Do you also feel that after the age of 40, you have experienced various kinds of discomforts in your body, such as fatigue, insomnia, and frequent irritability? Perhaps the main reason for this is the change in the hormone levels in your body. So, you may have heard that some people are talking about a treatment method called 'Bioidentical Hormones' as a solution to this. But don't be afraid when you hear this name. Today, we will talk about this very simply, in a way that you can understand.
What are these Bioidentical Hormones?
Simply put, hormones are chemical messengers produced by glands in our bodies. Like a postman, these hormones tell each organ in the body "when and how to work." These hormones control many things, including our sleep, mood, and body energy.
Bioidentical hormones are hormones that are chemically very similar to the hormones our bodies produce, and are made in a laboratory. They are often made from plant sources (such as sweet potatoes and soy). This treatment is used to reduce the symptoms of hormone imbalance, especially in women who are nearing or going through menopause. The most commonly used hormones are estrogen, progesterone, and testosterone .
The important thing is that even though these are advertised as "natural" because they are made from plants, they are no longer completely natural because they are altered in a laboratory.
Are these hormone treatments really safe?
Here we need to be aware of two things. There are two main types of Bioidentical Hormones.
1. FDA-approved hormones: These are manufactured by large pharmaceutical companies, according to strict standards, and have been tested and approved for their safety and effectiveness.
2. Compounded hormones: These are specially mixed and prepared for you at a pharmacy, based on a prescription from your doctor.
The problem here is that these specially formulated hormones have not been tested and approved by the FDA, which is mentioned above. Therefore, there is no 100% guarantee about their purity, safety, and dosage accuracy. Although they are said to be safer and more natural than traditional hormone treatments, there has not been enough research to prove it yet.
| Hormone type | Important information |
|---|---|
| FDA-Approved Bioidentical Hormones | Manufactured by major pharmaceutical companies. Rigorously tested for safety and efficacy. Each dose is of the same standard. |
| Compounded Bioidentical Hormones | It is mixed and prepared in a pharmacy under a doctor's prescription. It is not approved by the FDA. There is insufficient data on safety, purity, and long-term effects. |
Why do people use these hormone treatments?
As we age, especially in women, our bodies' levels of hormones like estrogen and progesterone decline. Many people turn to hormone therapy to relieve the symptoms caused by this.
Common symptoms
- Hot flashes
- Excessive sweating at night (Night sweats)
- Vaginal dryness, pain during sex, or loss of interest
- Insomnia or sleep problems
- Decreased body energy and frequent fatigue
- Weight gain
- Frequent mood swings, getting angry easily
- Forgetfulness or mental confusion
If you have these symptoms, you can talk to your doctor to see if hormone replacement therapy is right for you.
Are there people who should not receive this treatment?
Yes, absolutely. Any hormone treatment is a decision that should be made after careful consideration of the risks and benefits, and after discussing it with a doctor. Hormone treatment may not be right for you, especially if you have or are at high risk for any of the following conditions:
- Blood clotting disorders
- Heart or cardiovascular disease
- Having a history of breast cancer
- Having a stroke
Therefore, never start any such treatment just because a friend recommends it or because you see an advertisement. Always talk to your doctor and get specific advice for yourself.
Let's also learn about treatment methods and side effects.
Bioidentical hormones are delivered to the body in a variety of ways. These include pills, patches, creams, gels, injections, and implanted pellets. Your doctor will decide which method is best for you.
When you start treatment, you may experience some side effects after the first dose. This is because it takes time for the body to adjust to the new hormone levels. Most of the time, these side effects go away within a few days.
| Common side effects | |
|---|---|
| • Weight gain | • Acne |
| • Blurred vision | • Facial hair growth |
| • Excessive fatigue | • Headache |
| • Breast pain | • Light vaginal bleeding (spotting) |
| • Stomach ache and bloating | • Mood swings |
Something important to remember!
If a government-approved drug has a side effect, pharmaceutical companies are required to notify the government. However, there is no such law for compounded hormones, which are specially made in pharmacies. Therefore, even doctors do not have a complete picture of their side effects. This is why some people mistakenly think that "compounded hormones are safe."
If you experience any side effects that you can't tolerate or that don't improve within a few days, tell your doctor right away. Your hormone dosage may need to be adjusted.
Take-Home Message
- Bioidentical hormones are synthetic hormones that are made exactly like the hormones in our bodies. Some of these are approved by the government, while the compounded types made in pharmacies are not.
- Although they are called "natural" because they are made from plants, because they are processed in a laboratory, they have not been proven to be any safer than traditional treatments. Unapproved types are especially risky.
- Before starting any hormone therapy, be sure to talk to your doctor about its benefits and all the risks.
- If you're experiencing menopause symptoms, there's no need to suffer through them. Your doctor can help you manage your symptoms safely, so don't be afraid to talk to them.
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