Besides improving menopausal symptoms, what are other benefits of Bioidentical hormones?
One other benefit of bioidentical HRT is that they can strengthen bone and reduce fractures. Short-term studies with bioidentical HRT have revealed that these hormones are very useful and do help women avoid the ravages of osteoporosis and reduce the risk of heart disease. These bioidentical hormones work exactly like the natural estrogen and progesterone. Recent studies indicate that bioidentical HRT taken soon after menopause protect against early dementia.
How long can one safely take bioidentical hormones?
Bioidentical HRT is meant to be used only for shorten therapy (usually anywhere from 2-5 years).
Who should not take bioidentical hormones?
Bioidentical HRT is not suitable for women who have liver disease, those who have a history of blood clots or have vaginal bleeding which has not yet been diagnosed.
What are side effects of bioidentical hormones?
The typical side effects of bioidentical HRT include headache, bloating, stomach cramps, diarrhea, anxiety, and breast tenderness. These side effects do not occur in everyone and even the intensity will vary. In most cases, the side effects disappear as soon as the hormone therapy is discontinued.
Should there be follow up when taking bioidentical hormones?
Yes, definitely. There is always a potential for complications or side effects and all women who do intend to take these hormones should be followed by a health care professional
Monday, April 13, 2009
Bio identical hormonal therapy 101
Is Hormone replacement therapy (HRT) a new concept?
No, Hormone replacement therapy has been practiced with pharmaceutical products for more than 50 years. Women have been prescribed hormones to treat menopause and a variety of disorders where fertility has been affected. However, today HRT has gained impetus chiefly because women want to get rid of symptoms of menopause
What happens during menopause?
During menopause, all women stop making the natural sex hormones, estrogen and progesterone. The loss of these sex hormones is associated with many physical and emotional effects. Thirty years ago, estrogen and progesterone were widely prescribed to treat menopause. However, as clinical evidence accumulated, it was realized that the safety of these hormones in the long run was an issue. Laboratory research showed that long-term use of sex hormones after menopause could lead to growth of breast or uterine cancers.
So what is happening now?
Well we have now come full circle. Instead of using the prescription based synthetic estrogen and progesterone, there is a big demand for the naturally occurring sex hormones. Bioidentical hormones are naturally occurring hormones found in plants. The bioidentical hormones also require a prescription; however, many pharmacies can adjust the formulation so that one can have the right amount of estrogen or progesterone.
Who uses Bioidentical hormones?
Bioidentical HRT is very useful for women who have undergone hysterectomy and those who are undergoing menopause. Younger women who have premature ovarian failure or have undergone a hysterectomy may take the bioidentical HRT for many more years.
How are bioidentical hormones available?
These hormones can be delivered as a patch, pill, cream, gel, or even an injection. The two basic formulations are ones which have a constant dosage and those which have a varying dosage of sex hormones. Bioidentical hormones can also be compounded with testosterone to provide a boost to libido.
No, Hormone replacement therapy has been practiced with pharmaceutical products for more than 50 years. Women have been prescribed hormones to treat menopause and a variety of disorders where fertility has been affected. However, today HRT has gained impetus chiefly because women want to get rid of symptoms of menopause
What happens during menopause?
During menopause, all women stop making the natural sex hormones, estrogen and progesterone. The loss of these sex hormones is associated with many physical and emotional effects. Thirty years ago, estrogen and progesterone were widely prescribed to treat menopause. However, as clinical evidence accumulated, it was realized that the safety of these hormones in the long run was an issue. Laboratory research showed that long-term use of sex hormones after menopause could lead to growth of breast or uterine cancers.
So what is happening now?
Well we have now come full circle. Instead of using the prescription based synthetic estrogen and progesterone, there is a big demand for the naturally occurring sex hormones. Bioidentical hormones are naturally occurring hormones found in plants. The bioidentical hormones also require a prescription; however, many pharmacies can adjust the formulation so that one can have the right amount of estrogen or progesterone.
Who uses Bioidentical hormones?
Bioidentical HRT is very useful for women who have undergone hysterectomy and those who are undergoing menopause. Younger women who have premature ovarian failure or have undergone a hysterectomy may take the bioidentical HRT for many more years.
How are bioidentical hormones available?
These hormones can be delivered as a patch, pill, cream, gel, or even an injection. The two basic formulations are ones which have a constant dosage and those which have a varying dosage of sex hormones. Bioidentical hormones can also be compounded with testosterone to provide a boost to libido.
