In 2017, the American College of Cardiology announced that Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT) increases lifespan and lowers the risk of atherosclerosis for women. A welcome recommendation, as an estrogen has long been known to support blood vessel health, bone density, and normal cholesterol levels. Low estrogen levels are directly linked to an increased risk for cardiovascular issues, osteoporosis, hot flashes, mood swings, sleep problems, and a host of other issues.
Estrogen is made in the ovaries and to a lesser extent in the adrenal glands. When the ovaries are not functioning properly, or naturally slow down with menopause, estrogen’s protective effects diminish. Results of a long-term study, regarding the relationship between estrogen and heart health in pre-menopausal women, showed that women with naturally higher levels of estrogen had the cardiovascular health equivalent of men who were 10 to 20 years younger. Once their estrogen levels dropped, during and after menopause, heart disease rates rose dramatically.
There are two categories of HRT: bio-identical and synthetic and the terms are not interchangeable. Synthetic HRT is derived from pregnant horse urine and is most often referred to as Premarin, Prempro or Provera, the latter two being combined with progesterone. Synthetic progesterone alone is most often called progestin. Synthetic estrogens products have been engineered for use in the human body, but also contain forms of estrogen the body cannot use. Interestingly, studies have never been conducted as to what effect, if any, these extra hormones have on our bodies. What we do know is that these equine hormones stay in the human body for up to 3 months. We simply do not have the capability of breaking them down and eliminating them as a waste product any sooner. In comparison, natural hormones are eliminated in 8-24 hours.
The process of creating synthetic hormones means a manufacturer can alter chemical properties to create a formula that can be patented, which means profit. Synthetic hormone products contain fillers, additives, and coatings that may cause side effects for some people. Potential side effects of synthetic estrogen may include any of the following: increased appetite, weight gain, acne, mood swings, headaches, nausea, vomiting, bloating, stomach cramps, breast pain, loss of scalp hair, freckles or darkening of facial skin, vaginal itching or discharge, low libido, fatigue, dizziness, as well as more serious side effects. In addition, the effectiveness of thyroid medication may be reduced, certain antifungals and erythromycin may increase synthetics side effects. According to drugs.com, Premarin should only be used for the shortest possible time to minimize the risk of side effects.
Long term use of synthetic estrogen, or a combination of estrogen and progesterone, has been linked to an increased risk for developing breast cancer. The Nurses Health Study, conducted from 1980 through 2008, showed women who took synthetic estrogen for at least ten years had a 22% increased risk for breast cancer. Taking estrogen for 15+ years increased the risk to 43%. A combination of estrogen and progesterone (Prempro and Provera) taken for 10 years increased breast cancer risk to 88%.
Bio-identical hormones are the exact same chemical structure that the body naturally produces. A typical prescription name is Prometrium, though many doctors who prescribe natural hormones use compounding pharmacies that blend custom formulas to meet each patient’s specific needs. Bioidentical-HRT is often derived from wild yam, soybeans, or peanut oil. Premade pharmaceutical products, like Prometrium, have been tested and approved by the FDA. Compounded formulas are not required to be tested by the FDA and they are not able to be patented, in other words- no profit. Which may explain the lack of pharmaceutical company interest.
There is often public and medical provider confusion regarding the difference between synthetic and bio-identical hormones. So much so, that the FDA groups them together as having the same side effects and precaution warnings. The trouble with this is, bio-identical hormones do not have the same chemical make-up or side effects as synthetics. They are identical to those produced by the human body and readily eliminated when not needed.
Make your appointment today to talk with one of our doctors about your health and whether bio-identical HRT would be beneficial for you.
