Natural Bioidentical Hormone Replacement Therapy

For many men and women who are undergoing menopause or andropause, treatments have been fairly limited in the past. Today, with the availability of bioidentical hormones Pandora's Box has been opened. There are a lot of women who have gone through menopause and suffered through a variety of physical and emotional problems during this period. Symptoms like headaches, flushing, weight gain, night sweats, dry skin or loss of libido are common and very unpleasant. These symptoms may last anywhere from 2-5 years.

Now, there is no need to go through this agony. Bioidentical hormone replacement therapy is widely used in Europe to treat women and men who have declining levels of the sex hormones. There are many testimonials and clinical reports which reveal that short term use of bioidentical hormones is safe and effective.

Bioidentical hormones are similar to the natural hormones produced in the body- the only difference is that the bioidentical hormones are extracted from certain plants. Unlike many of the synthetic sex hormones, bioidentical hormones contain no chemicals or preservatives.

Whether to take bioidentical hormones is a personal decision. There are some easy saliva and blood tests which can quickly tell if the sex hormones are low. If one has symptoms of menopause or andropause, then a visit to a physician who deals with bioidentical hormone therapy is recommended.

The great thing about these hormones is that they can be tailor made for each individual. Once the diminished sex hormone deficiency is identified, the physician can write a prescription for the exact dosage required. The pharmacist can then mix the bioidentical hormones in the right dosages.

Todate, most experts agree that bioidentical hormones for the short term are safe. The may even help protect against osteoporosis and heart attacks. Unopposed estrogens in post menopausal women can induce breast and uterine cancers. All women who do intend to take bioidentical hormone replacement therapy should have a thorough discussion of this topic with their health care provider. There is also ample information on the internet about this topic.

While these hormones can be bought without a prescription in other parts of the world (i.e. Mexico), this should be avoided. The quality and quantity of the bioidentical hormones is questionable and can not always be verified.

In the USA, the bioidentical hormones are fairly easily available but require a prescription. Many alternative health care practitioners do recommend these products. In the end, it is a question of safety. As more studies become available, more physicians will come to know that bioidentical hormones are just as safe as any other drug, as long as they are not abused or taken for prolonged periods.