Nutrition and Menopause Part 2
Supplements: Menopause is a difficult time and associated with mood swing(s) and even depression. Many women do not want to take pharmaceutical products nor do they want to eat an unhealthy diet. For these individuals, supplements may be necessary. During menopause, obtaining sufficient levels of vitamins and nutrients can make a significant difference in having healthy bones and controlling symptoms of menopause. Of the supplements, most physicians recommend Vitamins C, D and E.
However, one should realize that if one is eating a healthy wholesome diet with a decent amount of fruit and vegetables, then why bother to take an artificial pill- which may sometimes be fake or may even contain contaminants!
Before one goes on a mega Vitamin supplement diet, it is essential to see a dietician to supervise the initial phase of dietary manipulation. Large doses of calcium or vitamins have serious side effects. Vitamins A and D in large doses can be particularly dangerous.
As menopause sets in, women realize that they have less energy, have a decline in their physical activity and also a loss of lean body mass. To avoid ravages of age and hormonal changes of menopause, one should start some type of physical activity. Walking, swimming and even light jogging may be a start. The important thing is not to allow the access weight of menopause to continue. There are numerous drugs for weight loss but definitely not recommended. They have far too many potent side effects. The most important is to resume some physical activity. In the end, a healthy body always represents a healthy mind.
However, one should realize that if one is eating a healthy wholesome diet with a decent amount of fruit and vegetables, then why bother to take an artificial pill- which may sometimes be fake or may even contain contaminants!
Before one goes on a mega Vitamin supplement diet, it is essential to see a dietician to supervise the initial phase of dietary manipulation. Large doses of calcium or vitamins have serious side effects. Vitamins A and D in large doses can be particularly dangerous.
As menopause sets in, women realize that they have less energy, have a decline in their physical activity and also a loss of lean body mass. To avoid ravages of age and hormonal changes of menopause, one should start some type of physical activity. Walking, swimming and even light jogging may be a start. The important thing is not to allow the access weight of menopause to continue. There are numerous drugs for weight loss but definitely not recommended. They have far too many potent side effects. The most important is to resume some physical activity. In the end, a healthy body always represents a healthy mind.
Nutrition and Menopause
Everyone agrees that a well balanced diet is essential for good health and this is especially true when it comes to menopause. However, the exact nutritional requirement for the menopausal female are varied and change with age. Some of the basic essential nutrients should include:
Calcium: A healthy premenopausal woman should have about 1,000 mgs of calcium per day. A 1994 Consensus Conference at the National Institutes of Health recommended that women after menopause consume 1,500 mgs per day if they are not using hormonal replacement or 1,000 mgs per day in conjunction with hormonal replacement. Foods which are high in calcium include milk, yogurt, cheese, some sea food products and dark green leafy vegetables (spinach and broccoli). Calcium is also available as a pill or a powder and is easily absorbed from the gut. For those who have milk intolerance, acidophilus milk is more tolerable.
Vitamins D: This bone forming vitamin is now becoming an important additive for all women nearing menopause. It enhances calcium absorption and helps to strengthen bone. Numerous studies have shown that post menopausal women who take Vitamin D have a lower incidence of spinal fractures and joint pains. Other studies reveal that vitamin D consumption is associated with a marked decrease in bone pain. However, these issues remain controversial because not all patients demonstrate the same benefit. One also has to be aware that excess consumption of vitamin D can lead to formation of kidney stones, constipation, abdominal pain and even bone pain.
Low fat diet: Most dieticians and physicians indicate that an overall healthy diet for the menopausal female should consists of foods with low fat and less saturated fat. This diet is ideal not only for menopausal females but overall good health. The fat intake should be less than 30% of the daily calories
Vegetables: Eating fruits, vegetables, and whole grain cereal products, especially those high in vitamin C and carotene are absolutely vital for obtaining all the essential nutrients for bone growth. Other plants foods highly recommended include oranges, grapefruit, carrots, winter squash, tomatoes, broccoli, cauliflower, and green leafy vegetables. These foods are good sources of vitamins and minerals and the major sources of dietary fiber. The increased fiber content not only helps with constipation but is associated with a decrease in colon cancer. Menopausal females are encouraged to consume 20 to 30 grams of fiber per day.
