Women's HRT FAQs

What is Menopause?

It is simply the ceasing of menstruation. This is the time in a female's life when her monthly menstruation stops and she is not fertile any more (cannot become pregnant).

What does BHRT do?

Treats the symptoms of menopause, perimenopause and postmenopause.

How are BHRT treatments created?

If bioidentical hormones are purchased at a compounding pharmacy, a cocktail of hormones is created, uniquely tailored for each individual patient. If they're purchased at a conventional pharmacy, these hormones are available in a range of set doses. In both instances, the prescriptions are based on a series of tests administered by a doctor. Many of the bioidentical hormones used are made from soybeans and wild yams, which contain unique compounds that are processed chemically and made into identical replicas of hormones the body produces. They are used for their cost-effectiveness as well as their ability to readily extract compounds and turn them into exact replicas of human hormones.

How is BHRT taken?

Bioidentical hormones are applied via a cream, a suppository, taken orally or are injected.

Why do people say Hormones Treatment causes cancer?

This fear stems from the results of the 1991 long-term study on the safety and efficacy of hormone therapy, known as the Women’s Health Initiative (WHI). The study tested synthetic, or traditional, hormone therapy on postmenopausal women. One branch of the study, which compared the effects of estrogen-only therapy with estrogen-progestin therapy, had to be halted early in 2002 due to adverse health conditions that developed among many of the subjects.

The subjects of the study were limited to postmenopausal women, with a combined average age of 68 years old. These two factors are significant - most of the women studied had been in a state of hormonal decline or complete loss of hormones for fifteen years or more, putting them at-risk for the development of diseases that estrogen, progesterone and testosterone might have prevented if administered earlier in their lifespan.

Traditional/Non-bioidentical vs. Bioidentical Hormones:

The WHI study used traditional/non-bioidentical hormones, not bioidentical hormones for therapies administered to these subjects. Unlike bioidentical hormones, non-bioidentical hormones are not designed to mimic the natural structure of human endogenous hormones. Instead, non-bioidentical hormones bind tightly to the specified cell receptors and initiate prolonged stimulation. This action inhibits the natural metabolic process designed for hormones metabolism and contributes to the body’s inability to wean the traditional hormones from your system.The WHI study used traditional/non-bioidentical hormones, not bioidentical hormones for therapies administered to these subjects. Unlike bioidentical hormones, non-bioidentical hormones are not designed to mimic the natural structure of human endogenous hormones. Instead, non-bioidentical hormones bind tightly to the specified cell receptors and initiate prolonged stimulation. This action inhibits the natural metabolic process designed for hormones metabolism and contributes to the body’s inability to wean the traditional hormones from your system.

The difference between bioidentical hormones and traditional hormones is deeply layered. Unlike bioidentical hormones, traditional hormones may be patented by pharmaceutical companies, therefore dosages vary from person to person by mere milligrams dictated by your doctor, while bioidentical hormones are prescribed precisely to meet your individual needs. Although traditional hormones can mimic the effects of hormones on certain biological pathways, they rarely offer the same effectiveness at a deeper, molecular level as your natural hormones. Bioidentical hormones, however, mimic the affinity human endogenous hormones have – performing effectively within each biological, at all levels.

What is Estrogen?

Estrogen is notoriously the female hormone. For women, it is linked to many, functions that impact beauty and function. Low estrogen often causes diminished sex drive because the vaginal walls become thinner and drier when this hormone is lacking - making intercourse painful. Orgasms may also become more difficult to achieve and less intense. Reduced estrogen causes a reduction in collagen - which is responsible for building skin and connective tissue - leading to thinner, drier and wrinkled skin.

What is Progesterone?

Progesterone has a host of functions inside the female body, regulating a symphony of other hormones: estrogen, testosterone, cortisol – without it or with low levels, wellness is undoubtedly threatened. Progesterone serves a function in the central nervous system, producing calming effects and impacting memory and cognitive ability. Progesterone also works in conjunction with estrogen to help regulate the action of the cells that form new bone and downplays the effects of mineral corticosteroids, such as cortisol. This effect makes it pivotal in reducing water-retention and bloating. Bioidentical progesterone performs these same functions, while progestin (the traditional form) exclusively regulates the menstrual cycle and exacerbates side effects of having an imbalance of progesterone.

Why would you test Testosterone levels in women?

Believe it or not, women need testosterone too – generally in lower quantities than men, but it is necessary. In women, testosterone plays a role in sex drive, building and sustaining lean muscle mass and managing mood swings. Some women experience greater declines in this hormone than others.

Does BHRT cause Breast Cancer?

Breast cancer is among the biggest concerns of women when considering whether or not to pursue hormone therapy. The WHI study observed an increase in breast cancer in women who were on non-bioidentical estrogen combined with progestin (non-bioidentical progesterone.)

In 2005, the International Journal of Cancer published the results of a study out of France that tested the risk of breast cancer using various types of hormone therapy. The study concluded that women experienced a decreased risk of breast cancer when using estrogen-only hormone replacement therapy, regardless of type – traditional or bioidentical. Researchers observed significant increases in breast cancer incidence among women who used estrogen hormone therapy combined with non-bioidentical progesterone versus little to no incidence of the disease among women who used estrogen therapy combined with natural (bioidentical) progesterone.

Is Bio-identical Hormone better than synthetic?

Yes. Bio-identical Hormone Therapy is safer, better tolerated, fewer or no complications as with synthetic.

What does Estrogen deficiency cause?

Estrogen Deficiency causes Urogenital atrophy, Incontinence, Sagging skin and breast, Increased skin wrinkles on face, Fatigue, Depression, Mood swings, Decreased libido.

What are the advantages of bio-identical HRT with estrogen?

Few or no side effects, Decreased risk of breast cancer, Improved compliance, Synergistic cardiovascular protection, Synergistic osteoporosis protection.

What group of women needs Progesterone replacement?

All women need progesterone, uterus or not.

What are the Benefits of Progesterone?

Reduces symptoms of PMS and menopause, Protects against breast cancer, uterine cancer, osteoporosis, heart disease, fibroids. Progesterone is synergic to estrogen’s effect on bone & lipids. Improves Libido, sleep and Headaches.

What are the other hormone replacement treatments available at Glory Wellness Center?

Our natural bio-identical hormone replacement treatment program also include treatment with hormones or supplements like – Thyroid hormone, Testosterone, Growth Hormone Secretagogues, DHEA, Pregnenolone, Melatonin. We also evaluate patients for adrenal dysfunction – stress, fatigue; infertility that may be related hormone imbalance; et cetera.

Are your physicians trained in hormone replacement?

“Too many untrained physicians simply prescribe hormone therapies without the knowledge or testing necessary to ensure that they are balancing their patient hormones not just replacing them. There is a distinct difference in that by under/overcorrecting hormones it may result in a negative feedback mechanism that may cause other health symptoms, health risks or simply not work for the patient.”

Dr. David Ikudayisi is the medical director of Glory Wellness Center and has trained under more than one Association with other thousands of physicians in Bio-Identical Hormone Replacement Therapy. He is also a member of the American Academy of Anti-Aging Medicine (www.a4m.com).