Conventional Hormore Replacement Therapy Side Effects

When a woman becomes menopausal, her body stops producing important hormones such as estrogen and progesterone. Many women elect to replace these missing hormones although hormone replacement therapy side

Hormone replacement therapy (HRT) can not only help women feel better and sexier, it can also help reduce the risks of osteoporosis, heart disease, and Alzheimer's Disease, among other diseases.

The risks or side effects of hormone replacement therapy

While hormone replacement therapy can be a very good thing for most women, it does have its down side. For example, it has been reported that taking estrogens over a prolonged period of time can increase the risk of endometrial cancer for women by a factor of 4.5 to 14 times. Of course, this risk depends on the duration of treatment and the estrogen dosage.

The same as taking oral contraceptives for extended periods of time

Women who take estrogens for extended periods of time can have some of the same long-term side effects as women who have used oral contraceptives for long periods of time. This can include the development of blood-clotting disorders, liver cancer or other liver tumors, high blood pressure, glucose intolerance (symptoms similar to diabetes), unusual sensitivity to the sun, and high blood levels of calcium.

A more natural alternative

Given the potential risks and side effects of conventional hormone replacement therapy (CHRT), many women have turned to a more natural solution called bioidenticals therapy (BHRT).

This new form of hormone replacement therapy has been featured on the Oprah Winfrey TV program and in several books, most notably by the actress Suzanne Somers. It is based on the theory that hormones that are identical to your own hormones are a better, more natural solution. In fact, these natural or bioidentical hormones have been used by women for more than 20 years and there are still no reported side effects.

What are bioidentical hormones?

Bioidentical hormones are created from standardized, estrogenic extracts such as glycyrrhetic acid (from licorice root), angelica, and wild organic Himalayan yams. They are said to be molecularly identical to your own hormones, hence the name bioidenticals.

Bioidentical hormones usually include estriol, estrone, estradiol, testosterone, progesterone, and occasionally dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA). Another advantage of these compounded bioidenticals - besides the fact that they are totally natural - is that they can compounded specifically for you and your hormone levels. In this case, the BHRT provider will take a sample of your saliva to establish a baseline hormone level and then compound a preparation individualized to you - based on the advice of your doctor or healthcare provider.

The evidence is only anecdotal

The one downside of bioidenticals therapy is that there is no long-term, scientific study that totally validates its efficacy. However, there is much anecdotal evidence that it can help and that it does not have the hormone replacement therapy side effects that can come with conventional hormone replacement.

If the idea of bioidenticals therapy appeals to you, be sure to discuss it with your healthcare provider before starting it. He or she is best qualified to discuss treatment options and to help you get on the hormone replacement therapy that would best help you and with the fewest risks and side effects.

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