Meat: We have come to realize that meat and meat like products are fun to eat but not good for health. These products have been associated with numerous health problems, including blood pressure, obesity, heart disease and colon cancer. They do not contain any essential nutrients for bone growth
In general, a common sense approach to diet is needed. Anything in excess is bad. The most important thing is to enjoy the foods, eat a little of everything you desire, walk a little more and remember, menopause is not the end- but just the beginning of a new lifestyle
Calcium: A healthy premenopausal woman should have about 1,000 mgs of calcium per day. A 1994 Consensus Conference at the National Institutes of Health recommended that women after menopause consume 1,500 mgs per day if they are not using hormonal replacement or 1,000 mgs per day in conjunction with hormonal replacement. Foods which are high in calcium include milk, yogurt, cheese, some sea food products and dark green leafy vegetables (spinach and broccoli). Calcium is also available as a pill or a powder and is easily absorbed from the gut. For those who have milk intolerance, acidophilus milk is more tolerable.
Vitamins D: This bone forming vitamin is now becoming an important additive for all women nearing menopause. It enhances calcium absorption and helps to strengthen bone. Numerous studies have shown that post menopausal women who take Vitamin D have a lower incidence of spinal fractures and joint pains. Other studies reveal that vitamin D consumption is associated with a marked decrease in bone pain. However, these issues remain controversial because not all patients demonstrate the same benefit. One also has to be aware that excess consumption of vitamin D can lead to formation of kidney stones, constipation, abdominal pain and even bone pain.
Low fat diet: Most dieticians and physicians indicate that an overall healthy diet for the menopausal female should consists of foods with low fat and less saturated fat. This diet is ideal not only for menopausal females but overall good health. The fat intake should be less than 30% of the daily calories
Vegetables: Eating fruits, vegetables, and whole grain cereal products, especially those high in vitamin C and carotene are absolutely vital for obtaining all the essential nutrients for bone growth. Other plants foods highly recommended include oranges, grapefruit, carrots, winter squash, tomatoes, broccoli, cauliflower, and green leafy vegetables. These foods are good sources of vitamins and minerals and the major sources of dietary fiber. The increased fiber content not only helps with constipation but is associated with a decrease in colon cancer. Menopausal females are encouraged to consume 20 to 30 grams of fiber per day.
Meat: We have come to realize that meat and meat like products are fun to eat but not good for health. These products have been associated with numerous health problems, including blood pressure, obesity, heart disease and colon cancer. They do not contain any essential nutrients for bone growth
In general, a common sense approach to diet is needed. Anything in excess is bad. The most important thing is to enjoy the foods, eat a little of everything you desire, walk a little more and remember, menopause is not the end- but just the beginning of a new lifestyle
Sunday, April 12, 2009
Herbal therapy and menopause
Today, herbal therapies are also being used in the treatment of menopause. The herbs which are currently touted to control many of the symptoms of menopause include:
Phytoestrogens: There are certain vegetable foods that are known to contain phytoestrogens (similar to the female sex hormone-estrogen). There are two main types of phytoestrogens — isoflavones and lignans. Isoflavones have been found in soybeans, chickpeas and peas. Lignans have been found in flaxseeds, whole grains and some fruits and vegetables. Researchers in the Orient first noticed that women in that part of the World had very mild menopausal symptoms and a much lower incidence of heart disease and osteoporosis. It was later discovered that their diet was rich in Phytoestrogens which provided the protective effect. However, addition of isoflavones to western diets has not been found to be effective at least in the short-term and longer term follow up is required. There has also been a concern that high estrogen levels after menopause may be associated with an increased incidence of breast cancer.
So far the data on soy products remains unknown and all reports remain anecdotal. But research on this topic is ongoing.
Vitamin E. Vitamin E has been widely postulated to diminish the symptoms of menopause. Its effects are immediate. However, the reports are scant and the agent only works in a few individuals. As to why it does not work in all women remains a mystery. Some nutritionists recommend higher doses of vitamin E in women who do not respond to the low dose of vitamin E. However, the FDA strongly advises against taking more than 400 IU of this vitamin because of the potential for serous toxicity.
Black cohosh: This herb has been widely used in northern Europe for more than 2 decades and has recently become popular in North America. However, even the European data indicates that it does not work in all women and even today there are no scientific data on its clinical benefits. However, the product is safe. The North American Menopause Society does supports short-term use of black cohosh for treating menopausal symptoms because it seems to have a low risk of side effects when used for up to six months. But the exact effects of long term use are not known. Some recent studies have found that the herb doesn't reduce hot flashes any better than a placebo.
Miscellaneous: There are numerous other dietary supplements available which have been postulated to treat menopausal symptoms- many of the females even swear by it. These products include dong quai, licorice, chasteberry, evening primrose oil and wild yam (natural progesterone cream). Even though these products have been around for more than 2 decades, there is no scientific data to back any of the claims made by the women users or the manufacturers. A few of these products have also been found to contain contaminants and there are even reports of fake products.
