Natural Hormone Replacement

What is meant by NATURAL?

The term NATURAL when describing NHRT refers to the molecule of the drug that is used in the preparation of these products. The Progesterone, Oestrogens and DHEA are all derived from either wild yam or soybeans. The drug is extracted and then converted into a bio-identical hormone. A bio-identical hormone is a hormone that is exactly the same structure as the hormone the body produces. This means that when it enters the body it acts exactly the same as the human derived hormone. Most prescription hormones that are ready made are derived from the hormones of mares, and therefore act similarly in our body but are not identical. This is why NHRT is viewed as a natural treatment as the hormones are exactly the same as our own.

Is Hormone Replacement for me?

Hormone levels begin to change in the years before menopause. Many women begin to get symptoms such as hot flushes, irregular periods, vaginal dryness and insomnia. These symptoms are primarily due to declining hormone levels.

At menopause, monthly periods stop completely and the ovaries stop producing and releasing eggs. They therefore, no longer produce estradiol and progesterone but continue to make DHEA and testosterone.

After menopause, there is very little progesterone and much less estrogen and testosterone than before menopause. This large decrease in hormone levels leads to the symptoms experienced during and after menopause.

Doctors can help you manage these symptoms by replacing the lost hormones that the body stops producing.

If you experience a number of the following symptoms, you may benefit from Natural Hormone replacement Therapy;

Headaches, painful intercourse, loss of sexual fantasy, dry eyes, hot flushes/night sweats, breast pain, fluid retention, insomnia, irritability, backache, dry skin, depression, mood swings, forgetfulness.

It is important to know that these symptoms may be experienced by any individual and does not conclude that you require hormone replacement. A doctor  will examine your need for NHRT via a saliva/blood test

PROGESTERONE

Progesterone is a hormone that is normally produced in both the male and the female. It protects the uterus from estrogen-induced endometrial hyperplasia as well as having benefiting bone formation. It has a role in many of the regulatory pathways in the body and therefore is an important hormone. Before, during and after menopause, the female body begins to slow down is production of progesterone. It is not uncommon for some women to have close to no progesterone in their body after menopause, therefore, in NHRT, the prescription is tailored to your personal need and compounded specifically for the patient with the correct doses of ingredients. Progesterone used in compounding is non-toxic and bio-identical to the progesterone produced in the body.

ESTROGEN

There are three forms of estrogen found in the human body. Estrone, estradiol and estriol, also known as E1, E2 and E3 respectively.   Estradiol (E2) is the main estrogen produced by the ovaries. Estradiol (E2) is converted to Estrone (E1) . After menopause, this weak estrogen is the most abundant in the body. Estriol (E3) is a breakdown product of estradiol and is most abundant during pregnancy. Estriol may have anti-cancer effects. After menopause estradiol levels drop and estrone levels become the more abundant.

These three hormones are usual compounded together in forms such as Triest (All 3 hormones), and Biest (Estriol and Estradiol)

Estrogen should not be taken if a woman has:

Vagina bleeding that cannot be explained

Liver disease

Cancer of breast or uterus

Pregnancy

History of blood clots of strokes (when taking hormones)

DHEA

DHEA- dehydroepiandrosterone

DHEA is a hormone that is made by both men and women by the adrenal glands. It is also made in small quantities in the brain, testes and ovaries. Being the most abundant hormone in the body, it can be converted into almost any other hormone, so is therefore an important hormone to be regulating.

After around 25 years old, DHEA levels slowly decline. If DHEA levels are low, it can be associated with degenerative diseases, causing weight gain or obesity, promoting bone loss, causing the person to be lethargic and sometimes leading to chronic depression.

TESTOSTERONE

In order to eliminate depression and restore their libido, many men and women also require testosterone to fully balance their hormones.

Indicators of low testosterone include:

Fatigue, loss of energy

Low or negative moods (depression)

Loss of motivation

Irritability, anger or bad temper

Anxiety

Reduced facial hair/body hair

Excessive sweating, day and night