. See Issue 2 of Sensible News for more information on phyto-estrogens. Appointments at Sensible-AlternativeFor professional advice regarding natural HRT, please call to make an appointment... Sensible-Alternative Hormone Clinic Return to Main Menu |
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