Before one starts to take a whole range of products with unknown ingredients and lack of any standardization, be sure to consult your doctor. There definitely are some herbals which are useful but the question is which one. And in the end, like all things in life, buyer beware.
Phytoestrogens: There are certain vegetable foods that are known to contain phytoestrogens (similar to the female sex hormone-estrogen). There are two main types of phytoestrogens — isoflavones and lignans. Isoflavones have been found in soybeans, chickpeas and peas. Lignans have been found in flaxseeds, whole grains and some fruits and vegetables. Researchers in the Orient first noticed that women in that part of the World had very mild menopausal symptoms and a much lower incidence of heart disease and osteoporosis. It was later discovered that their diet was rich in Phytoestrogens which provided the protective effect. However, addition of isoflavones to western diets has not been found to be effective at least in the short-term and longer term follow up is required. There has also been a concern that high estrogen levels after menopause may be associated with an increased incidence of breast cancer.
So far the data on soy products remains unknown and all reports remain anecdotal. But research on this topic is ongoing.
Vitamin E. Vitamin E has been widely postulated to diminish the symptoms of menopause. Its effects are immediate. However, the reports are scant and the agent only works in a few individuals. As to why it does not work in all women remains a mystery. Some nutritionists recommend higher doses of vitamin E in women who do not respond to the low dose of vitamin E. However, the FDA strongly advises against taking more than 400 IU of this vitamin because of the potential for serous toxicity.
Black cohosh: This herb has been widely used in northern Europe for more than 2 decades and has recently become popular in North America. However, even the European data indicates that it does not work in all women and even today there are no scientific data on its clinical benefits. However, the product is safe. The North American Menopause Society does supports short-term use of black cohosh for treating menopausal symptoms because it seems to have a low risk of side effects when used for up to six months. But the exact effects of long term use are not known. Some recent studies have found that the herb doesn't reduce hot flashes any better than a placebo.
Miscellaneous: There are numerous other dietary supplements available which have been postulated to treat menopausal symptoms- many of the females even swear by it. These products include dong quai, licorice, chasteberry, evening primrose oil and wild yam (natural progesterone cream). Even though these products have been around for more than 2 decades, there is no scientific data to back any of the claims made by the women users or the manufacturers. A few of these products have also been found to contain contaminants and there are even reports of fake products.
Before one starts to take a whole range of products with unknown ingredients and lack of any standardization, be sure to consult your doctor. There definitely are some herbals which are useful but the question is which one. And in the end, like all things in life, buyer beware.
Self-care Treatments for Menopausal Females
For most females, menopause is a transient period and the symptoms subside over a period of 1-3 years. However, even this short term period can be tormenting and there are a few steps one can take to reduce the burden of being a female at this time period:
Flashes: For those experiencing hot or cold flashes, exercise regularly and avoid spicy foods, hot beverages (coffee), alcohol and hot surroundings. Dress appropriate to prevent the congested feeling.
Vaginal irritation: Menopause is associated with dryness of the vagina due to the lack of secretions (due to low estrogens). There are numerous over the counter products available that can replace the secretions and even make sexual intercourse enjoyable. The products are available at any pharmacy and include lubricants such as Astroglide, K-Y Jelly, moisturizers (Replens, Vagisil) or vaginal estrogen.
Sleep: Sleep patterns are always altered during menopause and one should avoid aggravating this insomnia with hot beverages and alcohol. One should try relaxation techniques, deep breathing and muscle relaxations. Many books are available on these topics.
Kegel exercise: During menopause, the pelvic floors weaken and one feels like the whole bottom part of the body is sagging. One should learn how to perform Kegel exercises. These important and simple exercises will help you strengthen your pelvic and abdominal muscles. This will go a long ways to improving not only your sex life but also decrease the chance of developing urinary incontinence.
Exercise: When attempting to treat the symptoms of menopause naturally, nutrition and lifestyle changes can be one of your biggest allies. On the surface, aerobic exercise is simply all-around good for you; it helps keep your heart and lungs healthy and can help you to maintain bone density. These things are all the more important when going through menopause.
Exercise cannot prevent menopausal symptoms, but it can certainly help to alleviate the frequency and severity of some symptoms. Beginning and sticking with an exercise program can lessen occurrences of hot flashes, night sweats, insomnia, fatigue, irritability, anxiety, and depression. A moderate level of physical activity throughout the day helps most people to sleep better.
