Natural Hormones
Hormone
Replacement: Products and Therapies
Patient Information
Stafford Pharmacy & Home Healthcare
Lethbridge,
Alberta
Canada
http://www.staffordpharmacy.com
This document
contains:
Natural Hormones
A natural hormone is defined as a hormone that is IDENTICAL in chemical structure to the hormone produced by the human body – regardless of the source. It is said to be Bio-Identical.
What is the Source
of Natural Hormones?
Natural hormones are obtained from sterol analogues found in many varieties of plants, primarily soybean and wild yam. These estrogen and progesterone-like compounds are then transformed in the laboratory to the human bio-identical natural hormones.
What are the
Compounded Natural Hormones?
At this time in Canada, the hormones being used in compounded formulations include:
Estriol
Estradiol
Estrone
Progesterone
Testosterone
What is
Tri-estrogen?
The term “tri-estrogen” has been coined to described a formulation that is being compounded by pharmacists specializing in the compounding of natural hormone replacement products. It is a formulation that reflects the forms of estrogen found in nature, in this case the female human physiology, in the same ratio, an 80:10:10 mixture. The total amount of estrogen can vary, but the relative ratio of each must be respected when formulating greater concentrations of the transdermal gel or oral capsule.
Tri-estrogen = Estriol 80% + Estrone 10% + Estradiol 10%
Do Natural Hormones
Require a Prescription?
Yes – a licensed physician must order them.
Conversion from PremarinÒ:
A.
Conjugated
estrogens 0.3mg = tri-est 1.25mg
B.
Conjugated
estrogens 0.625mg = tri-est 2.5mg
C.
Conjugated
estrogens 1.25mg = tri-est 5mg
(this is just a starting point for the physician, as each individual
must be assessed as to their estrogen requirement)
Frequently Asked Questions about Estrogen
What is Estrogen?
Estrogen is not one hormone, but a group of similar hormones of varying degrees of activity, all made by the ovary. The three most important hormones of this estrogen group are estrone (E1), estradiol (E2), and estriol (E3).
What Does Estrogen Do?
Estrogen is the female hormone produced by the ovaries that is responsible for ovulation. Estrogen is secreted by the ovaries throughout a woman’s reproductive years. Special estrogen receptors are located in the breasts, lining of the uterus, cervix, brain, bones and in the vagina.
What is Menopause?
Strictly speaking, menopause means the end of your menstrual cycle. But more commonly it refers to the 5 to 10 years when the ovaries gradually stop producing eggs, and there is a progressive decline in hormone production, most notably, estrogen.
What Does Estrogen Hormone Replacement Do?
With the onset
of menopause (peri-menopause), the ovaries produce less and less estrogen. During this time, many women experience hot
flashes, night sweats, vaginal dryness, urinary tract infections and emotional
changes such as depression and irritability.
Estrogen replacement therapy can help relieve these symptoms, as well
as, lower the risk of cardiovascular disease and osteoporosis.
What is Triple Estrogen (Tri-Est)?
Estrogen is not a single hormone. Technically, it is more accurate to speak of “estrogens”. In adult human women, three different natural hormones predominate: Estrone, Estradiol, and Estriol. Triestrogen is a hormone replacement that contains 10% estrone, 10% estradiol, and 80% estriol. Under normal circumstances, hormone levels vary according to the stage of the menstrual cycle, but the amount of each hormone usually fluctuates within the proportions of the triest formulation.
Does Tri-estrogen Therapy Require a Prescription?
Yes it does. You will need to consult your doctor regarding estrogen replacement therapy (ERT).
Frequently Asked
Questions About Progesterone
What Is progesterone?
Progesterone is one of the two main hormones produced by the ovaries. More specifically, it is produced by the corpus luteum just after ovulation.
What Does Progesterone Do?
Progesterone is responsible for preparing and maintaining the lining of the uterus in preparation for the fertilized egg. Progesterone secreted from the ovary is necessary for the survival of the ovum and the resulting embryo until the placenta takes over this production. The decline in progesterone each month triggers the menstrual cycle. Progesterone and Estrogen are closely interrelated and their actions in the body are in a delicate balance.
