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Loading ...Synthetic Hormones
Synthetic hormones are all organically foreign to the body and are derived from different organisms. Particularly, estrogen used in hormone replacement therapy is derived from the urine of a pregnant mare. As estrogen is synthetically derived from horses, there are certain chemical differences between human and horse estrogen. These hormones are then processed and manufactured within a laboratory setting. Insulin was initially synthetically produced from pork and beef, but has been replaced with recombinant human insulin.
Bio-Identical Hormones
Natural hormones are bio-identical. However, bio-identical hormones can be produced in a lab through mixtures of formulas that produce chemicals identical to those naturally produced by the body. Currently, it is more common for bio-identical hormones to be used for hormone replacement therapy; however, there are no studies showing that bio-identical hormones are any safer than synthetic hormones.
Hormone Replacement Therapy
Hormone replacement therapy (HRT) was commonly utilized for the treatment of menopausal symptoms; however it is being used less due to the increased risk factors for the development of specific conditions. Hormone replacement therapy uses synthetic hormones, estrogen and progestin. Estrogen and progestin are naturally produced by the body, however, during menopause these hormones decrease drastically, leading to the signs and symptoms of menopause, including hot flashes, mood swings, vaginal dryness, improved sexual desire, and sleeping disorders. Hormone replacement therapy is available in many forms, including patches, pills, and vaginal creams.
Hormone Replacement Therapy Risks
Hormone replacement therapy has been shown to increase overall risk of the development of certain conditions, including stroke, venous thrombosis (lower leg blood clot), dementia, heart disease, and breast cancer. However, these risks are accompanied with the overall benefits of hormone replacement therapy. These risks are also variable dependent upon diet, lifestyle, and health history. It is recommended that the benefits and risks be discussed with a physician and that if hormone replacement therapy is needed, the shortest time period and lowest dose should be used.
Alternatives to Hormone Replacement Therapy
There are natural methods that can be utilized for treatment of menopausal signs and symptoms. The majority of natural methods focus on female body strengthening. Menopause is a transition period, where it may be difficult to regulate and balance the body at normal levels. These typically focus on nutritional, dietary, and certain lifestyle changes, in addition to specific non-hormonal therapies for treatment. Alternative treatments can also be used in addition to hormone replacement therapy to decrease the overall duration and frequency, leading to fewer health risks.
Natural treatments typically require the individual to have high commitment levels to the program. It may take weeks or months for symptom relief to occur, requiring patience by the individual. Many women have also found acupuncture and acupressure to be beneficial as a natural method for the decrease of menopausal symptoms.
Non-hormonal therapy treatments are typically drugs, herbs, or vitamins and minerals associated with an overall decrease of menopausal symptoms. There exist many supplements available for the treatment of hot flashes, vaginal dryness, bone strengthening, and painful urination or intercourse. These may prove beneficial to the control and treatment of your menopausal symptoms in addition to dietary and lifestyle changes.
http://jcem.endojournals.org/cgi/content/full/90/11/0
http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/hormonereplacementtherapy.html
http://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/health/women/pht_facts.pdf
http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/hormone-therapy/WO00046
http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/bioidentical-hormones/AN01133
Written by Lillian Taylor for MicroNutra Health™