For Men and Women
The Women’s Health Initiative study of 2005 brought the risks of heart disease and cancer with the use of synthetic hormone replacement (HRT) to the forefront. As a result, more and more women are now looking for alternatives and turning to bio-identical hormone replacement (BHRT) to treat menopausal symptoms, balance hormones, and slow the aging process.
Men are also becoming aware of the benefits of bio-identical male hormone therapy. Many men who use bio-identical hormone therapy find improvement in their general health, mood, wellness, strength, muscle tone, sexual function, and libido.
What are Bio-identical hormones?
Bio-identical hormones are hormones that are plant-derived and are identical to the structure of the natural hormones found in our bodies. Because they are identical, adverse side effects and risks for cancer and heart disease are significantly reduced.
Holistique Bio-identical hormone therapy
Holistique physicians are well versed in bio-identical hormone therapy and the evaluation of hormones. Dr. Darvish and her team have over 15 years of experience in treating hormone imbalances and using bio-identical hormones for replacement or augmentation.
Q&A: Bio-Identical Hormone Therapy
What are Bio-Identical hormones?
Bio-identical hormones are hormones that are plant-derived and are identical to the structure of the natural hormones found in our bodies. Bio-identical hormones are compounded at special compounding pharmacies into different forms of application. Because they are identical to the structure of hormones found in the body, adverse side effects, and risks for cancer and heart disease are significantly reduced.
What is the difference between Bio-Identical and Synthetic hormones?
Bio-identical hormones are plant-derived and identical to the body’s hormones. Because they are natural, they cannot be patented by pharmaceutical companies and must be compounded by the pharmacy. They can be compounded into any form of application and any strength of dosage to accommodate each individual’s uniqueness and a requirement for hormone therapy. Bio-identical hormones are personalized to the patient’s needs.
Synthetic hormones such as Prempro and Premarin are similar, but not identical to the body’s hormones. The chemical structure of these synthetic hormones is changed slightly in order for the substance to be patentable. This slight chemical shift creates a mismatch between the body’s receptors and the synthetic hormones leading to adverse reactions and long-term health risks. Synthetic hormones are also standardized to few dosages and cannot be individualized to the needs of each patient.
Are Bio-Identical hormones safe?
When bio-identical hormones are used at doses to match the individual’s needs, they are safe. However, when these hormones are given in higher doses than required, the safety of these hormones declines. More studies to evaluate the long-term effects of high dose bio-identical hormones are still needed. The bio-identical hormone Progesterone has been shown to reduce the risk of breast cancer while the synthetic hormone progestin increases the risk of breast cancer. Several recent studies have shown that bio-identical testosterone therapy for men reduces the risk of prostate cancer. In fact, recent studies have indicated that men who have low testosterone levels are at higher risk for prostate cancer. Other studies show that those with prostate cancer do not have an increased risk of progression of their cancer with the use of bio-identical testosterone therapy.
How do I know if Bio-Identical hormones are for me?
Our physicians at Holistique will run urinary, blood or saliva tests to evaluate the level and function of your hormone production. Estradiol, estrone, estriol, progesterone, DHEA-S, testosterone (free and total), TSH, FT3, FT4, cortisol, pregnenolone, SHBG are some of the basic hormones that may be checked for both men and females. Your family history, medical history, and current symptoms will be evaluated along with the findings from diagnostic tests. Options for bio-identical hormones or homeopathic hormones or herbs, vitamins and lifestyle and diet therapy will be explained. And together with your physician, you can decide which route to take.
Are Holistique physicians experienced in Bio-Identical hormone therapy?
Holistique physicians are well versed in bio-identical hormone therapy and the evaluation of hormones. Dr. Darvish and her team have over 15 years of experience in treating hormone imbalances and using bio-identical hormones as replacement or augmentation.
What is the treatment for testosterone deficiency?
After the age of 35, men’s testosterone levels begin to decline. The lower levels affect mood, energy, memory, libido, muscle strength, sleep, a general sense of wellness and much more.
Testosterone hormone is used to treat testosterone deficiency. At Holistique, we use bio-identical testosterone hormone which is safer and has fewer side effects than synthetic pharmaceutical hormone. Although bio-identical testosterone comes in different sublingual and lozenges, the cream or pellets are most effective.