Natural Hormone Replacement Therapy

In January 2008, the Food and Drug Administration ruled compounding pharmacists were making unsubstantiated claims as to the safety and efficacy of "Bio-Identical" hormone therapy. Therefore, we are required to state: "The Food and Drug Administration has not evaluated or substantiated the following information concerning the safety, efficacy, and use of so called Bio-Identical Hormones". Much of the information provided must therefore be deemed our personal opinion or the opinion of nationally recognized experts in the field of "Bio-Identical" hormone therapy. If you are interested in learning more about the reasons behind "required disclaimers" please visit the informational and interactive website of the International Acadamy of Compounding Pharmacists- www.iacprx.org or www.savemybhrt.org

Natural hormones are derived from plant sources, usually soy or yam, and then modified to become chemically identical to human hormones. Because they are exactly what the human body manufactures, we refer to these hormones as biologically identical or "Bio-Identical" for short. These prescription-only hormones are then used to replace missing or depleted levels in the body.
The proper balance of the natural hormones:

Estriol
Estradiol
Estrone
Progesterone
Testosterone
DHEA
Pregnenolone
Cortisone
Thyroid

Is essential to healthy, vigorous and more youthful bodily function. "Bio-identical" hormones, occuring naturally in the human body, cannot be patented by drug companies.

Since the summer of 2002, there have been numerous news flashes from the Women’s Health Initiative Study (a World Health Organization study) concerning the dangers of hormone replacement therapy.

The results frightened researchers so much that they halted the clinical study after only five years! What they found was:

A 41% increased risk of stroke (8 more cases/10,000 women/year)
A 29% increased risk of heart attack (7 more cases/10,000 women/year)
A 26% increased risk of breast cancer (8 more cases/10,000 women/year)
A 50% increased risk of dementia in older women (23 more cases/10,000 women/year)

This study was performed using Premo-Pro, a combination of Premarin and Provera.

Premarin is an estrogenic complex of many different types of estrogen derived from the urine of pregnant mares, thus the name Pre-mar-in (e.g., Pregnant Mare's Urine). Some of the estrogens found in this drug are not found in humans and are therefor not human "bio-identical" hormones. In fact, it can take 3-4 weeks for women to fully metabolize and clear these "unnatural" hormones from the body. Because the drug is taken daily, the "accumulation" effect results in prolonged and elevated levels that scare many researchers.

Provera (medroxyprogesterone) is a "chemicalized" progestin. The human hormone progesterone was chemically altered into a new and unnatural compound. These changes allowed "patent protection" and gigantic profits for the drug company and resulted in dangerous and uncomfortable side effects.

Some of the effects and side effects of Provera are:

It is effective in controlling estrogen induced uterine hyperplasia.
Does not prevent, and may actually worsen, osteoporosis.
According to the HER’s study, increases risk for blood clots by 300%.
Causes or worsens PMS symptoms.
Causes coronary artery constriction - possibly explaining how women with no atherosclerosis disease are dying from "heart attacks".
Increases risk of breast cancer.

So what options do women have with respect to hormone replacement?

Do nothing and suffer increased metabolic aging.
Use synthetic or unnatural hormones increasing risk of stroke, heart attack, cancer and dementia.
Use OTC vitamins and herbal phyto-estrogens.
Use natural, "Human Bio-Identical" hormones.

The following highlights are encapsulated summaries of the effects of each of the natural hormones. Reading and understanding these effects is a compelling reason to consider natural hormone replacement therapy.

Estradiol

Most potent of the human estrogens.
Best in controlling vasomotor symptoms, especially "hot flashes."
Helpful in reducing "mental fogginess" caused by low estrogen levels.
Stimulates endometrial tissue in the uterus.
Strongest inhibitor of osteoclast activity (best at reducing bone loss).
Has been shown to be a positive lipid modifier (Pepi trials study).

Estriol

Weakest of the human estrogens.
Highest affinity for binding to estrogen receptor sites.
Thought to be protective against breast cancer
Helpful in vaginal lubrication and mental fogginess.

Estrone

Thought to be responsible for the greatest risk of breast cancer due to its metabolites.
Can be converted to three metabolites, two of which are known cancer risks.
Primary estrogen found in post-menopausal women, produced in adipose (fat) tissue.

Progesterone

Hormone that dominates the cycle before menses.
Increases osteoblast activity (bone building activity).
Cardio-protective (Peppi trials).
Women with normal to upper-nornal levels of progesterone had less incidence of ALL types of cancer - including breast cancer.
Women with normal levels of progesterone who do get cancer have a greater chance of survival.
Protects uterus from endometrial hyperplasia and uterine cancer.
Balances estrogen to reduce chances of "estrogen dominance" symptoms caused by high levels of sex hormone binding globulin.
Calming effect - especially the oral version (better sleep!!).
Prescription only! OTC (non-prescription) version is NOT legal according to the FDA.

Testosterone

Found in both males and females.
Deficient levels may lead to low sex drive, depression, decreased exercise tolerance, muscle wasting, slowed metabolism, slowed tissue healing and recovery, decreased initiative, lack of appropriate aggressiveness.
Bio-identical Testosterone not associated with liver toxicity, blood clot risks, or heart problems.
Down-regulates estrogen receptors in breast tissue leading experts to believe reduced breast cancer risks

DHEA and Pregnenalone

Precursor hormones - body converts to estrogen, progesterone, and testosterone.
Levels start declining at age 26.
Proper levels provide hormone balance, metabolic normalization, immune system support, improved brain function and adrenal support.

Breast Cancer- can I lower my risks?

Maintain balanced "Bio-Identical" hormones (pre-, peri- & post-menopausally).
Exercise!
Eat at least 3 servings per week of cruciferous vegetables - broccoli, brussel sprouts, cabbage, cauliflower, etc.
Take supplements Indole-3 carbamide or 3-3diindolemethane (DIM).
Include antioxidants such as Co-enzyme Q-10, Selenium, Folic Acid, Vitamin E, Vitamin C, and Green Tea polyphenols in your diet.
Decrease exposure to Xenoestrogens (e.g. chlorine, pesticides).

Private Consultations

Las Colinas Pharmacy's expert staff of specially-trained pharmacists offers confidential consultations on a wide variety of topics including Natural Hormone Replacement, Pain Management, Weight Management, Nutrition and many others.

Consultation Rates

15 minutes - $35
30 minutes - $55
45 minutes - $75
60 minutes - $100

If you reside outside our immediate market area, please call us at 972-580-1814 to schedule a time for your private phone consultation