What Is The Difference Between “Natural” Progesterone and Other
Progestins?
Progesterone is the natural hormone produced by the ovaries. Progestin refers to the group of synthetic hormones (like medroxyprogesterone or Provera) that have actions similar, but not identical to that of progesterone. Synthetic progestins are made from natural progesterone.
What Exactly Is Natural Micronized Progesterone?
Natural micronized progesterone is obtained from wild yams or soybeans as a precursor substance called diosgenin. This precursor is then converted in the laboratory to progesterone. It is exactly the same as the progesterone produced by the ovaries. It is bio-identical. The term “micronized” refers to the small particle s
Who Should Take Progesterone?
Any woman taking estrogen replacement therapy who still has a uterus should take progesterone. Progesterone opposes the stimulatory activity of estrogen on the endometrial lining and protects against uterine and cervical cancer. There is a growing feeling among some physicians that all women taking estrogen hormone therapy should be taking progesterone.
Does Progesterone Require A Prescription?
Yes it does. Progesterone requires a prescription and you need to consult your physician.
Frequently Asked
Questions About Testosterone
What Is Testosterone?
Testosterone is a hormone produced by both men and women. It is not just a male sex hormone. In men, testosterone is primarily produced in the testes and to a lesser extent in the adrenal glands. In women, testosterone is produced in the ovaries, adrenals and to a lesser extent in the skin, brain and liver.
What Does Testosterone Do?
Testosterone behaves differently in the bodies of men and women, but it plays a very important role in the overall health and well being of both sexes. In men, testosterone builds muscle, enhances sex drive, elevates mood, prevents osteoporosis and increases energy. In women, testosterone enhances the sex drive, helps relieve menopausal symptoms, restores energy, strengthens bone, elevates mood and increases the sensitivity to sexual pleasure in the nipples and the genitals.
What Are The Benefits And
Risks of Taking Testosterone?
Testosterone can improve the energy and strength in both men and women. It has a “tonic” affect on the body. Reports indicate that adequate levels of testosterone can help prevent heart disease, stroke and vascular disorders such as diabetic blindness. Testosterone supplements in men and women can increase the risk of liver toxicity, especially if taken orally. This is because the oral drug goes directly to the liver. It is better to take testosterone transdermally – by patch, gel or injection for men and by gel or vaginal ointment for women. Men have the added risk of prostate cancer. In women, side effects such as oily skin, acne, irritability, behavioural changes and increased facial hair are dose related. When dosed correctly these problems rarely occur.
What Is The Difference Between
Testosterone And Methyltestosterone?
Testosterone is the active form of the hormone and is the form that binds to receptors in the body and causes the desired affects. However, testosterone may increase the levels of estrogen in some men and women, which is not always desirable. The “methyl” form of testosterone is less likely to be converted to estrogen and is better absorbed orally. However, your physician will need to monitor your liver function more closely since the methyl-form can have some negative effects on liver function. The same is not true of testosterone.
Does Testosterone Require A
Prescription?
Yes. It must be ordered by a licensed physician and in some provinces of Canada, such as Alberta, oral and injectable forms of testosterone require a triplicate prescription.
Is There A Commercial Form
Of Testosterone For Women?
No. Only methyltestosterone in an oral form is available commercially. Your doctor can order compounded forms of Natural Testosterone.
Do You Know The Symptoms Of Menopause?
The Success Of Your
Menopause Therapy Depends On What You Tell Your Doctor!
q
Irritability
q
Lethargy/Fatigue
q
Depression
q
Headaches
q
Hot Flashes
q
Night Sweats
q
Forgetfulness
q
Weight Gain
q
Insomnia
q
Joint Pain/Backache
q
Palpitations
q
Crying Spells
q
Loss of Bladder Control
q
Burning or Pain Upon Urination
q
Vaginal Dryness
q
Decreased Sexual Desire
q
Decreased Sexual Activity
q
Loss or Thinning of Hair
This list is not all-inclusive
and many women may experience additional symptoms which will be specific to
them only.
