Natural Hormone Replacement Therapy

Many women experience uncomfortable symptoms during menopause, including hot flashes, lethargy, sagging breasts, irritability, weight gain, vaginal dryness, and night sweats. These symptoms are caused by changes in a woman’s hormone levels.

Replacing lost hormones can relieve these uncomfortable symptoms. But for years, when women have sought help from doctors, they have inevitably received some form of synthetic hormone replacement, like Premarin® or Provera®.

Although these artificially manufactured hormones may help treat their symptoms, it has become abundantly clear that they also may increase the risk of developing fibrocystic breast disease, breast cancer, uterine fibroids, and endometrial cancer. They also contribute to excess weight gain, bloating, and swelling in the arms and legs.

The good news is that all hormones including the Estrogens (Estriol, Estrone, Estradiol), Progesterone, Testosterone, and DHEA are available in their natural forms. Natural hormones are derived from organically grown soybeans and are available through compounding pharmacies, of which are a number in Oregon. A doctor specializing in natural hormone therapy can prescribe them for you.

If natural hormones are available, why do doctors still prescribe Premarin®?

The bottom line is plain and simple: money. The government cannot issue a patent for pure hormones, because they are naturally existing substances. Since any manufacturer can make and distribute natural hormones, even as over-the-counter products, there is no financial incentive for a pharmaceutical company to manufacture them. In fact, the only way they can obtain a patent and see large profits is to alter the original natural molecule and sell the new “hormone” under a brand-name. Premarin® and Provera® are made in this way. Companies then spend millions to promote and make their drug available to well-intentioned but systematically ill-informed women.

The danger, however, is that the newly synthesized molecules in these drugs are structurally and functionally different from their natural counterparts. One small change can make a significant difference. Did you know that the difference between Testosterone, the predominant male hormone, and Estradiol, the female hormone, is just one hydrogen atom? Change this one tiny atom, and a substance that would have treated your hot flashes now causes you to grow extra facial hair! Adding extra atoms to any such molecule, which is routinely done by pharmaceutical companies, increases the likelihood of undesirable side effects.

Consider this: Compared to women in Asia, American women have six times the risk of developing breast cancer. Meanwhile, forty million women in North America are currently taking some form of synthetic hormone, putting themselves at risk for developing life-threatening conditions.

What should I do?

You should consult a doctor who specializes in natural hormone replacement therapy. Depending on your condition, tests may be ordered to evaluate your individual hormone baselines. Saliva testing is a painless, affordable and effective way of determining your particular deficiencies and needs. You will then be prescribed one or more natural hormones to meet your specific needs. Hormones are available in capsules, gels and creams.

Ask your doctor how natural hormone replacement can help your symptoms of menopause.

For more information or to schedule an
appointment, please call St Johns Health Center:
503.286.4400