Bio-Identical Hormones
Hormone deficiencies currently affect over 55 million women and men in the U.S. With the average American age on the rise, more research is being done on the effects of aging, hormone decline, and hormone replacement therapy(HRT). Commonly referred to as Menopause and Andropause(the “Male Menopause”), the decline in hormone production that results in a hormone deficiency often brings with it unpleasant side-effects. HRT can address these symptoms and restore hormone levels.
Conventional HRT consists of using standard doses of commercially available synthetic hormones without considering each person’s individual hormonal profile. In recent years, research such as the Women’s Health Initiative study linked synthetic hormones to an increased risk of heart disease and breast cancer. In addition to this research, many doctors and patients have abandoned this “one-size-fits-all” approach for HRT based on individualized hormone profiles.
Hormone Deficiency Symptoms (Women & Men): fatigue, low libido, slow cognitive function, insomnia, depression, weight gain, muscle loss, migraines, and osteoporosis.
Women may also suffer from: hot flashes, night sweats, feminine discomfort and decreased interest in intimate relations.
An individualized approach to HRT, using bio-identical hormones(BHRT), pinpoints a person’s exact hormone levels, and what hormones are needed to balance their hormone deficiency. Studies show that BHRT in physiological doses (equivalent to what your body used to make) produce significantly fewer negative side effects than synthetic hormones.
The differences between synthetic and bio-identical hormones are in their chemical structures and functionality. Synthetic hormones are often produced from animals, are not identical to those made by the human body, and do not act in the body as human hormones do. Bio-identical hormones (derived from plants such as soy or yam), are both functionally and chemically identical to those produced by human reproductive organs and adrenal glands.
Dr. Waddell can also administer your hormones in pellet form which are inserted under the skin and last several months. Call for your consultation.
Resources:
FDA Statement on BHRT:
The FDA sent The Oprah Show this official statement: “The FDA does not recognize the terms ‘BHRT’ and ‘bioidentical.’ Many compounding pharmacies use ‘bioidentical’ as a marketing term to imply that drugs are natural or have effects identical to those from hormones made by the body. FDA is not aware of credible scientific evidence to support these claims. There are potentially serious adverse effects associated with long term use of these products—even when consumers use FDA-approved hormone therapy drugs that have been proven safe and effective. FDA recommends that women use these products at as low a dosage and for the shortest amount of time necessary.”