Flashes: For those experiencing hot or cold flashes, exercise regularly and avoid spicy foods, hot beverages (coffee), alcohol and hot surroundings. Dress appropriate to prevent the congested feeling.
Vaginal irritation: Menopause is associated with dryness of the vagina due to the lack of secretions (due to low estrogens). There are numerous over the counter products available that can replace the secretions and even make sexual intercourse enjoyable. The products are available at any pharmacy and include lubricants such as Astroglide, K-Y Jelly, moisturizers (Replens, Vagisil) or vaginal estrogen.
Sleep: Sleep patterns are always altered during menopause and one should avoid aggravating this insomnia with hot beverages and alcohol. One should try relaxation techniques, deep breathing and muscle relaxations. Many books are available on these topics.
Kegel exercise: During menopause, the pelvic floors weaken and one feels like the whole bottom part of the body is sagging. One should learn how to perform Kegel exercises. These important and simple exercises will help you strengthen your pelvic and abdominal muscles. This will go a long ways to improving not only your sex life but also decrease the chance of developing urinary incontinence.
Exercise: When attempting to treat the symptoms of menopause naturally, nutrition and lifestyle changes can be one of your biggest allies. On the surface, aerobic exercise is simply all-around good for you; it helps keep your heart and lungs healthy and can help you to maintain bone density. These things are all the more important when going through menopause.
Exercise cannot prevent menopausal symptoms, but it can certainly help to alleviate the frequency and severity of some symptoms. Beginning and sticking with an exercise program can lessen occurrences of hot flashes, night sweats, insomnia, fatigue, irritability, anxiety, and depression. A moderate level of physical activity throughout the day helps most people to sleep better.
Treatment of Menopause
It is important to remember that menopause itself is a normal part of life, not a condition or disease that requires treatment. However, treatment of some of the symptoms of menopause is possible if they become severe.
One of the most common menopausal treatments in the medical community is hormone therapy, also known as hormone replacement therapy (HRT). HRT, administered orally, consists of the female hormone estrogen, or a combination of estrogens and progesterone. This helps to maintain estrogen levels in the body and can control symptoms of menopause related to the decline of estrogen, such as hot flashes and vaginal dryness.
While an effective treatment method, HRT has been shown to have its risks. Long-term studies of women receiving hormone therapy with both estrogen and progesterone have shown an increased risk for heart attack, stroke, and breast cancer. Estrogen therapy alone has been associated with an increased risk of endometrial cancer.
Similar to HRT, there are also vaginal hormonal treatments available. Sometimes combined with oral estrogen treatments, local (vaginal) treatments include vaginal estrogen creams, tablets, and the vaginal estrogen ring. These treatments carry similar risks to those of oral estrogen treatments.
Oral contraceptive pills can be used as hormone therapy to treat women in the early stages of menopause who are experiencing irregular vaginal bleeding (“spotting” or “breakthrough bleeding”) by regulating menstrual periods. It can also aid in reducing hot flashes and night sweats. It is important to remember that while the pill is a very common prescription, it may not be right for all women, and carries it’s own host of risks. Some of the more serious risks include blood clots, stroke and heart attacks, which are increased if you smoke.
One of the most common menopausal treatments in the medical community is hormone therapy, also known as hormone replacement therapy (HRT). HRT, administered orally, consists of the female hormone estrogen, or a combination of estrogens and progesterone. This helps to maintain estrogen levels in the body and can control symptoms of menopause related to the decline of estrogen, such as hot flashes and vaginal dryness.
While an effective treatment method, HRT has been shown to have its risks. Long-term studies of women receiving hormone therapy with both estrogen and progesterone have shown an increased risk for heart attack, stroke, and breast cancer. Estrogen therapy alone has been associated with an increased risk of endometrial cancer.
Similar to HRT, there are also vaginal hormonal treatments available. Sometimes combined with oral estrogen treatments, local (vaginal) treatments include vaginal estrogen creams, tablets, and the vaginal estrogen ring. These treatments carry similar risks to those of oral estrogen treatments.
Oral contraceptive pills can be used as hormone therapy to treat women in the early stages of menopause who are experiencing irregular vaginal bleeding (“spotting” or “breakthrough bleeding”) by regulating menstrual periods. It can also aid in reducing hot flashes and night sweats. It is important to remember that while the pill is a very common prescription, it may not be right for all women, and carries it’s own host of risks. Some of the more serious risks include blood clots, stroke and heart attacks, which are increased if you smoke.
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