Bioidentical hormone therapy - information and specialists

Bioidentical hormone therapy balances the body's hormonal imbalance with hormones. The bioidentical hormones derived from plants are particularly suitable for women going through the menopause. They correspond to the body's own hormones as they have the same structure. Compared to synthetic hormones, bioidentical hormones have fewer side effects.

Below you will find further information and specialists for bioidentical hormone therapy.


Article overview

Bioidentical hormone therapy - Further information

The use of bioidentical hormone therapy

Bioidentical hormone therapy has several areas of application. It is most commonly used for menopausal symptoms. During the menopause, a woman's body undergoes major changes. The ovaries stop producing progesterone and oestrogen. These changes lead to symptoms such as

  • Hot flushes
  • sleep disorders
  • mood swings
Hitzewallungen in der MenopauseUp to 85 percent of all menopausal women suffer from hot flushes @ fizkes /AdobeStock

    The history of hormone replacement therapy

    Hormone replacement therapy has been around since the 1960s. The treatment goes back to the American doctor John R. Lee. At the beginning of the menopause, the balance of oestrogen and progesterone changes. The progesterone level drops more quickly.

    How do bioidentical hormones work?

    Hormones are bioidentical if they have the same structure as those of the human body. Bioidentical hormones fit seamlessly into the hormonal cycle. They can therefore balance the hormonal balance in the event of menopausal symptoms.

    The production of bioidentical hormones

    Plants are the starting material for bioidentical hormones. However, the hormones cannot be obtained entirely from nature. In order to produce bioidentical hormones, experts must first extract a raw material from plants (soy, Mexican yam). They then convert this raw material into the corresponding hormones in the laboratory.

    The treatment process

    Treatment with bioidentical hormones can be carried out in various ways.

    1. Oral: If you take the hormones orally, they are quickly absorbed by the liver. The liverlargely breaks down the hormones again. This process is called the first-pass effect. This is why the individual doses are relatively high with this form of therapy.
    2. Rectal or vaginal: In this case, the hormone is administered via the skin (cream or gel) or via the mucous membrane (rectal or vaginal suppositories). With this method of application, the dose is lower than with oral administration.

    The effect of oestrogen on the body

    Oestrogen inhibits bone resorption and is involved in building up the lining of the uterus.

    A lack of oestrogen leads to

    Progesterone is also known as the "feel-good hormone". It has a calming effect and ensures healthy sleep. Today it is assumed that around 90 percent of menopausal symptoms are due to a progesterone deficiency.

    A progesterone deficiency can manifest itself in the following ways:

    Schlaflosigkeit bei ÖstrogenmangelIn menopausal women, reduced estrogen levels affect the quality of sleep @ dark_blade /AdobeStock

      Bioidentical hormone therapy for PCO syndrome

      PCO syndrome is a hormonal disorder in which a woman produces too many male hormones (androgens). PCO stands for polycystic ovaries. Around four to ten percent of all women of childbearing age suffer from PCO syndrome.

      If the syndrome remains untreated, the following complications occur:

      • Cardiovascular diseases,
      • psychological disorders and
      • infertility

      Today, bioidentical hormones are used in the treatment of PCO syndrome. The hormones are low-dose and individually tailored to the patient.

      What do patients need to watch out for after treatment?

      Bioidentical hormone therapy is not a short-term treatment. If the patient and doctor agree on such therapy, the desired improvement occurs after a few days.

      Hormone therapy usually lasts two to five years. The doctor reduces the prescribed dose over a longer period of time. It is not advisable to stop the therapy abruptly.

      What are common treatment risks?

      Most women tolerate treatment with bioidentical hormones very well. Bleeding similar to menstruation may occur.

      Some women find this bleeding bothersome and discontinue hormone therapy. Studies have shown that bioidentical hormone therapy cannot prevent age-related diseases.

      It also increases the likelihood of the following diseases:

      Because of these risks, you need to think carefully about hormone therapy. Whether a woman decides for or against bioidentical hormone therapy is an extremely personal matter.

      The doctor can dose the hormones so low that both discomfort and the risk of side effects are minimized.

      Conclusion

      Bioidentical hormones correspond in their structure to the body's own hormones and fit into the hormonal cycle. They are primarily used to treat symptoms during the menopause. However, they are also helpful for other complaints.

      Women can take bioidentical hormones orally, as a cream, gel or through the skin. When taken orally, the dose is higher as the liver breaks down a large proportion of the hormones immediately.

      Bioidentical hormones are better tolerated than synthetichormones. However, you should be aware of the side effects.

      References

      https://www.gesundheitsinformation.de/hormontherapie-gegen-wechseljahrsbeschwerden.html
      https://www.krebsinformationsdienst.de/vorbeugung/risiken/krebsrisiko-hormonersatztherapie-in-den-wechseljahren.php
      https://www.apotheken.de/krankheiten/4760-wechseljahresbeschwerden
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