Natural Hormones - Progesterone Cream, PND, PMS and Menopause » NATURAL HORMONE THERAPY http://www.naturalhormones.co.nz Natural Hormones - help for PND, PMS and Menopause. Fri, 22 Apr 2011 10:17:34 +0000 http://wordpress.org/?v=2.8.4 en hourly 1 Natural hormone therapy http://www.naturalhormones.co.nz/natural-hormone-therapy/ http://www.naturalhormones.co.nz/natural-hormone-therapy/#comments Thu, 12 Nov 2009 00:40:50 +0000 admin http://www.naturalhormones.co.nz/?p=176 Bioidentical hormone replacement therapy (BHRT, also known as bioidentical hormone therapy refers to the treatment of symptoms of menopause using hormones that are molecularly identical to endogenous hormones. Though “bioidentical” has been used in hormone packaging inserts to refer to molecularly identical hormones, the term bioidentical hormone replacement therapy is most often used to describe treatments that involve custom compounded hormone mixtures[1] and adjusting the dosage of medication based on blood and saliva testing to ensure a specific hormone level in the body is reached.[2][3][4] In contrast, conventional hormone replacement therapy adjusts dosing based on symptom relief rather than attempting to reach a specific level of hormones in the body. Though advocates for compounded BHRT claim it offers health benefits beyond just symptom relief and lacks the risks of conventional hormone replacement therapy, there is no evidence to support these claims and bioidentical hormones are expected to have the same risks and benefits as conventional hormones. In addition, since compounded products are not subject to FDA testing and quality control measures, their potency, purity and safety have been questioned. The Endocrine Society, American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists, United States Food and Drug Administration, and Mayo Clinic have all released position statements stating that there is no research demonstrating bioidentical hormones, compounding or salivary testing offer superior results compared to conventional HRT. The term bioidentical has also been called a pseudoscientific neologism,[5] and a clever marketing concept that lacks any scientific support.[6]

Interest in bioidentical hormones increased when the Women’s Health Initiative study examining conventional hormone replacement therapy reported previously unappreciated risks; the resulting negative publicity left many women seeking alternative treatments that were percieved as safer. Compounded BHRT has been endorsed and popularized by Suzanne Somers.

Terminology

“Bioidentical” describes hormones that exactly duplicate the molecular structure of those created by the human body[8] and has been used in FDA packaging inserts since before 1998. Manufactured on an indiustrial scale, the hormones are available as commercial products available in standardized doses. Compounding pharmacies use bulk quantities to prepare individualized doses, prescriptions and delivery systems based on prescriptions. The lack of distinction between bioidentical hormones and BHRT has added to the confusion and lack of understanding.[9]

Patients requesting “bioidentical” hormones may not be clear on what they are asking for. What is sought may be individual or tailored hormone replacements, and the marketing and advertising of BHRT has resulted in a significant increase in its popularity. Compounded BHRT has been promoted as a treatment that could improve the symptoms of menopause without the risks of conventional hormone replacement therapy.

Sourced from WIKIPEDIA

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