| By :
Stephen Daniels
Over thirty years ago, Gail Sheely's landmark book "Passages" detailed the critical stages that adults pass through. Menopause is one of these stages, with its accompanying hot flashes, sleeplessness, bone-density loss and mood swings. Women seeking some relief from the frustrating symptoms of this mid-life transition should look into bio-identical hormones. Bio-identical hormones are just that; identical in molecular structure to those that the body produces naturally. Synthesized from a chemical extracted from yams and soy, they are a natural hormone replacement therapy (HRT). But the fact is, any medication made from an animal, vegetable or mineral can also be called "natural." Premara, the drug tracked for years in the Women's Health Initiative, was derived from the urine of pregnant mares and was considered natural, but not bio-identical. That study was abruptly terminated in 2002 due to concerns with elevated risks for breast cancer, heart disease, strokes and blood clots. These risks must still be taken into account when seeking relief from menopause symptoms, and most experts agree that therapy should be short term and conducted under close monitoring. Bio-identicals can be delivered in a variety of ways - pills, topical creams, patches, gels and lotions. Pills are absorbed in the liver initially, activating proteins associated with heart attacks and strokes. Topical applications travel directly into the blood stream, bypassing the liver and those possible accompanying side effects. Studies have shown good symptom relief with bio-identicals and have been FDA approved. This means they are available from large pharmaceutical companies with a prescription. However, just as "one size fits all" is seldom true with clothing off the rack, the standardized formulations and dosages of mass medicine don't always meet individual women's needs, either. A compounding pharmacy can put together a customized solution on a patient-by-patient basis. Dosages can be easily adjusted, and additives in commercial formulations that cause negative symptoms or reactions can be removed. Some of the side effects found in non-compounded HRT can still occur, such as breast tenderness or bleeding. That is why it is recommended that women work with a physician who is very familiar with this therapy, and with a specific compounding pharmacy. Responsible practitioners will also start with what is called a hormone panel, which will help guide precise dosing and balance between estrogen and progesterone. As therapy continues, dosage will be monitored and modified if needed. Your compounding pharmacy should also be accredited by the Pharmacy Compounding Accreditation Board and be happy to share their quality-control procedures with you. You can then feel confident with a personalized treatment that is best designed to help you deal with life's changes.
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