As women age, and approach menopause, our body’s natural hormone production from the ovaries dwindles, and thus ensues the dreaded menopausal symptoms.   These symptoms include, but are not limited to:  hot flashes, night sweats, insomnia, fatigue, mood swings, irritability, anxiety, depression, gastro-intestinal upset, decreased libido, vaginal dryness, weight gain, skin changes and cognitive or memory decline.  Many women unnecessarily struggle with these symptoms for years, which can negatively impact their overall quality of life.

The primary female hormones associated with menopausal symptoms are estrogens and progesterone.

Estrogens

Estrone (E1) is the most common estrogen produced post-menopausaly, though is 12 times weaker than the most commonly prescribed estradiol (E2).  Conventional hormone replacement often prescribes E2 by itself, which may increase one’s risk for adverse effects, namely cancer. Estriol (E3) is our weakest form of estrogen, with specific affinity to the vaginal tissue. Recent studies have demonstrated that E3 given in conjunction with E1 may decrease breast tissue proliferation, thus being cancer preventative.

Estrogens are known to decrease cardiovascular disease and atherosclerosis and reduce the risk of osteoporosis, or bone loss.

Progesterone

Progesterone works together with estrogen to alleviate menopausal symptoms.  It is considered a natural mood elevator, or antidepressant and has also been shown to help normalize blood sugar imbalances, thus alleviating cravings and potential weight gain.  More specifically, progesterone protects the uterus from too much proliferation from the estrogen, thus preventing uterine cancer.

Bio Identical Hormone Replacement Therapy (BHRT) uses hormones derived from natural, plant based sources and offers a safer option to synthetic hormones.  Bioidentical hormones are most frequently administered in a topical cream, and are tapered to each patient’s needs, allowing for maximal absorption with the least amount of adverse effects.

Bioidentical Hormone Replacement Therapy serves not only to alleviate menopausal symptoms, but may also decreases risk of osteoporosis, cardiovascular disease and some cancers.  BHRT has also been shown to increase HDL (the body’s ‘good’ cholesterol), promote overall longevity and can act as a very potent Anti-Aging agent!

Start feeling better. Sleep better. Eliminate hot flashes and mood swings. Increase your libido. Reclaim your body and your vitality! Contact Dr. Lambert to find out if Bioidentical Hormone Replacement Therapy is right for you.