Definition:
Osteoporosis is
defined as a systemic skeletal disease characterized by low bone mass and micro
architectural deterioration of bone tissue, with a consequent increase in bone
frailty and susceptibility to fracture.
Impact of Osteoporosis:
·
Affects
approximately 25 million Americans, predominantly women.
·
1.3
million osteoporotic fractures annually.
·
As
many as 40% of 50 year old women will experience an osteoporotic fracture
during their remaining lifetimes.
·
Hip
fractures lead to incapacitation in more than 50% of patients, and up to 20%
will die within 1 year from complications.
·
Lifetime
risk of death due to hip fracture is comparable to breast cancer.
Risk Factors:
·
Women
more at risk than men
·
Age
– risk increases as we get older (over 65)
·
Small
frame size
·
Early
menopause (normal or surgical)
·
Women
who do not take estrogens
·
Diets
that do not include enough Calcium and Vitamin D
·
Excess
caffeine intake – due to increased urinary excretion of calcium
·
Excess
alcohol intake – increases risk of falls and hepatic disease
·
Decreased
physical activity
·
Smoking
·
Heredity
and Race – Caucasians and Asians at greater risk
·
Medications
– corticosteroids used for arthritis or asthma increase your risk, excess thyroid
hormone (Graves disease), anticonvulsants and excess aluminum antacids increase
risk
Diagnosis:
Clinical
observations such as Kyphosis (rounding of the shoulders), height loss, and
wedge deformity on X-ray or a fracture – all of these are after the fact. Early detection is through bone mineral
density testing. The most reliable
method is Dual Energy X-Ray Absorptiometry (DEXA).
Treatment:
Your medical
doctor will decide the most appropriate treatment for you if you are diagnosed
with osteoporosis or osteopenia.
Osteopenia is a condition that precedes osteoporosis and is a condition
of low bone mass, but not yet as severe.
Your treatment can include:
·
Lifestyle
changes such as change in diet, exercise, smoking cessation and reduced alcohol
consumption
·
Medications
such as estrogen or progesterone
·
Nutritional
supplements such as Calcium, Vitamin D and other essential elements
Recommended Readings
Natural
Hormone Replacement
Shows
how natural hormone replacement offers a safe and effective alternative for the
treatment of Menopause and PMS.
(Jonathan W. Wright, M.D.)
Women’s
Bodies, Women’s Wisdom
New vision of women’s health and wellness. Empowers a woman to take control of their physical and emotional
health. (Christiane Northrup, M.D.)
What Your Doctor May Not
Tell You about Menopause
Important information on PMS and Menopause and other women’s health
issues.
(John R. Lee, M.D.)
What Your Doctor May Not
Tell You about Premenopause
Offers simple safe solutions to women who may be suffering from symptoms
of premenopause. (John R. Lee, M.D.
& Jesse Hanley, M.D.)
Take Charge of Your Body
Empowers a woman to take charge of their health. Use your doctor as a resource rather than
the final authority. (Carolyn DeMarco,
M.D.)
The Hormone of Desire: The
Truth about Testosterone
The truth about sexuality, menopause and testosterone. The first book to reveal the benefits of
testosterone to women. (Susan Rako,
M.D.)
How to Prevent Breast
Cancer
A lifestyle guide for the prevention of breast cancer and its recurrence
with an investigation of the critical risk factors (Ross Pelton, R.Ph., Ph.D., C.C.N.)
Preventing and Reversing
Osteoporosis
Overview of osteoporosis. What
you eat affects your bones. Natural
remedies that can be of value. (Alan Gaby, M.D.)
Natural Woman, Natural
Menopause
Features the benefits of bio-identical, plant-derived hormones-the
proven safe alternative to PremarinÒ and ProveraÒ. (Marcus Laux,
N.D. and Christine Conrad)
The above referenced books are considered a must
read for all women that want to take charge of their own health. Achieving optimal health begins with
education.