Is Your Hormone Replacement Therapy Working For You?

Hormone replacement therapy has been a much discussed topic over the last decade. Its supposed link to a number of different cancers has given rise to continued research and debate regarding its use and derivation.

The endocrine system is complex and quite delicate, and even before the onset of menopause, it can be easily upset and put out of balance. These hormonal imbalances may develop for a number of reasons; however, environmental chemicals in our air, water and food are partly responsible, as are heavy metals, herbicides and, certain plastics that mimic the effects of estrogen within the body.

Currently, estrogens are the most widely prescribed hormones, particularly for women, who are, or have, experienced menopause. Mainstream medicine has typically prescribed estrogen that has been extracted from horse urine, such as Premarin®. However, hormone expert Dr Jonathan Wright, author of the book Natural Hormone Replacement Therapy for Women over 45, describes the benefits of bio-identical estrogens. According to Dr. Wright, estrogen, in replacement form, should mimic nature as closely as possible, including the combinations of the 3 estrogens, Estriol, Estradiol and Estrone. Esnatri is a cream that successfully combines these three, at what Dr Wright considers safe levels.

Progesterone is a natural hormone associated with the reproductive cycle. It is secreted by the ovary following ovulation, is ingested through the birth control pill, and is present in menopausal hormone replacement therapy. It has also been used in treating PMS and infertility when women experience pregnancy loss.

While it is believed that progesterone supplements behave as natural progesterone does when in the blood stream, synthetic progesterone like chemicals, called progestogens, differ in so far as they bind to progesterone receptors and are chemically different from natural progesterone. Until recently, natural progesterone has not been able to be absorbed orally, however, it now appears that a process called micronization (forming tiny crystals of progesterone), enables absorption through the gastrointestinal tract.

Progesterone Natural is a natural supplement that can by used by menopausal women to defend against osteoporosis which is though to be linked to HRT. Estrogen and progesterone work in unison to help reduce the side effects commonly associated with HRT, the most significant benefit of progesterone supplementation being the prevention or at least the easing of osteoporosis.

For those women who do not wish to follow a traditional HRT plan, products are available that contain plant sources of estrogen therapy. For example, HRT PLUS is a new herbal, bio-identical complex of phytoestrogens and isoflavones created for women seeking a plant source alternative to bio-identical estrogen therapy. It contains ingredients intended to assist in the healthy production of natural estrogenic substances in the liver, substances which may be negatively affected by aging, environmental exposure and aging.

Whether you are currently on HRT therapy or considering taking it, there are options available, other than the traditional therapies currently offered by GPs. Ultimately, every woman’s body is different and will respond differently to the onset of menopause and treatments available.