“With prolonged life expectancy, men and women can expect to live one third of their lives with some form of hormone deficiency.” -World Journal of Urol. 2002 May; 20(1): 4-10

Bio-identical hormones, typically extracted from Mexican wild yam or soybean plants in a laboratory, are isomolecular - they have the same molecular structure as hormones naturally produced by your body. These bio-identical hormones are then shipped to a compounding pharmacy, to be individually dosed according to a physician’s prescription.

Because bio-identical hormones are isomolecular, they mimic the properties of hormones naturally occurring in one’s body. They are recognized by your body and can therefore be utilized and excreted safely and efficiently, without any potentially harmful metabolites. In contrast, traditional hormone replacement therapy like Premarin uses conjugated estrogens, derived from the urine of pregnant mares. Not only are conjugated estrogens not isomolecular, but they are also attached to a foreign molecule. It should not be surprising that these therapies are associated with a host of dangerous side-effects, not typically caused by their bio-identical counterparts.

As our bodies age, the endocrine system, which regulates our hormones, naturally decreases. Add stress, environmental toxins, or inadequate nutrition, and the resulting additional wear on our endocrine system may necessitate an extra hormone boost. Bio-identical hormones are well-suited for this. They can also be used to alleviate the unpleasant symptoms of menopause or andropause, or for women who have had a hysterectomy.

Maintaining adequate hormone levels is crucial for healthy function of the body.

Bio-Identical hormones delivered through a transdermal cream is the most safe and effective way to increase hormone levels. Hormones should not be taken orally because they are changed through digestion and in the process may create dangerous metabolites. Delivering bio-identical hormones through the skin eliminates this risk.

Bio-identical hormones are prescribed by a licensed physician who is specifically trained to use them. A compounding pharmacy is the only source for these hormones, which are prepared according to the physician’s prescription and customized separately for each patient. The relatively low doses of bio-identical hormones make them safe and effective when used appropriately; your physician can monitor their use through analysis of blood, urine, or saliva. The cost of these hormones is comparable to the traditional conjugated hormones, though it will vary slightly depending on the compounding pharmacy.

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